Angelochori Lighthouse

Built between 1855/1881, the Cape Higuer Lighthouse is an important part of the maritime history of the Basque Country, Spain.Although the lighthouse tower itself is 21 mtr. high, its elevated position on the cliffs gives it a focal height of approximately 65 mtr. above sea level.

The lighthouse beam can be seen from a distance of more than 43 kilometres, making it a vital navigation point along the rugged Cantabrian coast. Today, the lighthouse remains a popular attraction for visitors exploring Lekeitio, Biscay, and the scenic northern coastline of Spain.
Coördinates are: 43.392°N 1.79194°W

Built in 1862, the Santa Catalina Lighthouse is an important part of the maritime history of the Basque Country, Spain.Although the lighthouse tower itself is 13 mtr. high, its elevated position on the cliffs gives it a focal height of approximately 46 mtr. above sea level.

The lighthouse beam can be seen from a distance of more than 31 kilometres, making it a vital navigation point along the rugged Cantabrian coast. Today, the lighthouse remains a popular attraction for visitors exploring Lekeitio, Biscay, and the scenic northern coastline of Spain.
Coördinates are: 43.37716°N 2.50996°W

Built between 1852 and 1909, the Faro Matxitxako is an important part of the maritime history of the Basque Country, Spain. Although the lighthouse tower itself is 20 mtr. high, its elevated position on the cliffs gives it a focal height of approximately 120 mtr. above sea level.

The lighthouse beam can be seen from a distance of more than 44 kilometres, making it a vital navigation point along the rugged Cantabrian coast. Today, the lighthouse remains a popular attraction for visitors exploring Lekeitio, Biscay, and the scenic northern coastline of Spain.
Coördinates are: 43.45419°N 2.75270°W

Built in 1985, the Cape Ajo Lighthouse is an important part of the maritime history of the Basque Country, Spain.Although the lighthouse tower itself is 14 mtr. high, its elevated position on the cliffs gives it a focal height of approximately 71 mtr. above sea level.

The lighthouse beam can be seen from a distance of more than 31 kilometres, making it a vital navigation point along the rugged Cantabrian coast. Today, the lighthouse remains a popular attraction for visitors exploring Lekeitio, Biscay, and the scenic northern coastline of Spain.
Coördinates are: 43.51155°N 3.59529°W

During our visit to Ribadesella, we unexpectedly came across the town’s old lighthouse, hidden away on the dramatic coastline of Asturias in northern Spain. What could have been a charming historical attraction instead felt like stepping into a forgotten place lost in time.

The entire site appeared abandoned. Overgrown weeds covered much of the terrain, giving the area a neglected and almost mysterious atmosphere. The lighthouse building itself looked weathered and deteriorated, clearly showing decades of exposure to the harsh coastal elements.

Access to the lighthouse is restricted by a locked gate. Climbing over would be the only alternative, but a warning sign mentioning video surveillance makes visitors think twice before attempting it. According to local stories and information found online, the gate has reportedly remained locked for at least 40 to 50 years, adding even more intrigue to this isolated location.

Despite its abandoned appearance, the lighthouse still stands proudly overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. Whether the lighthouse still shines its light at night and continues to guide ships along the Asturian coastline remains uncertain. From our visit, it was impossible to tell if it still functions as an active beacon for sailors.

Even so, the abandoned lighthouse of Ribadesella remains a fascinating hidden spot for travelers exploring Asturias. The combination of rugged coastal scenery, history, and decay creates a unique destination for photographers, urban explorers, and visitors looking for unusual places away from the typical tourist routes.

If you are planning a trip to Ribadesella, this mysterious lighthouse is worth discovering — even if only from behind the locked gates.

Built in 1861, the Cape Ajo Lighthouse is an important part of the maritime history of the Basque Country, Spain.Although the lighthouse tower itself is 8 mtr. high, its elevated position on the cliffs gives it a focal height of approximately 115 mtr. above sea level.

The lighthouse beam can be seen from a distance of more than 46 kilometres, making it a vital navigation point along the rugged Cantabrian coast. Today, the lighthouse remains a popular attraction for visitors exploring Lekeitio, Biscay, and the scenic northern coastline of Spain.
Coördinates are: 43.47284°N 5.08294°W

Understanding Spain’s Coastal Law and Coastal Boundary Markers

Since 1988, Spain has implemented Law 22/1988, better known as the Spanish Coastal Law (Ley de Costas). This legislation, later amended by the 2013 reform, aims to define, protect, regulate, and preserve the public maritime-terrestrial domain, with particular emphasis on Spain’s coastline.

In simple terms, the law establishes a protected public coastal zone starting from a legally determined boundary line. Within this area, local and national authorities have jurisdiction over matters such as construction, land use, and environmental protection. As a general rule, new development is prohibited within these protected coastal zones. In some situations, existing buildings may even be expropriated or demolished if they are deemed to violate coastal regulations.

