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, standing on the western tip of El Hierro, in Spain's Canary Islands. It sits on coastal cliffs and is visible from a distance across the bare, rocky terrain that surrounds it.
Construction started after the approval of the second maritime lighting plan in 1922, and the building took shape over several years in a remote and difficult location. The stones used to build it were transported by camels from Gran Canaria, reflecting the challenges of working in such an isolated spot.
The name comes from orchil lichen, a plant that grows on volcanic rock and was once used to produce dyes. The bare, rocky formations covering the land around the tower are still visible today and give a sense of how raw this coastline feels.
The site is remote and exposed to strong winds, so solid footwear and protective clothing are a good idea before setting out. The path crosses rocky ground, and checking weather conditions ahead of time makes the visit safer and more comfortable.
This spot was long known as the Ferro Meridian, considered the westernmost point of the known world before 1492. That role in European mapping history gives the lighthouse a significance that goes well beyond its function as a navigational aid.
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