Cape Vilan Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cape Vilan
Cape Vilan, northwest of Camariñas
Cape Vilan Location in Spain
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Galicia
Province	A Coruña
Comarca	Terra de Soneira

Cape Vilan (also called Cabo Vilán in Galician) is a rocky piece of land sticking out into the sea on the west coast of Galicia, Spain. It's found in a famous area known as the "Coast of Death" (Costa da Morte), near the village of Camariñas. This special place was recognized for its importance in 1933 and is now a Natural Monument. Even so, you can find a wind farm and a fish farm nearby, where they raise turbot fish.

Cape Vilan: A Special Place in Spain
- The Famous Lighthouse
- A Sad Shipwreck Story
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Cape Vilan: A Special Place in Spain

Cape Vilan is a beautiful and wild part of the Galician coast. It's known for its rugged cliffs and the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves. Being declared a Natural Monument means this area is protected because of its unique natural beauty and importance.

The Famous Lighthouse

The Cape Vilan Lighthouse stands tall on this dangerous part of the "Coast of Death." It helps guide ships safely past the rocky shore. The lighthouse is built 125 meters (about 410 feet) above sea level. It has a very strong light that can be seen from up to 55 kilometers (about 34 miles) away. This lighthouse is special because it was the very first electric lighthouse in Spain.

A Sad Shipwreck Story

In 1890, a sad event happened near Cape Vilan. A British ship called HMS Serpent was sailing to Sierra Leone. It sank during a big storm close to the cape. Sadly, 173 men lost their lives in the shipwreck. They were buried nearby in a place now known as the English Cemetery (Cemiterio dos Ingleses). This cemetery is a reminder of the dangers of the sea and the history of this coast.