Along the Bay of Biscay, for example, the boundary line can be found approximately 50 metres from the high-tide line. This line is marked with numbered boundary markers that clearly indicate where the public maritime-terrestrial domain begins. Similar to national borders and official boundary markers that define jurisdiction and sovereignty, these coastal markers provide legal clarity regarding the starting point of public coastal land and government authority.

For anyone considering buying, selling, or developing coastal real estate in Spain, understanding the implications of the Spanish Coastal Law, coastal property regulations, and protected shoreline zones is essential.

DPMT

Public Maritime-Terrestrial Domain

What Is the DPMT in Spain? Understanding the Public Maritime-Terrestrial Domain

DPMTstands for Dominio Público Marítimo-Terrestre, which translates to the Public Maritime-Terrestrial Domain. It is a legal concept within Spanish administrative law that covers all coastal areas owned by the Spanish State and protected by the government under the Spanish Coastal Law (Ley de Costas).

The DPMT includes the coastline, beaches, dunes, territorial waters, and the natural resources located along the coast. Its primary purpose is to preserve Spain’s coastal environment while ensuring public access and sustainable use of coastal areas.

Key Aspects of the DPMTPublic and Inalienable Coastal Property

The DPMT is considered public property and cannot be privately owned or sold. All citizens have the right to access and enjoy Spain’s beaches and coastal areas, as these belong to the public domain.

Coastal Protection Zones and Building Restrictions

Strict regulations apply within and around the DPMT to protect the environment and prevent excessive coastal development. These include:

• Protection zoneswith limitations on construction and land use
• Easement zones (servidumbre zones)that restrict certain activities near the coastline
• Environmental controls aimed at preserving beaches, dunes, and marine ecosystems

These regulations can significantly affect property ownership, renovation rights, and future developments near the Spanish coast.

The “Deslinde” Process

The exact boundaries of the DPMT are officially determined through a legal and administrative procedure known as deslinde. During this process, the Spanish authorities identify and mark the limits of the public maritime-terrestrial domain. Once established, these boundaries are recorded in official registers and enforced by the government.

Understanding the DPMT and the Spanish Coastal Law is essential for property owners, investors, and developers involved in coastal real estate in Spain, as it directly impacts property rights, construction permissions, and land use regulations.

Palacio Barolo

Faro Isla Martin Garcia

Farol Barra do Chuí

Faro de Isla de Farallón

Faro de Isla de Farallón is a historic lighthouse in Uruguay, located on Isla de Farallón, just off the coast of Colonia del Sacramento. Built as a circular masonry tower with a white-painted base, the lighthouse is a prominent maritime landmark in the Río de la Plata region.

The tower rises 24 metershigh and is topped with a distinctive dome featuring red and white radial stripes. The lighthouse has a luminous range of 10.2 nautical milesand emits a characteristic signal of two white flashes every 10 seconds, making it an essential aid for coastal navigation.

Inaugurated in August 1876, the Faro de Isla de Farallón has a long history of adaptation to challenging conditions. In 1928, the lighting system was automated after lighthouse keepers often became isolated and cut off from communication for days following severe storms. At that time, the original system was replaced with an acetylene gas installation, which required maintenance only twice a year. Today, the lighthouse operates using solar energy, powered by two solar panels, ensuring reliable and sustainable operation.

As one of the oldest lighthouses near Colonia del Sacramento, the Faro de Isla de Farallón represents an important part of Uruguay’s maritime heritage and coastal navigation history.

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Colonia del Sacramento

Faro de Colonia del Sacramento

Faro de Colonia del Sacramento is one of the most iconic landmarks in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, located within the city’s UNESCO-listed Barrio Histórico. Built in 1857, the lighthouse stands beside the historic ruins of the Convento de San Francisco, combining colonial heritage with maritime navigation.

Constructed as a cylindrical stone tower, the lighthouse rises approximately 26 metersabove ground level. Its elevated position allows the light to be seen across the Río de la Plata, guiding vessels approaching the port and coastline. The structure is notable for its simplicity, durability, and strategic placement in the historic heart of the city.

Today, the Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse serves both as an active navigational aidand a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can climb the lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the old town, the river, and the surrounding coastline. As a symbol of Colonia’s maritime past, the lighthouse reflects the city’s long history as a strategic port contested by Spanish and Portuguese powers.

Faro de Colonia del Sacramento remains an essential part of Uruguay’s cultural and nautical heritage, blending history, architecture, and navigation in one of the country’s most visited historic cities.

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'Palacio Barolo'  in Buenos Aires

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Discover detailed and fascinating information about 'Cape Farewell', the northernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island, on the New Zealand country page.Click on 'Cape Farewell'.

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