Estacio bridge and lighthouse, La Manga: the lifting bridge

The opening bridge and striped lighthouse on the Estacio canal

El Faro del Estacio and the lifting bridge beside it stand at km 14,2 of Gran Vía in La Manga, within the municipality of San Javier. They mark the Estacio canal, the navigable passage linking Mar Menor and Mediterráneo. The black and white striped tower is the most recognisable landmark in northern La Manga.

A lifting bridge in the middle of the island

Many people come here looking for the Estacio bridge, or simply the bridge in La Manga. It is a lifting bridge about 60 metres long, with two traffic lanes and two bascule sections. It rises periodically to let yachts and boats through the canal between the two seas, while traffic on Gran Vía waits on either side. Watching the decks rise and the masts pass through is one of the northern area's little spectacles. The best place to watch is the Estacio viewpoint, right beside the bridge.

From watchtower to the lighthouse of 1976

A watchtower stood here from the 16th century, one of around thirty that defended the Murcian coast against pirate attacks. It was demolished to make way for the first lighthouse, about 14 metres tall, which was first lit in 1862. The current one was built in 1976: a cylindrical concrete tower about 29 metres high, with its light about 32 metres above sea level. It remains a navigational landmark along this stretch of coast. You can view the lighthouse from outside, but cannot visit the interior.

What to see at Estacio

the lifting bridge opening and boats passing through
the canal, with Mar Menor on one side and Mediterráneo on the other
the black and white striped lighthouse
the viewpoint beside the bridge

When to visit and what to combine it with

The canal area is freely accessible at any time, all year round. As it is in northern La Manga, a visit is easy to combine with a walk around Veneziola and its Puente de la Risa, or a morning on the beaches along this stretch. At the opposite, southern end stands the area's other major lighthouse, in Cabo de Palos. Find more places like this in what to visit in La Manga.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Estacio bridge?

At km 14,2 of Gran Vía in La Manga, in the municipality of San Javier, over the canal linking Mar Menor and Mediterráneo. The lighthouse is right beside it.

Why does the Estacio bridge rise?

It is a lifting bridge with two bascule sections that rise periodically to let yachts and boats through the canal between the two seas.

What time does the Estacio bridge open?

It rises periodically to let boats through, but no timetable is given in this listing. It is worth checking locally before going to watch.

When was Faro del Estacio built?

The current lighthouse dates from 1976 and is about 29 metres tall. It was preceded by an earlier lighthouse, in service from 1862, and a 16th-century watchtower.

Can you go up Faro del Estacio?

No. The lighthouse can be viewed from outside; the canal area and viewpoint are freely accessible.

Faro del Estacio (pasado el Puente del Estacio)

The opening bridge and striped lighthouse on the Estacio canal

A lifting bridge in the middle of the island

From watchtower to the lighthouse of 1976

What to see at Estacio

When to visit and what to combine it with

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Frequently asked questions

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