One of the most characteristic features of the Galician coastline, which has adorned it for centuries, is its lighthouses. These towers of light, erected on cliffs, islands, or capes, have guided sailors, fishermen, and explorers through often treacherous waters.
Lighthouses are guardians, and each one has its own history, architecture, and legend. At Carrís Hotels, we invite you to discover some of the most emblematic lighthouses near our destinations, so that their light may also accompany your journey.
Tower of Hercules: the eternal watchtower of A Coruña
In A Coruña, the Tower of Hercules stands as the oldest functioning Roman lighthouse in the world. It was built in the 1st century, renovated in the 18th century, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2009. To reach the top, you must climb 234 steps, but it is worth it: from the top, you can see a breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlantic.
This monument is an emblem of the city and has been there to witness its birth, growth, and evolution. It is undoubtedly one of the essential stops on your trip.
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Cabo Vilán Lighthouse: the light that conquered darkness
About a two-hour drive from A Coruña, the Cabo Vilán Lighthouse is located on the rugged Costa da Morte. It was the first in Spain to use electric light in 1896, marking a milestone in maritime safety. This is hardly surprising, given that it is located on one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in the area.
Its 25-meter tower rises above a 125-meter cliff and offers a breathtaking view of the open sea. Its location was declared of National Interest in 1933 and today it is a natural monument.
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Punta Nariga Lighthouse: contemporary architecture facing the ocean
Also on the Costa da Morte, but with a very different design, is the Punta Nariga Lighthouse in Malpica de Bergantiños. Designed by architect César Portela, it was inaugurated in 1997 and is considered the most modern lighthouse in Galicia.
Its structure, reminiscent of a ship’s bow, blends harmoniously with the granite rocks of the cape. It used to be accompanied by the sculpture ‘Atlante’, a work by Manuel Coia representing a being that was half human, half seagull. However, it was stolen in 2022.
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Cabo Silleiro Lighthouse: sentinel of the Vigo estuary
At the southern entrance to the Vigo estuary, the Cabo Silleiro Lighthouse has been guiding ships entering and leaving these waters since 1924. Originally, it was located at sea level, but it was moved to a building at a higher altitude. Today, it is one of the main landmarks for ships in this estuary.
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Felgueiras Lighthouse: the poetry of Porto
In Portugal, the Felgueiras Lighthouse stands at the mouth of the Douro River, where the waves of the Atlantic crash against the stone breakwater. Built in 1886, this lighthouse is one of Porto’s most romantic icons. During winter storms, the images of its tower withstanding the onslaught of the waves are as awe-inspiring as they are inspiring.
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Beyond the light: experiences for travelers
All the lighthouses we have mentioned have architecture or history that is worth discovering. But they also offer the perfect excuse to explore coastal paths, feel the immensity of the ocean, and connect with an ancient seafaring tradition that is still alive today. Many of these enclaves have marked trails, viewpoints, and sometimes even interpretation centers.
At Carrís Hoteles, we believe that the best way to discover the Atlantic lighthouses is to integrate them into an itinerary that combines culture, gastronomy, and relaxation. From our accommodations in A Coruña, Ourense, Santiago de Compostela, and Porto, it is possible to plan personalized excursions that allow you to enjoy these guardians of the coast with the comfort and attention that characterize us.
