The first lighthouse that you see as you arrive in the Portmany Bay is sa Conillera which, even today, continues to flash its intermittent beam. It was first designed by Emili Pou in 1855 and shortly after, a team of workers were installed on the island. The materials needed for its construction were disembarked on the shore at sa Salvadora which is the outlet for a stream of the same name.
To raise the tower, it was necessary to carve out a path to sa Punta des Cavall the highest point in the island’s northern end, which is 69 metres above sea level. A circular tower, 16 metres high, was built along with a rather unsuitable building, also with a round base, constructed for the lighthouse keepers’ homes. The work was completed in 1857 although it quickly became clear that the infrastructure was insufficient to meet the needs of its operators.
In 1908, half a century later, it was extended, and two annexes were built substantially improving the living conditions of the three lighthouse keepers and their families. The children lived at home with them receiving their lessons from the operators as they were unable to attend school. Their only visitors were the sailors from Sant Antoni who provided them with logistical support and brought them food and supplies twice weekly. They also were on hand to rescue them if the lighthouse keepers raised the alarm, using mirrors or lighting bonfires at night to signal to the mainland.
The lighthouse was deserted in 1971 as from then on it was operated automatically. Its beam can reach a distance of 18 nautical miles, flashing white every 20 seconds. It can only be seen from the sea, as sa Conillera is part of the Illots de Ponent Nature Reserve and it is not possible to disembark on the island.
