Punta de Arinaga Lighthouse

Punta de Arinaga Lighthouse stands on the south-eastern coast of Gran Canaria, in the town of Arinaga within the municipality of Agüimes. Built on the rocky headland of Punta Arinaga, it's the third lighthouse tower raised on this exact spot — the earlier structures gave way to the current one, which still functions as an active navigational light for ships passing along this stretch of coastline.

Where exactly is it?

The lighthouse sits at the tip of the Punta Arinaga headland, right next to the town that shares its name, part of the municipality of Agüimes. This is the east coast of Gran Canaria, positioned between two other lighthouses: Maspalomas to the south and Punta de Melenara in Telde to the north. Punta de Arinaga essentially fills the gap between them, marking its own point along this section of shoreline.

How do you get there?

Arinaga lies on Gran Canaria's eastern coast, in the Agüimes municipality, close to the main roads connecting the south of the island with Las Palmas. The town works well as a base for exploring Agüimes and the neighbouring coastal settlements. The headland itself is reachable on foot from the town — the path follows the coastline, so comfortable shoes are worth packing, along with an expectation of wind, which is typical for this side of the island.

What will you actually see?

The centerpiece is the lighthouse tower itself — a fairly plain, functional structure, in keeping with lighthouses still in active service for maritime navigation rather than built as showpieces. Around it stretches a rocky, exposed Atlantic coastline, a clear contrast to the sandy beaches found further south on the island. From the headland you get open views out over the ocean and along the shore in both directions, toward Maspalomas one way and Telde the other. This is a spot for quiet coastal scenery rather than built-up tourist infrastructure — there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, and the appeal is the headland and seascape themselves.

When is the best time to visit?

The coast around Arinaga is known for strong winds, and conditions can shift noticeably through the day — mornings tend to be calmer, with wind picking up in the afternoon. If you're planning to walk along the cliffs, earlier hours are more comfortable, with softer sun and less wind to contend with. Season matters less here than on many other islands, since Gran Canaria keeps a mild climate year-round, but it's worth checking the wind forecast before heading out to the headland itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Punta de Arinaga Lighthouse still in operation? Yes, it's an active lighthouse and continues to serve as a navigational aid for ships travelling along Gran Canaria's eastern coast.

Can you go inside the lighthouse? Working lighthouses on Gran Canaria are operational structures and aren't generally open for interior visits — the main draw is viewing the tower and surrounding coastline from outside.

What other lighthouses are nearby? The closest ones are the Maspalomas lighthouse to the south and the Punta de Melenara lighthouse in Telde to the north — Punta de Arinaga sits roughly between the two along the east coast.

Is it worth combining with other stops in Agüimes? Yes, since Arinaga and its lighthouse fall within the municipality of Agüimes, a coastal walk here pairs naturally with a visit to the town of Agüimes itself or other points along this stretch of the island's eastern shore.