List of lighthouses in Spain facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Lighthouses are like friendly giants standing guard along the coast, sending out bright beams of light to guide ships safely. Spain, with its long and beautiful coastline, has many of these important structures. From ancient towers to modern designs, Spanish lighthouses have played a crucial role in helping sailors navigate the waters of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

These amazing buildings aren't just pretty to look at; they are vital for maritime safety. They warn ships about dangerous rocks, shallow waters, and help them find their way to ports, especially during storms or at night. Each lighthouse has a unique light pattern, like a secret code, so sailors know exactly where they are.

What Makes a Lighthouse Special?
- Lighthouse Parts
- Lighthouses Across Spain
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By Autonomous Communities
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What Makes a Lighthouse Special?

Lighthouses come in all shapes and sizes, but they all share a common purpose: to shine a light for ships. Here are some cool facts about them:

Lighthouse Parts

Tower height: This is how tall the actual building is, from the ground to the top.
Focal height: This is how high the light itself is above the sea. A higher light can be seen from further away!
Range: This tells us how far the light can be seen by ships. Some lights can be seen for many miles!
Year built: Lighthouses have a long history. Some are very old, while others are quite new. Many have been updated over the years.

Lighthouses Across Spain

Spain's lighthouses are spread across its many coastal regions and islands.

Mediterranean Coast Lighthouses

Along the sunny Mediterranean coast, you'll find lighthouses in regions like Andalusia, Valencian Community, Region of Murcia, and Catalonia. Many of these lighthouses have stood for over a hundred years, guiding ships through busy waters. For example, the Cabo de Gata Lighthouse in Almería, built in 1863, has a light that can be seen up to 24 nautical miles away! The Cabo de Palos Lighthouse in Murcia is another impressive one, standing 51 meters tall.

Atlantic Coast Lighthouses

On the Atlantic side, in regions like Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, lighthouses face the powerful ocean. The Tower of Hercules in A Coruña, Galicia, is super special because it's the oldest working lighthouse in the world, dating back to Roman times (around 110 AD)! It's like a living piece of history still helping ships today. The Cape Finisterre Lighthouse in Galicia is also famous, standing at what was once thought to be the "end of the world."

Island Lighthouses

Spain's beautiful islands, like the Balearic Islands (Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera) and the Canary Islands, also rely heavily on lighthouses. These island lights help guide ships through important shipping lanes and around island hazards. The Formentor Lighthouse on Majorca, built in 1863, is located in a stunning, high-up spot, with its light 210 meters above the sea! In the Canary Islands, the Maspalomas Lighthouse on Gran Canaria is a well-known landmark, standing 56 meters tall.