Faro de la Entallada (La Entallada Lighthouse)
Last Updated on 4th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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One of the defining architectural features of the eastern coast of Fuerteventura is the Faro de la Entallada, i.e. La Entallada Lighthouse. Here’s how to visit the lighthouse, as well as what to know before you go.
The lighthouse is known by several names; Punta La Entallada or La Entallada Lighthouse in English, and in Spanish as the Faro de La Entallada.
Standing high and proud above the surrounding landscape the Entallada lighthouse can be seen from far and wide. The closest town is Las Playitas, a delightful little resort characterised by its smattering of classically Fuerteventura homes and sprawling beach. If you’re visiting the island for the first time, here’s a Fuerteventura itinerary.
A history of the Faro de la Entallada
There has been a lighthouse on site since 1955 when the structure you see today was finally completed. From the outset, the project proved to be ambitious due to the remote location and high elevation on the cliffs.
The resulting lighthouse sits at 196 metres above sea level, making it the third highest in the Canary Islands and can be seen as far away as 21 nautical miles on a clear day. Every 18 seconds, the beacon emits three flashes of white light.
The project was the brainchild of architect Carlos Alcon, who sought to combined Moorish influences with a more modern flair. The resulting complex is characterised by its red masonry from stones from the village of Tetir and white washed mortar.
Mirador de la Entallada
One of the greatest draws of driving up to the lighthouse, other than to admire the Moorish architecture up close, is the fantastic viewpoint which lies directly in front of the lighthouse and is free to visit.
There is ample car parking directly in front of the light, and from there you can descend the steps onto the viewing platform and enjoy unencumbered views of the sea.
This is the easternmost point of the Canary Islands and the point of the islands which is closest to the west coast of Africa, which is around 100 km from this point.
How to visit La Entallada Lighthouse
Unfortunately, as this is still a working lighthouse, it is closed to the public and so can only be admired via its exterior. Nonetheless, the scenic drive up to the beacon is well worth it, especially if you’re already in the area and visiting nearby attractions such as Las Playitas or the town of Atalayita and the fishing village of Pozo Negro.
The most important thing to know before visiting the Canary Islands, and more remote ones such as Fuerteventura, is that public transportation can be sporadic and only travels between the major towns and villages.
If you want to go to more off the beaten path places, then you’ll need to rent a car. We personally rented with Cicar and found it to be the most enjoyable rental experience we’ve ever had- we were even able to take our rental car between the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura with no extra fee!
The only way to get to the lighthouse is with your own car. I would not attempt to walk here as there is hardly any phone signal, the lighthouse is in an incredibly elevated position above sea level, and is in a remote location.
I have to admit that the winding road to reach Faro de la Entallada is most certainly not for the faint of heart! As well as being twisty and winding, it is incredibly narrow in a number of places, meaning that two cars can’t pass one another easily (though there are passing places) and there is a sheer drop on one side!
Whatever the time of the year you visit, even in the summer, it will likely be very windy at the top! As such, you’ll want to come equipped with a jacket and tie back your hair as the winds can be rather fierce.
