Tarifa Lighthouse, Lighthouse on southern tip of mainland Europe in Tarifa, Spain.
Tarifa Lighthouse is a white cylindrical tower reaching 33 meters high at Europe's southern tip, where the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean converge. The complex includes a visitor center where guests can learn about maritime navigation and the working conditions of its former keepers.
The current structure replaced a 1588 watchtower in 1813, initially operating with a fixed white beam that marked shipping routes. Rotating reflectors were added in 1822, significantly improving the signal visible to passing vessels.
The lighthouse serves as a defining landmark in the town's identity, reflecting Tarifa's deep connection to the sea and maritime traditions. Passing ships and visitors alike recognize it as a symbol bridging two continents and two bodies of water.
The site sits at the southern tip of the continent and is readily accessible with wide views across the strait toward the North African coast. The location is exposed and windy, so dress accordingly depending on the season.
The lighthouse emits three white flashes with a red sector, a distinctive pattern that sets it apart from Morocco's Cape Spartel lighthouse across the strait. This specific signal allows sailors to quickly tell the two apart and maintain proper navigation.
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