The Board of Directors of the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB), in an ordinary session on 18 March, agreed to launch a public tender for the management of two tourism establishments at the lighthouses of Formentor (Mallorca) and Artrutx (Menorca). In both cases, the most advantageous bid will be selected and the corresponding authorisation will be granted for the operation of a bar-cafeteria-restaurant service.

Both lighthouses have been offering this service to the public for years through different authorisations. The cafeteria at the Formentor lighthouse has been open since 2006 and has been a compulsory stop for residents and tourists for decades. The restaurant at the Artrutx lighthouse opened its doors in 2009. Recognised for being located in areas with very picturesque landscapes, these two lighthouses are the only ones in the Balearic Islands that have a service of this kind, although the APB is about to grant the operation of a new cafeteria at the lighthouse of La Mola in Formentera.

Three years of authorisation

In the case of the Formentor lighthouse, authorisation will be granted for temporary occupation of several premises (rooms in the lighthouse building, annexes, garage, place where the transformer was located and a warehouse under the viewpoint) with a total surface area of 636.5 m2, for the use of a public port area for hotel and catering purposes.

The annual amount of the occupation fee to be improved by the bidder amounts to 32,153.06 Euro excluding VAT. The maximum duration of the authorisation will be three years from the date it is granted.

On the other hand, with regard to the Artrutx lighthouse, the specifications contemplate the occupation of rooms in the lighthouse building, the substitute's house, the warehouse, annexes, and an uncovered area adjacent to the lighthouse for use as a terrace.

The annual amount of the occupation fee to be improved by the bidder is 11,280.39 Euro excluding VAT. The maximum duration of the authorisation will be three years, starting from the date it is granted.