Punta del Melonar Lighthouse

Punta del Melonar Lighthouse stands on the coast of Gualchos, in the province of Granada, on Andalusia's Costa Tropical. It sits on a rocky headland southwest of the town of Castell de Ferro, right above the Mediterranean Sea, and is one of the most distinctive landmarks along this stretch of coastline.

What should you know about the lighthouse?

Locally, the structure is also known as the Faro de Castell de Ferro. It went into service in 1992 and was built on the site of an older defensive structure — the remains of an Arab-era watchtower known as the Torre de la Estancia. That historical layer makes the lighthouse more than a navigational aid; it also marks the location of a former coastal defense line that once guarded the area against attacks from the sea.

What sets Punta del Melonar apart is its elevation: the light sits roughly 225 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest-positioned lighthouses in Spain. The focal height of the light reaches 237 meters, and its beam has a range of about 14 nautical miles, allowing it to warn ships passing this rocky section of coast from a considerable distance. The lighthouse is operated by the Autoridad Portuaria de Motril, the Motril port authority responsible for maritime signage along this part of the Costa Tropical.

How do you get there?

Gualchos lies on the coast between Motril and the border with Almería province, and the main route along this stretch is the A-7 motorway (Autovía del Mediterráneo), which links the coastal towns of the Costa Tropical. Castell de Ferro is the closest reference point — from there, a coastal road climbs up toward the headland where the lighthouse stands. Because of its elevated position, reaching it involves a winding uphill drive, and the final stretch is often best covered on foot, depending on road conditions.

What will you see there?

The lighthouse itself is not the main draw — it's a modest white tower typical of Spanish coastal lights. The real attraction is the view its high position offers. From the viewpoint near the lighthouse, the coastline of the Costa Tropical unfolds below, with cliffs and the open expanse of the Mediterranean stretching to the horizon. It's a spot favored by visitors looking for scenic viewpoints away from crowded beaches, especially around sunset.

When is the best time to visit?

Like most active lighthouses in Spain, Punta del Melonar operates as a working navigational aid and is not open for visits inside. The surrounding area and its views, however, are accessible year-round. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions, with milder temperatures than the height of summer and clearer air that makes it easier to take in the coastline. In summer, an early morning or evening visit is a better choice, avoiding the intense midday sun typical of this part of Andalusia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Punta del Melonar Lighthouse? No — like most operational lighthouses in Spain, the interior is closed to visitors. You can, however, get close to the structure and enjoy the view from its elevated position.

Why is the lighthouse built so high above the sea? It was constructed on the site of the old Torre de la Estancia watchtower, taking advantage of the natural elevation of the headland — which is why it sits at around 225 meters above sea level.

Who manages the lighthouse? It is operated by the Autoridad Portuaria de Motril, the Motril port authority responsible for maritime navigation markers along the Costa Tropical coast.

How far does the lighthouse's beam reach? The light has a range of approximately 14 nautical miles, warning vessels near this rocky stretch of coastline well in advance.