Far de s'Arnella

Far de s'Arnella is a lighthouse standing on a rocky point near el Port de la Selva, a fishing town on the Costa Brava in the province of Girona. Also known as far de Punta s'Arnella or far de s'Arenella, it is one of the recognizable landmarks along this stretch of coast and a popular short walking destination for visitors staying in the area.

How do you get to the lighthouse?

The easiest starting point is el Port de la Selva itself. From the town center, a coastal footpath (the local camí de ronda) runs along the shoreline toward the headland where the lighthouse stands. No special equipment is needed, but sturdy shoes help, since the ground is rocky and uneven in places. The lighthouse sits at coordinates 42.351407, 3.187023, which makes it easy to locate on a map or GPS app before setting out.

What will you see there?

The building is a freestanding, square structure roughly 15 meters to a side, topped with a four-sided tiled roof. At its center rises a square tower measuring about 4x4 meters, capped with a round lantern room that houses the light itself. This combination of a low, solid base building with a tower rising from the middle was a common design for lighthouses built along the Catalan coast around the turn of the 20th century. The headland itself opens onto views of open sea and the rugged cliffs typical of this part of the Costa Brava, close to the Cap de Creus area.

What is the history behind it?

The push to build the lighthouse came from the Girona Shipwreck Rescue Society, which as early as 1891 called for this section of coast to be properly marked for shipping. The actual project only moved forward as part of a broader coastal and port reform plan launched in 1904. Construction was awarded to the French firm Barbier, Bénard et Turenne, a specialist in lighthouse building and lighting systems at the time. The lighthouse was formally inaugurated on November 16, 1913. Its design proved successful enough that it was reused two years later for the lighthouse at Tossa de Mar.

Far de s'Arnella is considered the first lighthouse on the Costa Brava when counting from north to south, and the point it occupies is registered as a geodetic marker by the geographic institute — a reminder that the site has mattered for surveying as well as navigation.

When is the best time to visit?

Both the lighthouse and the path leading to it are accessible year-round, though spring and autumn tend to be the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures that make the coastal walk easier. In summer, an early morning or late afternoon visit helps avoid the strongest sun, since most of the trail runs without shade. Winter can bring strong winds to the area — a good reminder of exactly why sailors needed a lighthouse here in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? Far de s'Arnella is still an active navigational aid, so the tower's interior is not open to visitors. The appeal lies in viewing the building and its setting from the outside.

How long does the walk from el Port de la Selva take? The route follows the coastal footpath and suits anyone with average fitness. Plan for a relaxed pace in both directions, with extra time for photo stops and taking in the views along the way.

Are there other attractions nearby? El Port de la Selva sits close to the Cap de Creus area, known for its dramatic cliffs and hiking trails, making the lighthouse a good starting point for a longer day of exploring the coastline.

Does the lighthouse have historical significance? Yes. Its construction answered a specific maritime safety need first raised in the 19th century, and its design was later used as a model for another lighthouse on the Costa Brava, underlining its place in the history of navigation markers along this coast.