It is not easy to get anywhere near the Torre de Portopí. In fact an approach from the waterfront by boat might be the best way to see the 13th century defense tower, since 1617 a lighthouse, from a close range. The reason for the near impossible access lies in the fact, that the lighthouse is situated in a zone destined for military purposes, whatever that might imply, and is subject to the powers of the Autoritat Portuària de Balears, ultimately a section of the Ministerio del Interior in Madrid and the Spanish government.

The lighthouse now also offers a function as a museum. Entry admission is a bit complicated but will be granted to the polite, the patient and the persistent. First you have to obtain a permit for a museum visit from the person in charge of the lighthouse, Señor Bonet (telephone 971.715.100). After that, a permit to enter the compound has to be requested from the Autoridad Portuaria de Palma (telephone 971.715.103). Access, once granted, is from the Dic de l’Oest.

The photo was chosen from my archive. It was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: June 28th, 2004. The time was 11:36:44.