Punta de Anaga Lighthouse, Maritime beacon in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Punta de Anaga Lighthouse is a maritime beacon at the northern tip of Tenerife, consisting of a cylindrical tower with alternating red and white bands and a single-story keeper's house adjacent to it. The structure uses its original Fresnel lens manufactured by Barbier and Fenestre in Paris to project its light approximately 21 nautical miles across the Atlantic.
This beacon was constructed in 1864 after initial plans for an alternative location failed due to international territorial disputes. This site was chosen instead to provide safe navigation for ships passing this challenging coastline.
The name Punta de Anaga refers to the mountain ridge that extends into the sea at this location, making the lighthouse part of the maritime identity of this coastline. Visitors can observe traditional Canarian construction with whitewashed walls and dark volcanic stone, which continue to define the building's appearance.
The location sits atop a mountain ridge, so visitors should expect steep paths and elevation changes when exploring the area. The site is exposed to ocean winds and weather, making appropriate clothing and good footwear essential for your visit.
The lighthouse stands at 247 meters above sea level, perched on a mountain ridge, which makes it one of the highest-positioned beacons in this part of the Canary Islands waters. This exceptional elevation allows its relatively short tower to project light across vast distances.
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