Far del cap de la Nau

Far del cap de la Nau is a lighthouse perched on the easternmost cliff of Xàbia (Jávea) on the Costa Blanca, at the point where the Gulf of Valencia's coastline ends and the open Mediterranean begins. It's one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Marina Alta region – a tall white tower on a sheer cliff, with views that stretch to the horizon.

Where is it and how do you get there?

Cap de la Nau sits at the southern tip of the Xàbia municipality, a short drive from the town centre and from Granadella beach. Driving is by far the easiest option: a local road winds through pine woods and rocky ravines straight to a car park at the headland. That access road actually came late in the site's history – work on it only began in 1923, and the lack of a proper route was the main reason the lighthouse itself took so long to build. From the car park, a short and easy footpath leads to the viewpoint and the lighthouse.

What will you see there?

The lighthouse has an octagonal tower, stands 20 metres tall, and sits on a cliff roughly 122 metres above sea level, which lets its light be seen from up to 23 nautical miles away. At night it flashes in a continuous sequence, a signal that has guided ships along this stretch of coast for decades.

The tower itself is viewed from the outside – it's a working navigation aid, not a museum you walk into. The real draw is the setting around it: a steep cliff dropping straight into the sea, the Mirador del Cap de la Nau viewpoint, and a panorama that takes in the coastline toward Calpe and the Peñón de Ifach on one side, and the Cap de Sant Antoni cliff across Xàbia's bay on the other. The spot is especially prized at sunrise and sunset, when light striking the limestone cliffs turns them a deep orange.

The headland's history predates the lighthouse itself. Before construction even began, on 29 December 1902, one of Spain's earliest wireless telegraphy trials took place right here – a radio link between the mainland and Ibiza, designed by Valencian engineer Julio Cervera. The lighthouse's own construction was put out to tender on 1 July 1914, for a sum of 68,212 pesetas, but because an access road had to be built first, it didn't actually start operating until 26 May 1928.

When should you visit?

Cap de la Nau can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn bring the mildest temperatures and the clearest air, which means you can see much further along the coastline. In summer, it's best to come early morning or evening – the car park fills up quickly midday, and the exposed cliff offers little shade from the heat. Sunset is by far the most popular time to be here.

It's easy to combine a visit with the rest of Xàbia's coastline – nearby you'll find other viewpoints and small coves reachable on foot or by kayak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No, it's an active navigation aid and is viewed from the outside only – the main attraction is the view from the cliff itself.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the viewpoint and the path to the lighthouse are open to the public and free to visit.

How far can the light be seen? Its beam reaches up to 23 nautical miles, which is a little over 40 kilometres.

Is sunset the best time to come? Yes – it's the most popular time of day, since the low sun brings out the colour of the cliffs and gives the best light for photos.