Cacilhas Lighthouse

Cacilhas Lighthouse (Farol de Cacilhas) sits on the waterfront of Cacilhas, a district of Almada on the south bank of the Tagus, directly across the river from Lisbon. It is a slim cast-iron tower that guided ships past the shallows at the approaches to Lisbon's port for nearly a century, and it now stands as a piece of the riverfront's heritage.

What is the Cacilhas lighthouse?

The light first operated around the turn of 1885 and 1886. It marked the southern edge of the anchorage in the river, where fog was a regular problem. The tower is a prefabricated French-style "tourelle" made of cast iron, assembled from ready-made sections. It rises about 12 metres, with a shaft only around 1.7 metres across, so it looks closer to an oversized street lamp than a traditional stone coastal tower.

What happened to it after 1978?

The light was switched off in 1978. The tower was taken apart and shipped to Terceira in the Azores, where it replaced a lighthouse wrecked by an earthquake. It later came back to the Tagus. In 2009 it was restored and placed a few dozen metres from its original spot, as an important part of local heritage. It no longer shines and has no navigational role.

How do you get there?

The best route is the ferry from Lisbon. The crossing from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas takes a few minutes over ten, with services through the day. From the Cacilhas terminal the lighthouse is a short walk along the quay. Buses and walking routes from central Almada also work, but the ferry adds a view of Lisbon's skyline from the water.

What else is nearby?

The tower itself is a quick stop, so pair it with the rest of Cacilhas for a half-day outing:

• the riverside promenade facing Lisbon, the 25 de Abril Bridge and Belém,
• the seafood restaurants along the quay, a local speciality,
• the old docks, now a favourite for strolling,
• Almada's hilltop old town with its castle and viewpoints, a short ride away.

When should you visit?

You can see the lighthouse from outside at any hour, and there is no entry fee. Late afternoon gives the best photo light, when the sun falls on Lisbon across the water. Summer evenings are busier on the quay, while the off-season is quieter.

FAQ

Is the Cacilhas lighthouse still working?

No. It was deactivated in 1978 and, after its 2009 restoration, serves as a heritage monument.

Can you go inside?

No. The tower is a narrow shaft about 1.7 metres wide and is viewed from outside.

How long is the ferry from Lisbon?

A little over ten minutes from Cais do Sodré, then a few minutes on foot from the Cacilhas terminal.

Does it cost anything to visit?

No. It stands on the public quay, and viewing it is free.