Gustavia Lighthouse, lighthouse on Saint Barthélemy in the French West Indies
The Gustavia Lighthouse is a beacon on the coast of Saint Barthélemy that rises about 10 meters high on a hill, painted white with a red top. The structure sits on the grounds of the former Fort Gustav and overlooks Gustavia Harbor with its anchored vessels.
The beacon was built from concrete in 1961 to help ships navigate along the rocky and reefed coast. After initial gas operation, it switched to electricity in 1972 and became automated to make the harbors safer.
The Gustavia Lighthouse carries the name of the town and reflects the island's maritime heritage. Visitors see a white structure with a red top that has served as a recognizable landmark for locals and sailors for decades.
A walking path leads visitors up to the structure and offers open views of the harbor and neighboring islands. The walk is easy to manage and can be done at any time of day, though it is best during good light for photographs.
The light flashes every 12 seconds and is visible for several kilometers on clear nights. It continues to assist ships despite modern GPS systems, serving as a dependable reference point during difficult weather conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
