Phare de San Emeterio, Lighthouse in Ribadedeva, Asturias, Spain

The San Emeterio lighthouse stands on a 21,000 m² plot of low scrub, holm oaks and strawberry trees at Punta de San Emeterio, Ribadedeva. Its square masonry building, 17 m per side, has ashlar quoins, jambs, lintels and cornices; the cylindrical ashlar tower, painted bluish-white, is partly embedded in the north face. The light, 68 m above the sea and 9 m above ground, reaches 20 nautical miles.

The lighthouse entered service in 1852, according to Spanish sources, though the French Wikipedia gives 15 March 1864; it was electrified in 1951 (or 1952 in the French account). It stands on Punta de San Emeterio in Pimiango, Ribadedeva, and is managed by the port authority of Gijón.

The lighthouse serves as a familiar landmark for local fishermen and residents who have relied on its light for generations as a sign of safety. Its presence shapes the identity of this coastal place and connects people to their maritime heritage.

Visitors should note that access to the tower itself may be limited and sturdy footwear is necessary because of the rock formations around the Punta. The best time to visit is during good weather when views of the coast and sea are at their best.

The tower rises only 9 metres above the ground yet reaches a focal height of 68 metres above the sea, because it is built almost at the edge of the cliff over the Ría de Tina Mayor. The 21,000-square-metre plot around it is covered in low scrub, holm oaks and strawberry trees.