Punta del Castillete Lighthouse

Punta del Castillete Lighthouse is an active lighthouse standing on the cliffs above Puerto de Mogán, in the municipality of Mogán on Gran Canaria.

Where is the lighthouse located?

The lighthouse sits on the Punta Castillete headland, on the south-western coast of the island, facing the open Atlantic Ocean. From the cliffs where it was built, you get a direct view down onto the fishing and tourist harbour of Puerto de Mogán — one of the most recognisable spots on the south of Gran Canaria, known for its canals and marina lined with colourful houses. Geographically, Punta del Castillete lies between two other lighthouses on the island: Maspalomas to the south and Punta Sardina to the north, making it one of the landmarks along this stretch of the western coastline.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse stands right above the harbour of Puerto de Mogán, so the easiest starting point is the town centre itself. From there, coastal paths lead up onto the cliffs — comfortable shoes with good grip are worth wearing, since the ground is rocky and uneven in places. Visitors travelling by car usually park in Puerto de Mogán and cover the rest of the route on foot, which also means passing close to the harbour and promenade along the way. It's an easy combination: explore the town first, then walk out to the headland.

What will you see once you're there?

The lighthouse itself is a small, whitewashed tower — a typical example of Canarian maritime architecture, built for function rather than visual flair. The real draw of this spot, though, isn't the structure but the setting around it: a wide-open view of the Atlantic Ocean, the line of cliffs dropping down to the water, and a bird's-eye look at Puerto de Mogán below. It's one of the few places in this part of the island where you can take in the harbour and the town from above without a drone or a boat trip. On clear days, visibility stretches far out over the open sea to the west.

When is the best time to visit?

The south of Gran Canaria has a mild, sunny climate year-round, so the lighthouse can be visited in any season. Early morning and the hours before sunset give the best light for photos and the calmest atmosphere, when the sun sits lower and the cliffs and ocean take on warmer tones. In the middle of the day, especially in summer, bring water and sun protection, since the open, treeless terrain gets hot fast. It's also worth checking the wind forecast — the cliffs can get breezy, which affects how comfortable the walk feels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? It's an active lighthouse that supports maritime navigation, so access to the interior is normally restricted to the staff responsible for running it. Visitors view it from outside and from the surrounding cliffs.

Can you walk to the lighthouse from Puerto de Mogán? Yes, that's the usual way to reach it — coastal paths run from the harbour up toward the cliffs where the lighthouse stands.

Is it worth combining with a visit to Puerto de Mogán? Definitely — the harbour and marina sit right at the foot of the cliffs, so a walk out to the headland pairs naturally with exploring the town's canals, restaurants, and promenade.

What views can you expect from the headland? An open panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, the cliff line, and a high vantage point over the harbour and rooftops of Puerto de Mogán — the main reason visitors make the trip out here.