Punta Abona Lighthouse

Punta Abona Lighthouse rises on a rocky headland on the south-eastern coast of Tenerife, in the municipality of Arico, between the towns of Abades and Poris de Abona. It is an active lighthouse that continues to guide ships along one of the island's most exposed stretches of coastline.

Where exactly is the lighthouse located?

Punta Abona marks the south-eastern tip of Tenerife and sits on a line between two other lighthouses: Punta de Anaga to the north and Punta Rasca, in the municipality of Arona, to the south. The structure standing today is actually the second lighthouse built on this headland — an earlier one was eventually replaced by the current, more durable tower that still operates here. The site's coordinates are 28.148056, -16.426944, placing it right along the shoreline between Abades and Poris de Abona.

How do you get to Punta Abona?

The headland sits on Tenerife's eastern coast, along the stretch connecting Abades and Poris de Abona — both towns act as convenient access points for this part of the island. Coming from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Candelaria, the coastal road runs south past a string of small seaside settlements before reaching the area. Given the terrain — rugged volcanic cliffs meeting open ocean — a car is the most practical way to get close, followed by a short walk along the coastline to reach the lighthouse itself.

What is there to see?

The lighthouse itself is the main draw: a white tower standing above the shoreline, framed by the raw, volcanic scenery typical of south-eastern Tenerife. Visitors come mainly for the open Atlantic views and the contrast between the jagged coastal rock and the quiet, often near-empty stretches of beach nearby. The headland's position is worth noting in its own right — this is one of the points where the island juts furthest into the sea, giving unusually wide visibility along the coast in both directions. For anyone interested in maritime history, the lighthouse's ongoing role in guiding vessels past this section of Tenerife adds an extra layer of interest to the visit.

When is the best time to visit?

The area enjoys Tenerife's typical year-round warmth and sunshine, with only modest seasonal variation. Morning and early afternoon tend to work best, before the sun is at its highest and while the sea breeze still tempers the heat. Abades and Poris de Abona are far quieter than the resort towns on the island's south, so weekends and afternoons tend to draw more local visitors than tourists looking for a peaceful stretch of coast.

What should you know before visiting?

The lighthouse sits in an open, largely undeveloped setting with little tourist infrastructure — this is a destination for travelers drawn to a raw, unpolished coastline rather than a fully serviced attraction. The ground around the headland can be uneven and rocky, so sturdy footwear is more useful here than at many of the island's other landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Punta Abona Lighthouse located? The lighthouse stands on the Punta Abona headland on Tenerife's south-eastern coast, in the municipality of Arico, between the towns of Abades and Poris de Abona.

Is this the original lighthouse built on the headland? No — the current structure is the second lighthouse built at this location. An earlier one was replaced by the tower that still stands and operates today.

What other lighthouses are nearby? Punta de Anaga Lighthouse lies to the north, while Punta Rasca Lighthouse, in the municipality of Arona, lies to the south.

Can visitors go inside the lighthouse? The lighthouse remains an active navigational aid, so visits are limited to viewing it from the outside and taking in the surrounding coastline.