Punta Orchilla Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in El Pinar de El Hierro, Spain
Punta Orchilla Lighthouse is an octagonal tower with a double balcony and lantern room, situated on the western edge of El Hierro. It rises about 25 meters tall and sits roughly 132 meters above sea level on dramatic coastal cliffs.
Construction began after approval of the second maritime lighting plan in 1922, marking the start of this navigational facility. Stones for the building were transported by camels from Gran Canaria, showing the logistics challenges of that era.
The place takes its name from orchil lichen, a plant that grows on volcanic rocks and was once used to make dyes. The landscape around the lighthouse displays these bare, rocky formations that define the western coast of El Hierro.
The site is remote and exposed to elements, requiring solid preparation before visiting, especially in rough weather. Bring sturdy shoes and protective clothing since the route crosses rocky terrain.
This location historically marked the Ferro Meridian, once considered the westernmost point of the known world before 1492. That meridian significance makes the lighthouse a special place in European mapping and navigation history.
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