Chipiona Lighthouse

Chipiona Lighthouse stands on the Atlantic edge of Chipiona, a town in the Cádiz province of Andalusia, and is recognized as the tallest masonry lighthouse in Spain.

What makes this lighthouse worth seeing?

Also known locally as the Punta del Perro Light, the tower rises on a rocky headland of the same name, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean at the western tip of town. At 62 metres (205 feet), it is not only the tallest traditional lighthouse in Spain but also the seventeenth tallest of its kind anywhere in the world. Built in the 19th century, it remains fully active today, with its beam still guiding vessels toward the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. The lighthouse effectively serves as the landfall light for ships heading to Seville, marking the point where inbound traffic first picks up a clear coastal reference before turning toward the river mouth, located roughly 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) to the northeast.

How do you get there?

Punta del Perro sits on the outskirts of Chipiona, within easy reach of the town centre along the seafront promenade that runs west toward the coast. The white tower is visible from a considerable distance, making it a natural landmark for anyone walking, cycling, or driving through the seaside part of town. Because the headland borders Chipiona's beaches, most visitors combine a short walk to the lighthouse with time spent along the shoreline.

What will you see once you're there?

The centrepiece is the tower itself: a tall, white structure set on bare rock, with open Atlantic water on three sides. The setting is prized for its wide, uninterrupted sea views and for the waves that break directly against the rocks of Punta del Perro, a sight that becomes particularly dramatic in stronger wind or at high tide. Given its height and exposed position, the lighthouse is one of Chipiona's most recognisable symbols and a frequent subject of photographs of the town. The headland also makes for a strong sunset spot, with the light beginning its nightly work just as the sun drops toward the ocean horizon.

When should you visit?

The lighthouse is visible year-round, but the open coastline around it is at its best in the lower light of late afternoon or early evening, when the sun sits closer to the horizon and picks out the white tower against the rock. Summer brings more visitors to the area because of the neighbouring beaches, while the rest of the year the headland keeps the quieter, more rugged character typical of this stretch of the Cádiz Atlantic coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chipiona Lighthouse the tallest in Spain? Yes. At 62 metres (205 feet) tall, it is the tallest masonry lighthouse in Spain and the seventeenth tallest traditional lighthouse in the world.

Where exactly is the lighthouse located? It stands on Punta del Perro, a rocky headland jutting into the Atlantic in the town of Chipiona, Cádiz province, about 6 kilometres southwest of the Guadalquivir River's mouth.

Is the lighthouse still operational? Yes, it is an active aid to navigation. Its light still helps guide ships toward Seville, serving as a key coastal marker along this part of the Atlantic coastline.

Can you walk to the lighthouse from central Chipiona? Yes, it sits at the western edge of town and is easily reached on foot or by bike via the seafront promenade, close to the town's main beaches.