Perched dramatically on these cliffs, can you feel the invigorating breeze? This is Faro de la Entallada. It stands as a sentinel guarding Fuerteventura’s eastern coast. Welcome to a place where the land meets the vast Atlantic.
Faro de la Entallada isn’t just a lighthouse. It’s a testament to unique design. Constructed in 1955 by architect Carlos Alcon, it incorporates Moorish architectural elements. The contrasting masonry and whitewashed mortar create its distinctive facade. Notice the colored stone? It comes from the village of Tetir in central Fuerteventura.
Look closely at the seaward face. Three square towers rise before you. The tallest supports the glass lantern dome. Now, turn your gaze landward. The building extends into two arms. An arched walkway encloses a central courtyard on three sides.
Standing here, you’re at one of the highest points in the Canaries. Faro de la Entallada’s focal height is 196 meters above the sea. That makes it the third highest in the islands. Its light reaches 21 nautical miles. Three flashes of white light punctuate the darkness every 18 seconds.
Faro de la Entallada marks the closest point in the Canary Islands to Africa. We are just 100 kilometers from Cape Juby in Morocco. Imagine the historical significance of this location.
But Faro de la Entallada has served more than maritime purposes. It once acted as an aerial beacon. Aircraft from Gando airfield used its light to navigate toward the Spanish Sahara. This included planes involved in the Ifni conflict.
The road to Faro de la Entallada is an adventure in itself. The FV-511, also known as Carretera Faro de la Entallada, winds steeply. Some drivers find the final stretch a bit unnerving.
Today, Faro de la Entallada is a popular tourist destination. The viewpoint and car park welcome visitors from around the world. In 2011, Correos, the Spanish postal service, honored it on a commemorative stamp. It was part of a set featuring six lighthouses.
Take a moment to appreciate the views. The ocean stretches out before you. The barren landscape of Fuerteventura surrounds you. The strong breeze reminds you of nature’s power. Faro de la Entallada offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.