A guide to the lighthouses that shine out over the Spanish coast.
Spain has more than 8,000 kilometres of coastline, with numerous lighthouses. Watchers of the sea but rise up in front of incredible landscapes, illuminating the darkest of nights among the cliffs. Get ready to discover the most beautiful lighthouses on our coasts, where the sea stretches out to infinity and the sunsets are made for dreaming.
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Finisterre lighthouse, A Coruña
This is the most westerly lighthouse in Europe, located at the point that was once thought to be the end of the world, Cape Finisterre, and is one of the lighthouses that receives most visitors. It's also the end of the journey for many pilgrims who after finishing the Way of St James decide to go on just that little bit further to end the journey with the spectacular views that surround this lighthouse.
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Tower of Hercules, A Coruña
This could well be the most important lighthouse in the whole of Spain as it dates from the 1st century and is currently the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world, as well as the only Roman lighthouse still fulfilling its original task. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2009. An absolute gem that you really shouldn't miss.
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Chipiona lighthouse, Cádiz
At 72 metres, this is the highest lighthouse in Spain, and unsurprisingly it's one of the most famous monuments in the region. It's also the third highest in Europe, and the fifth highest in the world. The views from the top are spectacular and you can climb up the rather daunting 344 steps in order to enjoy them - it's well worth the effort.
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Punta Orchilla lighthouse, El Hierro
There are several things that make the location of this lighthouse a very special one. Firstly, until the discovery of America this location was considered to be the end of the world for many years. Secondly, is the most westerly point in Spain, and finally it was here that Claudius Ptolemy placed the prime meridian, the point of origin for world cartography.
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Cabo de Gata lighthouse, Almería
Set in a privileged location at the heart of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, this 18 metre high lighthouse was built because of the many ships that were wrecked on the Laja de Cabo reef. Furthermore, from here you can see the famous Sirens’ Reef where in ancient times the monk seals that sailors mistook for mythological creatures used to live.
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Cap de Creus lighthouse, Girona
Here we are off to the most easterly point in Spain, to a place where the mountains sink into the sea in the Cap de Creus Natural Park. This is the second oldest lighthouse in Catalonia - its 11 metres high, and today houses a tourist office.
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Santa Ana’s castle lighthouse, Castro Urdiales
Without doubt this is one of the prettiest lighthouses in Spain as it is located in one of the towers of the 12th century fortress of Santa Ana, the castle, which means that this lighthouse rises almost 50 metres above sea level. The proximity of the two buildings makes it one of the most frequently visited lighthouses in all of Spain.
In Spain you can look out over infinite sea from some of its many lighthouses, some have a history behind them, others are in incredible locations, but what they all have in common are magnificent views. Come and discover them!
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