Pechiguera Lighthouse

Pechiguera Lighthouse stands at the south-western tip of Lanzarote, within the municipality of Yaiza in the Canary Islands. It occupies Punta Pechiguera and is the second lighthouse built on this exact spot, having replaced an earlier tower that once guided ships from the same headland.

Where exactly is the lighthouse?

Pechiguera Lighthouse sits on the rocky southernmost point of Lanzarote, close to the resort town of Playa Blanca. This is the part of the island nearest to Fuerteventura, and the lighthouse marks the narrow La Bocaina strait that separates the two islands. Its coordinates are 28.855692, -13.872536, placing it on an open, Atlantic-facing stretch of coastline typical of southern Lanzarote — rocky, low-lying, and often windswept.

How do you get there?

The easiest starting point is Playa Blanca, a few kilometres away, from which the headland can be reached by car, bicycle, or on foot along coastal paths in well under half an hour. The route follows the shoreline past small rocky coves and open sea views before reaching the lighthouse itself. From Lanzarote's airport in Arrecife, the drive to the area takes around thirty minutes, making it an easy half-day trip combined with time in Playa Blanca.

What role does the lighthouse play?

Pechiguera is an active lighthouse, meaning it still performs its original navigational duty: warning vessels of the rocky point jutting into the sea and helping ships find their bearings while crossing the strait between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. This stretch of water can see strong currents and winds, and the irregular, rocky coastline makes reliable navigational aids especially important here. The current tower replaced an earlier lighthouse that once stood on the same headland — a common step in lighthouse history, usually driven by the need for a stronger, more modern light.

What else is there to see nearby?

The south-western tip of Lanzarote is one of the island's more dramatic coastal stretches, with rocky cliffs, small coves, and the volcanic terrain that defines much of Lanzarote's landscape visible along the shore. Playa Blanca itself, the usual base for visiting the lighthouse, offers a seafront promenade, beaches, and boat trips toward Fuerteventura or the Papagayo coves further along the coast. Sunset views from the headland, with the lighthouse in the foreground and Fuerteventura visible across the strait, are among the more memorable sights in this part of the island.

When is the best time to visit?

Thanks to Lanzarote's mild, year-round climate, Pechiguera Lighthouse can be visited comfortably in any season. Spring and autumn tend to offer the most pleasant conditions for walking along the exposed coastline, while summer brings larger crowds to Playa Blanca itself. Given the open, sun-exposed setting, a hat and sturdy footwear for the rocky ground around the headland are worth bringing along.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pechiguera Lighthouse still in use? Yes, it is an active lighthouse that continues to guide ships through the strait between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Where exactly is the lighthouse located? On Punta Pechiguera, at the south-western tip of Lanzarote, within the municipality of Yaiza, near Playa Blanca.

Is this the original lighthouse on this site? No — the current tower is the second lighthouse built at Punta Pechiguera, replacing an earlier structure on the same spot.

How far is it from Playa Blanca? Just a few kilometres, easily covered by car, bicycle, or on foot along the coast in well under an hour.