Faro del Caballo

Faro del Caballo is a lighthouse perched on the slopes of Monte Buciero above the Bay of Biscay, in the coastal town of Santoña, Cantabria. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in this small, sea-surrounded town, and a hiking destination that rewards a bit of planning — the walk down to the lighthouse and back is more demanding than it first appears.

What is this place?

The lighthouse first guided ships along the Cantabrian coast in 1863. It stayed in service for over a hundred and thirty years, going dark in 1993 once newer navigation systems took over its role. Today it stands as a disused but well-preserved landmark, its white tower set against green cliffside scrub and the deep blue of the sea below.

The defining feature of the route is the stone staircase leading down to the lighthouse, made up of more than 700 steps. They were carved into the rock in the 19th century by inmates from the nearby El Dueso prison, and the whole staircase was rebuilt in 2013 to make the descent safer and more comfortable for visitors. Climbing back up is the real physical test of the trip, so pace yourself and bring water.

How do you get there?

A well-marked hiking trail starts on Monte Buciero and covers roughly 7.5 kilometers round trip to the lighthouse and back. This is the most common way to reach it — the path itself is easy to follow, though the stone steps can be tough on the knees, especially on the way up.

An alternative is arriving by sea. Boat trips run along the waters around Santoña, offering sightseeing views of the town and coastline from offshore, and guided kayak tours are available for those who want to paddle right up to the cliff beneath the lighthouse.

What will you see?

The payoff for tackling the steps is an open view over the Cantabrian Sea and the coastline of Santoña stretching out on either side. The trail cuts through rugged, largely untouched cliffside vegetation, and the lighthouse itself, though no longer operational, still shows its original 19th-century structure.

Santoña sits about 50 kilometers from Santander and is known for its wide beaches and for being almost entirely surrounded by water — a geography that helps explain why the views from Monte Buciero rank among the best in the region.

When should you visit?

Aim for months with stable weather, when the trail is dry and visibility out over the sea is at its best — the stone steps get slippery after rain. Early morning or late afternoon are good choices to avoid the heat on the climb back up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many steps lead down to the lighthouse? The route has more than 700 stone steps, originally carved in the 19th century and rebuilt in 2013.

Is the lighthouse still in operation? No, it was decommissioned in 1993 and now functions purely as a scenic landmark rather than an active navigation light.

How long is the full walking route? The trail from Monte Buciero down to the lighthouse and back covers about 7.5 kilometers.

Can you reach the lighthouse by water? Yes, besides the hiking trail, there are sightseeing boat trips and guided kayak tours that approach the lighthouse from the sea.