Mera Lighthouses

The Mera Lighthouses are a pair of century-old range towers perched on the cliffs above Mera, a coastal village in the municipality of Oleiros, on Galicia's Atlantic coast near A Coruña. Officially they are alignment lighthouses guiding ships toward the port of A Coruña, but for visitors their real draw is simpler: this is one of the finest viewpoints over the whole estuary.

Where exactly are the lighthouses?

The towers stand on Punta de Mera, a narrow headland within the parishes of San Cosme de Maianca and San Xulián de Serantes, part of the Oleiros municipality. This stretch of coast, known as Costa de Dexo-Serantes, runs between A Coruña and Ares. The two towers themselves sit less than 300 metres apart, at different elevations on the headland — a layout that directly reflects their original navigational purpose.

How do you get there?

Mera sits on the coastal road connecting A Coruña with Ares and Betanzos, so driving is the easiest option, with parking available close to the lighthouses. A short, well-marked footpath also runs along the cliffs to the viewpoint, popular with locals from nearby towns for an evening walk. Mera itself is a well-known local summer resort, so public transport from A Coruña is also a workable option, especially in season.

What will you actually see?

Two white, octagonal towers topped with lattice-work balustraded terraces — the smaller one, known as Faro Pequeño, stands about 11 metres tall, while the second tower, built on higher ground, reaches around 14 metres. Both are publicly owned but closed to visitors on the inside; the real payoff is the view outward. From the cliff edge you get roughly 270 degrees of the Gulf of Artabro: the mouths of the A Coruña, Ares and Betanzos estuaries, with Ferrol visible further along the coast. On a clear day the Sisargas Islands and part of the Costa da Morte come into view too. The old lighthouse keepers' house has been converted into Aula do Mar, a small visitor and education centre dedicated to the natural monument of Costa de Dexo-Serantes, covering the local coastal ecosystem. A short walk away are the beaches of Portelo and Espiñeiro, a good spot to round off the visit.

What's the history behind them?

The decision to build the range towers dates back to 1904, intended to help ships navigate the tricky entrance to the Ría de A Coruña alongside the existing Oza light. The project dragged on for years; an earlier design proved technically unworkable, and the final version, by engineer Rafael de la Cerda, was only completed in 1917. Electricity did not reach the towers until 1932. Since then, their distinctive white octagonal silhouette has barely changed.

When is the best time to visit?

Aim for a clear day, when the view across the gulf reaches furthest, or come in the evening — sunset over the Gulf of Artabro is a well-known local draw and pulls people up to the cliffs. Spring and autumn mean fewer visitors, while summer adds the option of a swim at the nearby beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Mera lighthouses? No, both towers are active navigational structures and are not open to the public inside. The appeal is the surrounding viewpoint, not the interior.

Is there an entrance fee? No, reaching the lighthouses and the viewpoint is free and possible year-round.

How many lighthouses are there in Mera, and what's the difference? There are two: the smaller Faro Pequeño (about 11 m) and a taller second tower (about 14 m), standing less than 300 metres apart — together they form an alignment system for ships heading into A Coruña.

What else is there to see nearby? The restored keepers' house now houses the Aula do Mar visitor centre, and the beaches of Portelo and Espiñeiro are just a short walk away.