Torre de sa Punta de la Gavina, Coastal watchtower in Porto-salè, Formentera, Spain
Torre de sa Punta de la Gavina is a circular stone watchtower on Formentera's southern coast built with two distinct levels connected by internal passages. The ground floor serves as storage, while the upper chamber has thick walls, a hemispherical vault overhead, and a single entrance opening toward the sea.
This tower was built in 1763 and belongs to a network of coastal defenses constructed across the Balearic Islands from the 1500s through the 1700s. It was positioned here to watch for pirates and foreign ships attempting to raid settlements and fishing grounds.
The tower sits in a fishing village where locals have gathered for generations to mend nets and prepare boats. Today, its austere stone walls reflect the practical, hardworking life of coastal communities protecting their livelihoods.
The tower sits on open ground next to a small fishing settlement and is reached easily on foot via simple coastal paths. Visit in early morning or late afternoon when sunlight is less intense and the area feels quieter, making it easier to explore around the structure.
The original limestone and sandstone blocks show clear differences between original construction and later repairs done over the centuries. By examining the stone layers, visitors can see exactly where maintenance and restoration took place throughout the tower's lifetime.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
