Punta Nariga Lighthouse

Punta Nariga Lighthouse rises from a rocky headland in Malpica de Bergantiños, on the wild Costa da Morte in Galicia, and has become one of the most photographed landmarks on this stretch of the Spanish coast.

What makes this lighthouse special?

Punta Nariga is the youngest operating lighthouse in Spain, designed in 1995 and completed in 1998. It was created by Galician architect César Portela, known for blending bold contemporary forms with the raw coastal landscape of his home region. Rather than the classic white tower found elsewhere along the coast, Portela shaped a structure that looks different from every angle: on one side it reads like a fortress fused into the rock, on another it takes the form of a ship's bow pointed toward the Atlantic. That bow-shaped end is topped with a small bronze sculpture, visible against the sky from a distance.

How was it built?

The lighthouse sits on two triangular bases of grey granite, from which a cylindrical, pinkish tower rises roughly 39 meters. The tower is built from granite quarried in Porriño, a material prized across Galicia for its quality and durability. The whole structure was positioned to follow the natural contours of the headland rather than impose on them, which is exactly what makes Punta Nariga stand out: instead of dominating the cliffs, it feels like a continuation of them. That approach to blending architecture with landscape is why the lighthouse is often cited as a landmark of modern Galician design.

What will you see on site?

The headland is surrounded by ocean on three sides, giving open, uninterrupted views along the Costa da Morte in both directions. On clear days you can trace the line of cliffs stretching toward the horizon, while on rougher days the crashing swell explains why this coastline earned its ominous nickname, the "Coast of Death." Punta Nariga also marks the starting point of the Camiño dos Faros, a roughly 200-kilometer coastal walking route that links a string of lighthouses and headlands all the way from Malpica to Fisterra.

How do you get there?

Punta Nariga lies within the municipality of Malpica de Bergantiños, in the province of A Coruña. The easiest approach is from the town of Malpica itself, following a coastal road that leads to the lighthouse in around ten to fifteen minutes by car. Access is free, and a small parking area sits a short walk from the lighthouse itself.

When is the best time to visit?

The site is open year-round, though spring and summer bring the most stable weather along this part of the coast. Even so, the Costa da Morte is known for sudden weather shifts, so a windbreaker is worth packing regardless of season — strong gusts off the Atlantic can appear with little warning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Punta Nariga Lighthouse? No. It remains an active navigational lighthouse, so the interior is not open to visitors. You can, however, walk right up to the structure and admire its architecture up close from the outside.

Who designed the lighthouse? Galician architect César Portela designed it in 1995, and construction was completed in 1998.

What sets Punta Nariga apart from other Galician lighthouses? It's the newest lighthouse in Spain, built in a deliberately modern style that breaks from the traditional white-tower design and instead follows the natural shape of the surrounding rock.

Can you start a longer hike from Punta Nariga? Yes. It marks one end of the Camiño dos Faros, a coastal trail connecting a series of lighthouses along the Costa da Morte between Malpica and Fisterra.