Cape Silleiro Lighthouse

Cape Silleiro Lighthouse stands on the Cabo Silleiro headland in the municipality of Baiona, in the Pontevedra province of Galicia. Perched on a cliff roughly 85 metres above sea level, it guides ships toward the southern entrance of the Ría de Vigo estuary.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse sits on the road connecting Baiona and A Guarda, within the parish of Baredo. From central Baiona it's a short drive of just a few minutes along the coastal road, which ends at a car park right beside the site. The headland is also a well-known stop on the coastal walking and cycling routes that trace the Atlantic shoreline, so it fits naturally into a longer trip along the coast rather than being a stand-alone detour.

What will you see?

The tower's bold white-and-red stripes make it visible from a distance and turn it into one of the most recognisable landmarks on this stretch of the Galician coast. The current lighthouse building dates from 1924. An earlier lighthouse, lit in 1862 and built closer to sea level, suffered from poor visibility because of frequent fog, which is why the replacement was raised higher up, on top of the hill. Its beam reaches about 40 kilometres out to sea. When it first went into service in 1924 the light ran on petroleum; it switched over to electric power in 1932.

From the cliff top the view opens onto a wide sweep of the Atlantic, and on clear days you can also make out the Cíes Islands offshore. Right next to the lighthouse are the remains of an old military installation known as Battery J4 — a cluster of bunkers and gun positions built to defend Galicia's southern coastline. Anyone with an interest in military history will find this a worthwhile addition to a visit.

When should you visit?

The headland is open and accessible year-round, and the look of the ocean and the lighthouse itself shifts with the weather and the time of day. Early morning and late afternoon light tends to bring out the contrast of the red-and-white tower against the cliffs, which is why photographers often favour those hours. Because the site sits fully exposed on an open promontory, expect strong wind at times, particularly in the autumn and winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? The lighthouse remains an active navigation aid operated by the relevant maritime authorities, so the interior of the tower is generally not open to visitors. You can, however, walk right up to the building and view it closely from the outside.

How far is Cabo Silleiro from central Baiona? The headland lies in the parish of Baredo, along the road between Baiona and A Guarda, only a short distance from the town centre — an easy target for a quick drive or a coastal walk.

What else is there to see near the lighthouse? Right beside the lighthouse you'll find the remains of Battery J4, a former military fortification with bunkers and gun emplacements that once guarded this stretch of coast. It pairs well with the lighthouse visit if you want a bit of history alongside the sea views.

Can you see the Cíes Islands from the headland? Yes, on a clear day the Cíes Islands are visible from the cliffs around the lighthouse, out in the waters of the Ría de Vigo.