The Capri Lighthouse, in Campania, is among the most spectacular lighthouses in Europe
The top 20 chosen by Jetcost users, three of these are located in Italy Capo Spartivento, in Sardinia, and the Genoa Lighthouse, in Liguria, are the other two in our country that have been selected
For hundreds of years lighthouses have protected sailors and illuminated the night among the rocks. Today their usefulness is relative and they certainly no longer require the constant presence of a guardian with his watchful eye. But these unique buildings are curious structures that overlook the sea, in spectacular places usually swept by the wind, from which you can also enjoy magnificent views. They are historical monuments whose beauty continues to amaze. Many have also been converted into original accommodation where you can find solitude and charm.
There are hundreds of these lighthouses in Europe. Users of the powerful flight and hotel search engine www.jetcost.iton this occasion they have chosen the 20 most evocative of the Old Continent, and the Capri Lighthouse, in Campania, is one of these:
Capri Lighthouse – Campania – Italy
Located 3 km from Anacapri, on the splendid island of Capri, the Punta Carena Lighthouse has been active since 1867. It is the second brightest lighthouse in Italy, after that of Genoa, and is one of the oldest in Italy. Although it is an impressive sight to see in action, it is advisable to visit it before the sun sets and it comes into operation to enjoy the incredible view of the rocky coast, the coves and inlets, the pine forest that lines the bay, the rich Mediterranean flora, on the crashing of the waves and the imposing Torre della Guardia, an ancient watchtower.
Capo Spartivento – Sardinia – Italy
Today it is certainly one of the most elegant and exclusive lighthouses in Europe and has been transformed into a refined hotel; sleeping here is a luxury experience, it is a resort that has preserved the vaulted ceilings of the ancient crimson red structure and in which the 700 square meters of panoramic terraces with breathtaking views of the bays of Malfatano have been expanded and restored and Cape Teulada. It is the oldest lighthouse in Sardinia, a dream place built in 1856 overlooking the sea in the south of the island, where the undergrowth smells of myrtle and juniper.
Lighthouse of Genoa – Liguria – Italy
First built in 1128 and then rebuilt in its current form in 1543, the Genoa lighthouse is a square tower, nicknamed Lanterna. It rises 77 meters and reaches a height of 117 meters above sea level. Symbol of the city, the Lantern dominates the port and offers a magnificent view of Genoa and its historic centre. Today it is a little distant from the sea and surrounded by buildings and streets but still suggestive.
Maiden’s Tower – Istanbul – Marmara – Türkiye
This tower stands on an islet at the southern entrance to the Bosphorus Strait, 200 meters off the coast of Üsküdar, Istanbul. The lighthouse, which signals the numerous ships that ply the waters, is the protagonist of a sad legend. An oracle prophesied that the emperor’s daughter would be poisoned by a poisonous snake on her 18th birthday. The emperor had the tower built in the middle of the Bosphorus to protect her daughter until her 18th birthday. On the day of the anniversary, the emperor brought the princess a basket of sumptuous exotic fruits as a gift, happy to have managed to avoid the prophecy. However, when she took the basket, an asp that had hidden among her fruits bit the young girl, who died in the arms of her father, just as she had predicted the oracle. Hence the name Torre della Fanciulla.
Tower of Hercules – La Coruña – Galicia – Spain
The Tower of Hercules is the only Roman lighthouse still active and which performs the same functions as when it was built. In all likelihood it was created in the second half of the 1st or the beginning of the 2nd century AD by the Roman Empire, in finis terrae of the world known so far, to accompany ships sailing towards the end of the continent and the furthest point of the Empire in the West. Today it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse – Hjoerring – Jutland – Denmark
Located on the North Sea coast in Rubjerg, in the Jutland municipality of Hjoerring in northern Denmark, the lighthouse is visited by 250,000 people every year. Both quicksand and coastal erosion are a serious problem in the area. The coast erodes on average by 1.5 meters per year, a real threat also for the lighthouse, which was located in the middle of the dunes; However, it ceased its activity on August 1, 1968 and the government decided to save it a few years ago, moving it 70 metres.
Santa Marta Lighthouse – Cascais – Lisbon – Portugal
It is located in a beautiful setting, at the entrance to a small estuary, especially when admired from the beach bar right in front while enjoying Portuguese-style grilled sardines and sipping a good “vinho verde” (green wine). It was built in 1864 as part of the Fort of Santa Maria in Cascais. The old lighthouse keeper’s house has been expertly transformed into a museum showcasing the life of ancient lighthouse keepers, technology and history through the ages.
Cabo de Formentor Lighthouse – Mallorca – Balearic Islands – Spain
It is one of the most difficult island lighthouses to build precisely due to its location on the Formentor peninsula at 210 meters above sea level; it is also one of the oldest, having been inaugurated in 1863. Its beauty and spectacular view of the Mediterranean coast attract thousands of tourists who have to climb the winding road, which has led to visits being limited in the summer months; you can only get there by bus, bicycle or on foot.
