Punta Roncadoira Lighthouse

Punta Roncadoira Lighthouse stands in the municipality of Xove, in the province of Lugo, on the wild coastline of Galicia's A Mariña Lucense. It sits on a rocky headland that marks the northernmost point of the Xove municipality and the second-northernmost spot in the whole A Mariña region, second only to Punta Embarcadoiro in nearby O Vicedo.

What is the story behind the lighthouse?

The lighthouse was designed in 1974, but it took another decade before it actually went into service — its light was switched on for the first time in 1986. It was built to close a gap in the chain of maritime beacons between the lighthouses of San Cibrao and Estaca de Bares. The reason was practical rather than decorative: this stretch of coast had a long history of shipwrecks, and Spain's port authority decided the area needed a stronger navigational reference point to make it safer for passing ships.

The tower itself stands at roughly 94 metres above sea level, and its beam is visible from up to 21 nautical miles out at sea, making it one of the more significant navigational markers along this part of northern Galicia.

What will you see there?

The lighthouse perches on top of cliffs around 80 metres high, which already makes for a striking approach. From here you get a wide panorama over Esteiro beach and the small port of Portocelo, along with the coastline opening out toward the Ría de Viveiro. It is a genuinely good spot to simply sit and take in the Cantabrian Sea and a long stretch of the northern Lugo coast. Looking east you can pick out the island of Illa Ansarón, while to the west the silhouette of Estaca de Bares — the northernmost point of all Galicia — is visible on clear days. Hikers and landscape photographers tend to linger here, especially around sunset when the light on the cliffs and the Atlantic is at its best.

How do you get there?

Access is via the LU-P-2601 road connecting Xove and Portocelo. After about ten kilometres from Xove, a turn-off leads toward Vilachá, and after two further right turns you reach an unpaved track that runs for roughly a kilometre and a half before arriving directly at the lighthouse. That last stretch is narrow and unsurfaced, so it is worth covering it slowly by car or simply walking it.

When is the best time to visit?

Because of its exposed clifftop position, the lighthouse takes the full force of Atlantic winds, particularly in autumn and winter, when the sea here can turn genuinely dramatic — great if you are chasing big waves crashing against the rocks. Spring and summer bring calmer conditions and generally clearer visibility, which makes it easier to spot distant landmarks along the coast such as Estaca de Bares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It remains an active navigational aid and is not open to the public on the inside, but you can walk right up to it and explore the surrounding cliffs freely.

Is the access road suitable for a regular car? The final stretch is an unpaved track of about 1.5 km. In good weather a standard car can manage it without trouble, though you should drive slowly given the uneven surface.

How much time should I set aside for a visit? Taking in the lighthouse and the viewpoint takes about 20–30 minutes, but allow more time if you plan to walk along the cliffs toward Esteiro or Portocelo.

How far is it from Viveiro? The lighthouse is about 14 km from Viveiro, making it easy to combine with other stops along this stretch of the Lugo coast.