Faro de Punta Insua

Faro de Punta Insua is a lighthouse in Carnota, standing on the rocky headland of Punta Insua near the village of Lariño, on Galicia's rugged Costa da Morte. Perched where the Atlantic crashes against granite cliffs, it's a place defined as much by wind and sea spray as by the tower itself.

Why was this lighthouse built here?

The need for a lighthouse at this exact spot was recognized as early as 1894. This stretch of the Galician coast was notorious for dangerous shoals known as Os Meixidos, which had caused numerous shipwrecks over the years. Engineer Salvador López Miño drew up the design in 1909, and construction wrapped up in 1913 — though the lighthouse wasn't formally inaugurated until 1921, and it didn't get electric power until 1947. Its purpose was to close a navigational gap between the lighthouses at Corrubedo and Cabo Fisterra, two key reference points for ships working this treacherous coastline.

What will you see there?

The tower itself is modest, but the setting does the heavy lifting. Punta Insua is a bare, wind-scoured headland with open views across the Atlantic — on clear days the coastline stretches visibly toward Cabo Fisterra, and when the wind picks up, the sea puts on a full show against the rocks below the lighthouse. It's a favorite spot for sunset photography and for anyone chasing the wild, largely undeveloped character that Costa da Morte is known for. The small fishing settlement of Lariño sits nearby, and the whole area falls within the municipality of Carnota, home to one of Galicia's longest beaches.

Since 2021, part of the lighthouse complex has operated as tourist accommodation, which means visitors staying overnight can experience the headland after dark too — when the beam starts working and the sky above the point turns properly dark, far from any city glow.

How do you get there?

Punta Insua sits at the end of a local road running through Lariño, in the municipality of Carnota, A Coruña province. Driving is the most practical option — the route winds through small villages and farmland before the final stretch runs along the coastline, offering ocean views before you even reach the lighthouse. The surrounding cliffs also make for good walking terrain if you want to pair the visit with a longer hike along Costa da Morte.

When should you visit?

The headland is accessible year-round, but its mood shifts with the seasons. Summer brings calmer seas and long, bright evenings that are ideal for watching the sunset. In autumn and winter, the Atlantic shows its rougher side — strong winds and heavy swells amplify the dramatic character the Costa da Morte is famous for, so it's worth packing warm layers and checking the wind forecast before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Faro de Punta Insua? Part of the former lighthouse keeper's building now operates as tourist accommodation (since 2021), so access to the interior is tied to booking a stay rather than casual sightseeing.

Why was the lighthouse built at this specific location? This section of coastline was notorious for dangerous shoals (Os Meixidos) that had caused repeated shipwrecks — the lighthouse was built to warn passing ships and to bridge the gap between the Corrubedo and Cabo Fisterra lighthouses.

How old is the lighthouse? Construction finished in 1913 and it was officially inaugurated in 1921, making it over a century old.

What's near Punta Insua? The fishing village of Lariño is the closest settlement, and the municipality of Carnota — known for its long stretch of beach — makes a good base for exploring the rest of Costa da Morte.