Fastnet Lighthouse – Fastnet Rock – Ireland
Fastnet Rock is a small islet of quartz-veined clay slate. It rises approximately 30 meters above low tide level. How he learned Jetcost.it, is used as a waypoint for one of the world’s classic yacht races, the Fastnet Race, a 1,126 kilometer round trip from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, round the reef and back to Plymouth. It is also sometimes used as an indicator for regattas at local sailing centers, such as Schull and Baltimore.
Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse – Plougonvelin – Brittany – France
The promontory of Saint-Mathieu is home to the ruins of an abbey, a traffic light and a lighthouse. This strange juxtaposition is explained by the connections that these structures have shared throughout the history of Saint-Mathieu.
Cabo de Gata Lighthouse – Almeria – Andalusia – Spain
Located in the heart of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, this 18 meter high lighthouse was built due to the numerous ships that sank on the Laja de Cabo reef. Already from its base you can enjoy a spectacular view of the coast and its cliffs. Furthermore, from here you can see the legendary mermaid coral reef, where in ancient times monk seals lived which sailors mistook for mythological creatures.
San Vicente Lighthouse – Algarve – Portugal
It is declared the finis terrae of Europe, in strong competition with other Portuguese and Spanish headlands and lighthouses. In any case, its location is spectacular, on the edge of 200 meter cliffs where patient fishermen cast their rods. It is located in a fortress built in the 16th century, although the lighthouse dates back to 1904, built to protect the coast from frequent attacks by Arab pirates. It stands on the site of a medieval convent which, according to legend, housed the remains of San Vincenzo. This area – Sagres – was the residence of Prince Henry the Navigator.
Ile Vierge Lighthouse – Plouguerneau – Brittany – France
Ile Vierge is a six-hectare islet located 1.5 kilometers from the north-western coast of Brittany, opposite the village of Lilia. Here is the tallest stone lighthouse in Europe and the tallest “traditional lighthouse” in the world. This impressive stone building is only accessible by boat. You have to climb almost 400 steps before reaching the top, from where you can then enjoy a magnificent view. Next to it is the first lighthouse on Virgin Island, built in 1845; However, since it was not visible enough, another one was inaugurated in 1902.
Lindau Lighthouse – Bavaria – Germany
The ancient Lindau lighthouse, 37 meters high, was built in the 13th century. It is a structure that adds to the charm of this island city on the shores of Lake Constance. Not far from the lighthouse is the city’s emblem, an imposing stone lion, symbol of Bavaria, which seems to mark the horizon.
Chipiona Lighthouse – Cadiz – Andalusia – Spain
It is the tallest lighthouse in Spain, at 69 meters from the base, and one of the tallest in Europe. Curiously, it is one of the few aero-maritime lighthouses that projects a horizontal and a vertical light, serving as a guide for both boats and planes. At its feet the waters of the Guadalquivir and the Atlantic meet. It is possible to climb up to the skylight, although you have to take 244 steps. The Vertical Race Faro de Chipiona has been held since 2018, in which almost 200 people usually participate. The race begins with a 50 meter sprint up and down to the top of the lighthouse (688 steps in total); after ringing the bell at the viewpoint you have to sprint 450 meters to the base.
Tourlitis Lighthouse – Andros Island – Greece
200 meters off the coast of the island of Andros, in the Cyclades, the picturesque Tourlitis lighthouse stands on a rock at the entrance to the port of La Chora. Built in 1897 and then destroyed during World War II, the current lighthouse is actually a replica of the original, it was rebuilt in 1990.
Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse – Azores Islands – Portugal
This was the first lighthouse built in the Azores and was traditionally used as an approach light for ships coming from mainland Portugal. It is located on the eastern end of the island of Sao Miguel and is accessed via a challenging but worth-taking road.
Hook Head Lighthouse – Wexford – Ireland
On the Hook Head peninsula there is the lighthouse of the same name, the oldest in Ireland and one of the oldest active lighthouses in Europe. Built almost 800 years ago by the Normans, it is one of the tourist attractions of South East Ireland. You can visit the interior and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea from the top.
Lighthouse of Kopu – Hiiumaa Island – Estonia
One of the oldest lighthouses in the world, located on the Estonian island of Hiiumaa, has been aiding navigation since 1531. At 36 meters high, the proud prism-shaped structure sits atop a 68-meter hill, conquering the title of the tallest coastal lighthouse in the entire Baltic Sea. Despite the construction of a new radar light in 1997, Kõpu is still used as a navigation guide by local fishing, pleasure and small vessel vessels.
Maspalomas Lighthouse – Gran Canaria – Canary Islands – Spain
The beaches and dunes of Maspalomas are undoubtedly the most appreciated, visited and photographed of all the Canary Islands. The entire Maspalomas basin, the dunes and the palm grove constitute an area of great ecological value. The decision to build the lighthouse, 55 meters high, was taken in 1861. At the time the place was uninhabited and isolated from the rest of the island. The lighthouse light was turned on in 1890 and served as a guide for ships traveling between Europe and America.
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