Faro de Ribadesella

Faro de Ribadesella is a lighthouse standing on Punta de Somos, a rocky headland in the village of Tereñes, in the municipality of Ribadesella (Asturias, Spain). It sits above the western bank of the Sella river mouth, right where the estuary opens onto the Cantabrian Sea.

How did this lighthouse come to be here?

The lighthouse was inaugurated in 1861 to light the stretch of coast between San Emeterio and Peñas and to help guide vessels into the port of Ribadesella, where a large dock was being built at the same time. For decades the light ran on oil, then paraffin and kerosene, until it was electrified in 1926. It was automated in the 1990s, so no keeper lives on site anymore.

What does the lighthouse look like?

It's an octagonal stone tower just 8 meters tall, topped with a lantern under a grey dome and a small balcony. The tower is attached to the north side of the former keeper's house, a low, single-story building painted white. The whole site sits on a walled plot of just under 5,000 square meters, and the light itself stands 107 meters above sea level — making this one of the higher vantage points along this stretch of coast.

What can you do here today?

In 2008, the Ribadesella town council and Spain's Ministry of Development reached an agreement to repurpose the former keeper's residence for cultural use. The grounds around the lighthouse remain open as a viewpoint, with panoramic views over the Sella estuary, Tereñes beach, and the coastline toward Ribadesella. It's a popular spot for a walk, especially at sunset, when the light catches the water in the bay.

How do you get there?

Faro de Ribadesella stands on the western side of the river mouth, in Tereñes, a small village a few kilometers from central Ribadesella along the coastal road. Driving is the easiest way to get there, though the site is also reachable on foot or by bike via paths that run along the cliffs. It's worth pairing a visit with a stop at Tereñes beach, which sits right at the foot of the lighthouse.

When is the best time to visit?

The lighthouse and its viewpoint are open all year, but spring through early autumn brings the most reliable weather for sightseeing and photography on the Cantabrian coast. Keep in mind that wind and fog can turn up here even in summer, so it's worth bringing something warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? The lighthouse is an active, automated navigation aid, so the tower itself stays closed to visitors. The grounds around it and the former keeper's house, now used for cultural purposes, are open to the public.

How high above sea level is the light? The light at Faro de Ribadesella sits 107 meters above sea level, even though the tower itself is only 8 meters tall — the difference comes from its position on the cliff.

Is there a beach nearby? Yes. Tereñes beach lies right at the foot of the lighthouse, on the same side of the Sella river mouth, and is one of the beaches within the Ribadesella municipality.

How long has this lighthouse been in operation? It has operated since 1861. It originally burned oil, was electrified in 1926, and was automated in the 1990s.