Faro de Tapia

Faro de Tapia is a lighthouse standing on a small island just off the coast of Tapia de Casariego, in Asturias, northern Spain. It is the westernmost lighthouse in the whole region — only a few kilometres of coastline separate it from the mouth of the Eo River, which marks the border between Asturias and Galicia.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse sits on Isla de Tapia, an islet connected to the mainland by a roughly 100-metre breakwater. From the centre of Tapia de Casariego, the harbour and breakwater are just a few minutes' walk away, making this one of the most accessible lighthouses on the Asturian coast. The breakwater leads directly up to the tower, so no car or special gear is needed — just comfortable shoes, since the walkway can get damp from the sea spray.

What will you see?

The lighthouse was built in the mid-19th century at the initiative of Fernando Pérez Casariego, nephew of the Marquis of Casariego, who financed the project. The construction contract was signed in April 1857, and the lighthouse was officially lit for the first time on 1 September 1859 — making it one of the oldest working lighthouses in Spain, with more than 165 years of history. The original building had a square plan with an inner courtyard, and the attached tower consisted of two sections: an octagonal lower body and a decagonal upper one.

The structure went through two major renovations, in 1922 and again in 1962. During the second one, the tower was given its current square exterior shape, and the word "Tapia" was inscribed in large letters on its north-facing wall. The lighthouse was electrified in 1944, when an electric flasher lamp was installed, producing its distinctive light pattern of groups of two flashes plus one — the sequence sailors use to identify it at night from a distance. Today the lighthouse is managed by the Port Authority of Avilés.

From the platform around the lighthouse, the view opens onto the Atlantic Ocean and the jagged, cliff-lined coast of western Asturias — one of the most photogenic stretches of the so-called Costa Verde. It's also a convenient starting point for exploring the fishing harbour of Tapia de Casariego and the beaches nearby.

When should you visit?

The lighthouse can be visited year-round, but spring and early summer offer the best conditions for photos and walks along the breakwater, with longer days and a calmer Atlantic. In the evening, sunset light hitting the tower and the rocks makes for particularly striking shots. In autumn and winter, expect strong winds and waves breaking against the breakwater — dramatic to watch, but worth approaching with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse tower? The lighthouse remains an active structure managed by the Port Authority of Avilés, so its interior is not open to visitors. You can, however, walk freely along the breakwater right up to its base and explore the surrounding area.

How long is the walk to the lighthouse? From the centre of Tapia de Casariego, it's usually just a few minutes' easy walk along the breakwater — the distance is short, though it can feel more demanding in strong wind.

What makes this lighthouse stand out among others in Asturias? It's the westernmost lighthouse in the region and one of the oldest still in operation in Spain, with a distinctive history of renovations and the word "Tapia" displayed on its tower.

Are there other attractions nearby? The lighthouse sits right next to the fishing harbour and beaches of Tapia de Casariego, making it easy to combine a visit with a stroll around the town.