ROUTE EXPLORING THE LIGHTHOUSES OF THE COSTA BRAVA, EMPORDÀ

Published on January 31, 2021 by Llorenç Solé

Here we outline the route which explores the lighthouses of the Costa Brava, Empordà, starting from the one which separates Llançà from Port de la Selva, the S’Arnella Lighthouse.

As you visit the lighthouses of the Costa Brava, you will discover some of the most incredible stretches of our coastline as most of them are also excellent viewpoints in unique settings.
The first group of lighthouses was built between 1852 and 1868, during the rein of Queen Isabella II, as part of the programme designed by Prime Minister O’Donnell to modernise and make navigation safer. Later on, other lighthouses were added to complete the string of beacons which today protect the coast.

Each one has its own special features which, along with its dramatic location, make this group of lighthouses an interesting tourist attraction and a highly recommended visit in the Costa Brava. The following lighthouses can be visited on a route going from north to south:

Lighthouse between Llançà and Port de la Selva or Punta de s’Arenella Lighthouse: The first lighthouse on the Costa Brava going from north to south and a geodesic point registered by the Geographic Institute, its design was used to build the Tossa Lighthouse two years later.
Cap de Creus Lighthouse: The most easterly point on the Iberian Peninsula, in an unbeatable setting in a rugged landscape and 500 metres from the Cap de Creus.
Cala Nans Lighthouse in Cadaqués: Getting to this lighthouse from the Cadaqués promenade is a an enjoyable excursion and suitable for the whole family, a walk of just 6 kilometres (there and back).
Roses Lighthouse: The northern reference point of the Gulf of Roses, with beautiful panoramic views.
Medes Islands Lighthouse – L’Estartit: This lighthouse is important not only because of its function and location but also for some of its historical characteristics.
San Sebastián Lighthouse in Llafranc – Palafrugell: The most powerful lighthouse in Spain reaching up to 50 miles, with impressive views.
Palamos or La Punta del Molino Lighthouse: Known as the Punta del Molino (Windmill Point) Lighthouse because, although today it is now part of the urban area of the town, in its day it was in a more remote area with a windmill.
Tossa de Mar Lighthouse: As well as its usual function as a beacon and warning of navigation hazards along the coast, this lighthouse is the site of the Mediterranean Lighthouse Visitors’ Centre (Centre d’Interpretació dels Fars de la Mediterránea). It is one of the most recent lighthouses of the Costa Brava.