Faro de Cabo de Palos: interior visits and history

More than 300 steps above the cape since 1865

El Faro de Cabo de Palos is the tower crowning the Cabo de Palos headland, on Pasaje del Faro at the edge of the village, in the municipality of Cartagena. Operating since 1865, its tower is around 51 metres tall. The height of the cape puts its light around 81 metres above the sea, making it one of the highest lighthouses in España.

History

In 1554, construction of a watchtower, Torre de San Antonio, was ordered here to defend the coast from Barbary pirate attacks. In the nineteenth century the tower was demolished and its stone used to build the lighthouse, completed in 1864. It entered service on 31 January 1865.

Visiting the interior

Since January 2019, the lighthouse interior has been open for guided tours only, booked in advance, in groups of around ten. Many visitors say they arrived without a ticket and could not enter, so book ahead. The climb has more than 300 steps, so children under 12 and people with reduced mobility cannot go up.

The grounds and views

Even without going inside, it is worth climbing to the open area around the lighthouse. From there you can see Mediterráneo, the cliffs, the coves around the cape and the outline of La Manga, with sunset the most popular time. The grounds open Monday to Friday from morning to afternoon, and Saturday and Sunday mornings only.

Getting here

There is parking at the bottom, and from there you walk up the access road or steps. You can also walk from the harbour along the seafront. To round off the day, take a look at places to visit in La Manga and Cabo de Palos.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit inside the Cabo de Palos lighthouse?

Yes, since January 2019, but only on a guided tour booked ahead, in groups of around ten.

Can children climb the lighthouse?

No. The climb has more than 300 steps and is not permitted for children under 12 or people with reduced mobility.

What are the opening hours of the Cabo de Palos lighthouse?

It opens Monday to Friday from morning to afternoon, and Saturday and Sunday mornings only.

Where can you park to visit the lighthouse?

In the car park at the bottom; from there, walk up the road or steps.

How old is the lighthouse?

It began operating on 31 January 1865, on the site of a sixteenth-century watchtower.

Faro de Cabo de Palos

More than 300 steps above the cape since 1865

History

Visiting the interior

The grounds and views

Getting here

What's on offer

Services

Frequently asked questions

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