Faro de La Isleta

Faro de La Isleta is an active lighthouse in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, standing on the rocky La Isleta peninsula at the north-eastern tip of Gran Canaria island. Built in the 19th century, it still guides ships approaching the Port of Las Palmas, one of the busiest ports in the Canary Islands.

Where is the lighthouse located?

Faro de La Isleta sits at the very tip of the La Isleta peninsula, a rugged spur of land jutting into the Atlantic just north of central Las Palmas. From here the lighthouse looks straight out over the entrance to the Port of Las Palmas, helping ships navigate safely around the rocks and currents along this stretch of coast. Its coordinates are roughly 28.174°N, -15.419°W, placing it right at the edge of the island, where Gran Canaria's coastline meets the open ocean.

What role does it play among the island's lighthouses?

Faro de La Isleta doesn't work in isolation. It stands midway between the Sardina lighthouse to the east and the Punta de Melenara lighthouse in Telde to the south, forming part of a chain of navigational markers along Gran Canaria's eastern coast. For sailors and merchant ship captains, this trio of lights has long served as the basic reference system for approaching the Port of Las Palmas, a key shipping hub in the Atlantic region.

What will you actually see there?

The lighthouse itself is a distinctive white tower set against the raw, volcanic terrain of La Isleta — a landscape that feels worlds apart from the beaches and resorts on the island's south coast. The surroundings are stark and almost desert-like, with open views over the ocean, the port, and the skyline of Las Palmas in the distance. It's a spot for travelers who want to see a rougher, less polished side of Gran Canaria than the one on postcards — here it's wind, rock, and the sound of the sea rather than beach umbrellas.

Keep in mind that Faro de La Isleta is a working lighthouse supporting real maritime navigation, not primarily a visitor attraction. Its interior is generally not open to the public, so the main draw is the view of the lighthouse itself, the ocean, and the coastline around it.

How do you get there?

The La Isleta peninsula lies within the Las Palmas urban area, just north of the city's main districts, so the drive from downtown is short. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi, following the road through port and military areas toward the peninsula's far northern shore. It's worth planning the route ahead of time, since parts of the surrounding land are used for military purposes and access can be restricted in places.

When is the best time to visit?

Because of its exposed position at the edge of the island, the area around the lighthouse tends to get strong winds, especially in the afternoon. Mornings are often calmer, making them a better time for walking around and photographing the coastline and the lighthouse itself. Gran Canaria's climate is mild year-round, so Faro de La Isleta can be visited in any season — but it's worth checking the wind forecast beforehand, particularly if you're planning a longer walk in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? Faro de La Isleta is an active lighthouse that supports real ship traffic, so its interior is generally not open to visitors. The appeal is the view from outside and the setting itself.

How does this spot differ from the beaches in southern Gran Canaria? La Isleta is a raw, volcanic peninsula overlooking the ocean and the port, very different in character from the sandy resorts in the south of the island. The draw here is the landscape, not beach facilities.

Are there other navigational landmarks nearby? Yes. Faro de La Isleta stands between the Sardina lighthouse to the east and the Punta de Melenara lighthouse in Telde to the south, together marking the eastern coast of the island for shipping.

Is it easy to reach the lighthouse? The peninsula is close to central Las Palmas, but some of the surrounding land is used for port and military purposes, so it's a good idea to plan your route and check access before heading out.