Punta de la Mona Lighthouse

Punta de la Mona Lighthouse stands on a rocky headland between the beaches of La Herradura and Almuñécar, on the Costa Tropical coast in the province of Granada. It's a spot worth visiting less for the structure itself and more for the sweeping coastal views it commands.

What is this place?

The current lighthouse has a conical shape, a circular base 8.70 meters in diameter, and stands 10.50 meters tall. It isn't the first structure to occupy this headland, though. For centuries this point held a watchtower dating back to the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada — known as the Rábita de Xarfa, a Muslim defensive lookout built to guard the coast against seaborne attacks. In the 18th century a new watchtower replaced it on the same spot, and it wasn't until 1992 that the tower was converted into an active maritime lighthouse. These layered centuries — from a medieval fortification to a modern navigational aid — give the site a weight beyond its practical function.

You cannot go inside the lighthouse itself — it remains an operational piece of maritime infrastructure and is closed to visitors. That's not really a drawback, though, since the real draw here is the headland and the panorama it offers.

How do you get there?

Punta de la Mona sits on the promontory dividing the bay of La Herradura from Almuñécar, so it's reachable from either town. Walking or driving toward the headland between the two beaches is the most practical approach, along a route that runs through partly wooded, natural terrain. Wear sturdy shoes, since the ground around the point is uneven and rocky.

What will you see from the headland?

The view is the main reason to make the trip. Looking east, you'll spot Marina del Este, Cotobro, Almuñécar itself, and further along the coast, Salobreña and Motril. To the west stretches the bay of La Herradura and the green hills of the Cerro Gordo Natural Park, though trees on that side partially limit the panorama. To the north, mountain scenery typical of inland Andalusia dominates the horizon, while to the south lies the open, deep blue of the Mediterranean. It's one of the best vantage points on the entire Costa Tropical coastline.

When should you visit?

The headland is accessible all year round, but early morning or just before sunset offers the best conditions for photography and a relaxed visit, when the light is softer and the heat less intense. In summer, midday sun on this exposed, rocky terrain can be harsh, so bring water and something to cover your head.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. Punta de la Mona Lighthouse is an active navigational structure and is not open to visitors. You can, however, view it from outside and walk up to the headland where it stands.

How far is the lighthouse from Almuñécar or La Herradura? The Punta de la Mona headland sits between the two towns, on the promontory separating their beaches. The exact route depends on your starting point, but both towns offer walking or driving access to the site.

Is it a good spot for sunset? Yes. Thanks to its open exposure to the sea and elevated position on the headland, it's a popular spot for watching the sun go down over the Costa Tropical.

What is the history behind this lighthouse? The site has held defensive importance since medieval times, when the Rábita de Xarfa, a Muslim watchtower from the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, stood here. A new tower was built in the 18th century, and it was only converted into a working lighthouse in 1992.