Cabo de Santa Maria Lighthouse

Cabo de Santa Maria Lighthouse rises on Culatra Island inside the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a short boat ride from Faro in the Algarve. It is among the tallest lighthouses in Portugal and the main seamark for ships approaching Faro and Olhão.

What is its history?

The first light here was lit in 1851. The tower originally stood about 34 metres tall. It was raised by 12 metres in the early 20th century and given a reinforced-concrete casing in 1929. Today it measures roughly 46 metres, with the light about 50 metres above sea level. It was the first lighthouse in Portugal fitted with a second-order Fresnel lens. The current signal is a group of four white flashes every 17 seconds, visible about 25 nautical miles out.

How do you get there?

The island has no road link, so you arrive by water. Passenger ferries run from Faro and from the Olhão quay, taking anywhere from about 30 minutes to an hour depending on route and stop. Private water taxis also operate. Check the timetable at the ticket office, as services change with the season. The small settlement next to the tower is called Farol, after the lighthouse, and sits at the island's western end. Everything is explored on foot, as there are no cars.

Can you climb it?

When the lighthouse is open to visitors, yes. Opening hours are limited to a few afternoons a week, so confirm them before you travel. The interior staircase has more than 200 steps (sources give 220), which calls for basic fitness. The gallery looks out over the Ria Formosa lagoon, the neighbouring barrier islands, long sandy beaches and the open Atlantic.

What else is nearby?

Culatra is a barrier island of dunes, timber boardwalks and quiet ocean beaches. A fishing village with painted houses and seafood restaurants lies close to the lighthouse. The lagoon is home to wading birds and flamingos, and from the ferry you can see shellfish beds being worked.

When should you visit?

May, June and September combine warm weather with more frequent ferries than in winter. July and August bring crowds to the beaches. It is windy at the top, so pack a light jacket, and bring a hat and water for the island, where shade is scarce.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the lighthouse? At the western end of Culatra Island, in the Ria Formosa lagoon, within Faro municipality.

How tall is it? The tower is about 46 metres, and the light sits roughly 50 metres above sea level.

Can I reach it from Faro? Yes, by ferry from Faro or Olhão, or by water taxi. Schedules vary by season.

How many steps are there? About 220. You can only climb during opening hours, which are worth checking in advance.