Seven charming lighthouses that are well worth a getaway
These unique buildings, battered by the sea and the wind, have become major tourist attractions.
For thousands of years they have been sailor’s primary protectors, lighting up the dark nights to guide ships and prevent tragic shipwrecks. Surrounded by a romantic aura and located in spectacular natural settings, lighthouses exert a powerful attraction on most of us.
There are plenty of them dotting the Spanish coast; some of them are still active, and they are usually great vantage points from which to approach and enjoy the surrounding landscape. The best thing is that, in recent years, many of them have been opened to the public and house small thematic museums, restaurants or even rooms where you can spend an unforgettable night. We have selected some of the most attractive ones for you.
Seven lighthouses to visit around Spain
Cabo de Palos lighthouse (Murcia)
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A total of 269 steps lead to the top of the lighthouse at the Cabo de Palos, in the Murcian city of Cartagena; it is the second highest in the country, second only to the lighthouse in Chipiona. This impressive building, located on a rocky outcropping, was a training center for lighthouse keepers for 40 years, where candidates learning this profession were trained, and has witnessed dramatic shipwrecks throughout its long history. After 155 years closed to the public, since 2019 visitors can enjoy its views over the Mediterranean and the fishing village.
Ajo Lighthouse (Cantabria)
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Located on the cape of Ajo, the northernmost point of Cantabria, this lighthouse offers impressive views of the estuary and the bay of Santander and, as a backdrop, the mountains of Cantabria. Its popularity as a tourist attraction skyrocketed four years ago, when Cantabrian artist Okuda San Miguel created mural paintings on its walls based on the region's diverse fauna, bringing it all to life with a very instagrammable burst of hundreds of colours.
Finisterre (Galicia)
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This was believed by the Romans to be the place where the known world ended, earning it the name Finisterre (‘finis Terrae’ – the end of the Earth). This Galician lighthouse, located on the perilous Costa da Morte, has witnessed countless shipwrecks. Built in 1853 to warn ships of the dangers of this coast, it is still active today. The old building from which signals were sent by the Navy, located a few metres from the lighthouse, is now a hostel where one can stay overnight. For those who just want to indulge in a gastronomic treat, the lighthouse itself offers a restaurant.
Cap de Barbaria lighthouse (Formentera)
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The tiny island of Formentera offers no less than three lighthouses. One is located on the Cap de Barbaria, the southwestern tip of the island, and attracts the largest number of visitors. It owes its fame, in part, to the iconic scenes from the film Lucía y el sexo (Lucia and Sex), which was a big hit for director Julio Medem. This lighthouse, facing the African coast, can only be reached on foot after a two-kilometre walk across a mesmerizing landscape dominated by arid, inhospitable vegetation.
Tower of Hercules (Galicia)
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After defeating the giant Geryon in an epic battle that lasted three days, the mighty Hercules cut off his rival's head and buried it by the seashore, building a tower-lighthouse on top of it to commemorate his victory. That, at least, is the legend regarding the origin of the Hercules lighthouse in the city of La Coruña, the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb up its steep steps is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city and the Atlantic, almost always buffeted by the wind.
Punta Cumplida Lighthouse (La Palma)
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It's hard to find a more romantic place where you can book a room and feel the powerful presence of the ocean; the Punta Cumplida lighthouse, which has been nestled on the small island of La Palma for over 150 years, is home to three spacious suites and the most stunning infinity pool you can imagine. Incredible views from a 36-metre-high platform, yoga facilities, a library and a charming, relaxing garden make a stay at this lighthouse an unforgettable experience.
Cap de Creus lighthouse (Gerona)
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Since 1853, the boats that plied the dangerous coast off the Cap de Creus - relentlessly buffeted by the north and east winds - have been guided by the Cap de Creus lighthouse. Located in the natural park of the same name, one of the wildest and most attractive natural settings on the Catalan coast, it houses a restaurant and an information office. Those who want to live a truly unique experience, totally isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world, can stay in one of the three rustic and cosy flats located above the restaurant.
