Ponta da Barca Lighthouse

Ponta da Barca Lighthouse (Farol da Ponta da Barca) guards the north-western coast of Graciosa, in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Graciosa in the Azores. A white tower on a sea cliff, with a whale-shaped rock beside it, makes this one of the island's signature sights.

What is there to see?

The station has a symmetrical single-storey building and a cylindrical tower 23 metres tall. It stands on a cliff about 24 metres high, which puts the lamp 71 metres above the ocean. It is a second-order light and has been in service since 1 February 1930. The Portuguese Navy owns it, so visitors view it from the outside.

Right next to it is the Baleia de Pedra, the "stone whale": a basalt outcrop that has resisted erosion and still looks like the animal it is named after. Close by lies the islet Ilhéu da Baleia, the remains of an old volcanic cone worn down by the sea. The surrounding coast belongs to the Ponta da Barca protected area.

Where is it and how do I get there?

The lighthouse sits near the hamlet of Bom Jesus, in the parish of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, the island's main town. Graciosa is small, so you can reach the site from Santa Cruz by car, bike or taxi in a short time. Coordinates are roughly 39.094 N, 28.049 W. The island is served by flights from Terceira and by ferries from other islands in the central group.

Can I walk there?

Yes. The lighthouse is on trail PR04 GRA, "Das Vinhas ao Mar" (From the Vineyards to the Sea). The linear route is about 6.6 km and takes around 2.5 hours. It starts at the old primary school in Bom Jesus beside a 19th-century fountain, crosses vineyards enclosed by basalt walls, passes the Achada windmill and then heads for the lighthouse. It finishes at the Barro Vermelho bathing area. Bring a hat and a windproof layer; the cliff top is rarely calm.

When should I go?

Late spring to early autumn gives the driest and most settled weather for walking and photos. Morning and late-afternoon light brings out the white tower against the dark basalt. In strong wind or fog, keep well back from the cliff edge.

Frequently asked questions

Can I climb the tower? No. It is a working lighthouse owned by the Navy. You explore the grounds' surroundings and the cliff views.

Is there an entrance fee? The area around the lighthouse is open coastline, and viewing from outside costs nothing.

What can I combine with the visit? The PR04 GRA trail, the Achada windmill and the Barro Vermelho bathing area. The lighthouse stop itself usually takes about an hour.

When did the light start operating? On 1 February 1930.