Alfanzina Lighthouse

Alfanzina Lighthouse (Farol de Alfanzina) crowns a clifftop headland in the municipality of Lagoa, a few kilometres west of Carvoeiro on the Algarve coast. Its white tower with a red cylindrical lantern is one of the best-known landmarks on this stretch of shoreline, and the surrounding headland draws walkers, photographers and anyone after an open Atlantic view.

What is Alfanzina Lighthouse?

It is a working lighthouse standing on high ground between Carvoeiro and Lagos. The tower is roughly 23 metres tall, and because it sits on the cliff edge, the light shines from a considerable height above the sea. Portugal's national architectural heritage database (SIPA) lists it as an eclectic building with rational, engineering-school lines. Beside the tower is an annex added in 1952 that housed the lighthouse keeper.

When was it built?

The 1883 national plan for lighting the Portuguese coast already called for a light in this part of the Algarve, but construction only began in 1919. The lighthouse entered service on 1 December 1920. Electricity arrived in the 1950s, an access road followed in the next decade, and automation and a mains connection came in the 1980s. In 2020 and 2021 Lagoa council and the lighthouse keepers' association marked the centenary with an exhibition and guided visits.

How do you get to Alfanzina Lighthouse?

The lighthouse lies about 3 km west of central Carvoeiro, so it is an easy trip by car or taxi. A small car park sits close to the tower and fills quickly in peak season, so aim for the morning in July and August. You can also walk along the cliff tops and fold the visit into one of the region's coastal trails.

What can you see nearby?

From the grounds you look out over ochre cliffs, small coves and open ocean. A natural follow-up is a walk to the beaches of Carvoeiro or the rock formations elsewhere in Lagoa. The tower itself photographs well, especially around sunset, when its white walls and red top stand out against the sky.

Can you go inside?

The interior is normally closed to the public. In past years free visits were offered on selected days, and in some summers volunteers opened the lighthouse, but visits were suspended during the pandemic. The grounds are accessible. Check with Lagoa council or the local tourist office for current interior opening before you travel.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn bring warm weather and thinner crowds. Mornings and the hour before sunset give the best light for photos. It is breezy on the cliffs even in summer, so a light jacket helps, and you should stay on marked paths away from the unfenced edge.

Frequently asked questions

Is Alfanzina Lighthouse open to visitors? Most people see it from outside. Interior visits have only been offered occasionally, so check the current schedule with Lagoa council.

Is there an entrance fee? The area around the lighthouse is open and free. Past visits inside were free as well.

How far is it from Carvoeiro? About 3 km west of town, a few minutes by car.

When was the lighthouse built? Work began in 1919 and the light first operated on 1 December 1920.