Cabo de Gata Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Spain
Cabo de Gata Lighthouse is a white cylindrical tower standing 50 meters above sea level at the southeastern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It sits in a landscape of salt flats and rocky outcrops that frame the Mediterranean coastline at this strategic location.
Construction began in 1863 on the ruins of the San Francisco de Paula fortress, converting a military defense site into a navigation aid for ships. The structure became essential for guiding vessels safely past this treacherous stretch of coast.
The lighthouse site carries tales from ancient times when seafarers heard sounds near the nearby reef and mistook them for mermaids, though the noises actually came from monk seals living in the waters. These old stories still shape how locals and visitors view this corner of the coast.
Visitors reach the structure via a narrow road that passes through salt flats, with designated parking available at the observation point. The cooler months are best for visiting since the exposed coastal location offers little shade during summer heat.
The tower functions as a monitoring point for migratory birds that use the adjacent salt flats during different seasons. Birdwatchers often visit to observe the movement patterns of various species passing through the region.
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