Far de cap de Creus

Far de Cap de Creus stands on the easternmost rocky point of the Iberian Peninsula, a few kilometers from Cadaqués, right in the middle of the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Wind-battered volcanic cliffs surround it, and the Mediterranean opens up uninterrupted to the horizon.

How do you get to the lighthouse?

A paved road runs roughly 8 kilometers from Cadaqués to the lighthouse, suitable for cars and scooters, with parking right at the site. Walkers can take the Camí Antic de Cadaqués al Cap de Creus, a historic coastal path linking the town to the lighthouse through rocky terrain and low scrub, taking about 2–3 hours one way. The route has no steep climbs, but in summer it's best to start early — there's little shade along the way.

What will you see there?

The current lighthouse was first lit in 1853, built on the foundations of an older watchtower that for centuries protected Cadaqués fishermen and warned of pirate raids. It's the second-oldest lighthouse in Catalonia, after the one at the mouth of the Llobregat river. During the Spanish Civil War, military authorities ordered it switched off; today it shines continuously, guiding ships past this rugged, rock-strewn coastline.

The building now houses the information office for the Cap de Creus Natural Park along with the Espai Cap de Creus exhibition, which covers the lighthouse's history and the geology, flora, and fauna of the surrounding cape. It's a good stop for making sense of the landscape you've just driven or walked through — the cape's jagged rock formations formed over millions of years through the erosion of schist and granite, and the park itself was the first protected area in Catalonia to combine land and sea.

From the terrace by the lighthouse you can see the Costa Brava coastline, the small island of Sa Creueta, and, on a clear day, the outline of the French Pyrenees on the horizon. Sunsets here draw both visitors and Cadaqués locals alike.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn are the best times, with mild temperatures and a quieter parking area. In summer the site can get crowded around midday, and the region's strong tramontana wind can make walking on the exposed terrain uncomfortable. In winter, the lighthouse and information office keep reduced hours, so it's worth checking before heading out.

Frequently asked questions

Is the lighthouse open to visitors? Yes, the lighthouse building serves as the natural park's information office and hosts a themed exhibition, open during office hours.

How long does the walk from Cadaqués take? The historic Camí Antic trail usually takes 2–3 hours one way, depending on pace and how many stops you make for the views.

Is it worth driving instead of walking? Yes, the road is fully paved and leads directly to a parking area by the lighthouse, a convenient option if you'd rather skip the hike.

What is the Espai Cap de Creus exhibition? It's a small exhibition inside the lighthouse building dedicated to the structure's own history and the geology and nature of the surrounding natural park.