Coast Nature Plans
Lighthouses have their origin in the signal fires lit in ancient times, strategically located on headlands, high points, islands, cliffs or at the entrance to harbours to guide ships and even warn them about the dangers of the coast.
Today they are one of the top attractions on our coast; the sentinels guarding our 250 kilometres of coastline are among the favourite places with visitors. Also, as everybody knows, where there's a lighthouse there are always wonderful views of the sea.
The Basque word for a lighthouse is itsasargi, which means sea light, and there are estimated to be about 11 working today. Carry on reading to find out which are the most beautiful on the Basque Coast - and come and visit them!
This lighthouse stands between Getxo and Sopela. The modern building dates from 1950, but there were others before this that had to be replaced due to landslides.
It can be found on a particularly pleasant promenade with views of the port of Bilbao - perfect to watch the seagoing traffic there. Also in this area, you can visit the Flysch rock formations of Bizkaia, one of the finest geological attractions in the Basque Country, together with Geoparkea.
This is one of the most modern lighthouses in the Basque Country, with a design different form the rest. It was built in 1990 in a cutting-edge style, a white tower 21 metres high perched atop a dizzying cliff.
Around it runs an easy path where you can also see relics like guns and constructions from the wartime Cinturón de Hierro, or Iron Belt.
Cabo Matxitxako is home to two lighthouses, one working and the other now an observatory of seabirds and cetaceans. The older one is no longer working, but houses information panels.
They are in the municipality of Bermeo, in an idyllic setting from which the islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe can be seen in the distance.
The walk to the lighthouses and the views from the headland are wonderful, a perfect way to enjoy an evening as you watch the sun set behind the famous little island.
This is the only lighthouse in the Basque Country that can be visited, as it is also a visitor centre explaining the basics of navigation.
It is near Lekeitio, on a cliff that will take your breath away, the perfect place to watch the sunset. You can get there both walking and by car, and it has a bar with a terrace offering stunning views.
To come to the visitor centre you should book in advance.
The lighthouse of Getaria is built on the well-known peak known as the Ratón de Getaria, or Mouse of Getaria. Its curious shape was easily confused with the mountains behind it, which caused several shipwrecks as it is actually in the middle of the bay.
It cannot be reached by car because the hill is a place for leisure and recreation. The views from it are stunning, taking in the sea and the whole coastline.
The capital of Gipuzkoa province has two lighthouses: one is on Monte Igeldo and the other on the island of Santa Clara. Igeldo lighthouse, also known as La Farola, stands 135 metres above sea level, a little below the old one as the latter was sometimes obscured by fog and clouds.
The one on the island of Santa Clara can be reached by taking a boat trip from the harbour. The building also houses Hondalea, an art installation by Cristina Iglesias.
Located in the picturesque town of Pasaia, this lighthouse is the star of a circular route linking Monte Ulia to the seaside town, a perfect to enjoy its natural setting.
The cliff on which it stands is known as the Punta de la Plata (Silver Point), a name that comes from the silvery shine of its rocks when the waves break against them.
This is the last lighthouse in the Spanish Basque Country as it is in Hondarribia, on the border with the French Basque Country. It stands on Monte Jaizkibel and is neoclassical in style, built to replace one that was destroyed by Carlist troops some years before.
The lighthouse can be reached by car.
Apart from these sentinels, you can find more lighthouses in Getxo, Zumaia and other seaside localities in the Basque Country. Don't miss any of them!