📷 Pablo Forcén Soler (Forcy), Public domainCabo de Gata lighthouse
Cabo de Gata, Spain
The lighthouse at the tip of the cape looks down on the Arrecife de las Sirenas, jagged volcanic rocks in turquoise water. The road beyond it towards San José is closed to cars, so come back the way you arrived.
The present lighthouse was inaugurated in 1863 on the site of the former San Francisco de Paula fortress. It stands on the most prominent tip of the cape, a volcanic promontory in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. The tower is 18 m high and its light sits about 55 m above the sea. From the viewpoint you can see, among other things, the Arrecife de las Sirenas, the "Mermaids' Reef", the remains of an old volcanic chimney.
To get there, take the AL-3115 from the Cabo de Gata district towards La Fabriquilla and drive to the end of the road. The last stretch is narrow and winding, so go slowly. There is only a small car park next to the lighthouse, which can fill up quickly on busy days. The lighthouse itself is not normally open to visitors; people come mainly for the view.
- Nearest town
- Cabo de Gata, Spain
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 36.7219, -2.1925
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June, September and December. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Camping TauCampsite9 km from Cabo de Gata lighthouseTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Cabo de GataCampsite10 km from Cabo de Gata lighthouseTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Cabo de Gata Camper ParkMotorhome stopover11 km from Cabo de Gata lighthouseMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Los EscullosCampsite14 km from Cabo de Gata lighthouseTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camper Park Olivares, Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Nijar-AlmeriaMotorhome stopover16 km from Cabo de Gata lighthouse · 50 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping WECAMP Cabo de GataCampsite23 km from Cabo de Gata lighthouse
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cabo de Gata lighthouse?
Cabo de Gata lighthouse is in Cabo de Gata, Spain, at GPS 36.7219, -2.1925. It is about 8 km from San Miguel de Cabo de Gata.
Can you camp near Cabo de Gata lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Tau, about 9 km away; within 25 km there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cabo de Gata lighthouse?
Cabo de Gata lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Almería: Tabernas desert and Cabo de Gata.
What is there to see near Cabo de Gata lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Playa de Mónsul (4 km), Alcazaba of Almería (28 km), Tabernas Desert (39 km) and Barrio de las Cuevas, Guadix (105 km).
When is the best time to visit Cabo de Gata lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)