Discovering the Lighthouses in the Canary Islands

Used to help mariners in the navigation of their vessels, the lighthouses are an integral part of the sea-life. Located on-shore, they are normally in the form of a cylindrical tower with a light on top. Prior to the invention of the lighthouse, mariners were warned of hazards and guided by fires which had been lit along the shores. There are a lot of lighthouses in the Canary Islands, some of them very beautiful, and due to this I will list below the most representatives based on the location and design.

Fuencaliente in La Palma. Built in 1903 this lighthouse has a cylindrical stone tower which is joined to a keeper's house. After being damaged in an earthquake in 1939, the lighthouse was rebuilt and then restored again in 2004 when a lantern was added. The lighthouse is not active, but adjacent was built another concrete cylindrical tower. Located at the southern most point of La Palma this operational lighthouse gives three white flashes every 20 seconds.

San Cristobal in La Gomera. Built in 1903, the original lighthouse is now inactive. However, it is situated at the front of the more recent San Cristobal lighthouse. The old lighthouse is white with a green metallic roof. The new lighthouse was built in 1978 and is operational providing 2 white flashes every 10 seconds. San Cristobal lighthouse can be found on the shore a little north of the resort of San Sebastian de La Gomera.

Punta del Hidalgo in Tenerife. Built in 1991, this lighthouse has the usual architectural design of a white tower in a split pyramid form. Currently active, this lighthouse is located in Punta del Hidalgo which can be found on the northeast coast, just north of Bajamar, and gives 3 white flashes every 16 seconds.

Punta Sardina in Gran Canaria. Built in 1985, Punta Sardina is a traditional style operational lighthouse - cylindrical, painted white with several red horizontal stripes beneath the gallery. Located on the northwest coast of the island of Gran Canaria, to the west of the resort of Galdar, the lighthouse gives 4 white flashes every 20 seconds.

Punta la Entellada in Fuerteventura. Built in 1955, we have chosen this lighthouse due to its unusual appearance, being built of stone with white cement between these stones and resemble a small fortress. Located near to Las Playitas the lighthouse provides 3 white flashes every 18 seconds.

Pechiguera in Lanzarote. Built in 1866, Pechiguera lighthouse ceased operation after 122 years. A new lighthouse was built adjacent to the old one in 1988. Painted white, the cylindrical tower emits every 30 seconds 3 white flashes. You will find both lighthouses at the southwest of the island of Lanzarote.