Some routes don't follow a region but an idea, and the lighthouse route is one of the loveliest for a motorhome. Lighthouses tend to sit in the most spectacular spots on the coast (headlands, cliffs, points facing the ocean), offering unforgettable sunsets and a special kind of solitude. Touring Spain's most beautiful lighthouses is an original and very rewarding themed route. Here are the ideas.
Lighthouses in the north and the Atlantic
- Cabo Vilán and Fisterra (Costa da Morte): among the most iconic (see the Costa da Morte).
- Cabo Ortegal and Estaca de Bares (the northernmost point).
- Cabo Mayor (Santander), and lighthouses in Asturias and the Basque Country.
Lighthouses in the south and the Mediterranean
- Trafalgar Lighthouse (Cádiz), above its sandy tombolo.
- Cabo de Gata (Almería), among volcanic coves (see Cabo de Gata).
- Faro de la Nao and island lighthouses (Balearic and Canary Islands).
Why they work so well by campervan
Lighthouses sit in places where sunrise and sunset are spectacular, and with a motorhome you can be there at the best moment (wherever overnight parking is allowed). You take your home right to the ocean's edge. That said, many sit on exposed headlands: watch the wind (see the awning) and always respect each area's overnight-parking regulations.
Practical tips
- Plan by stretches of coast: chain together nearby lighthouses in the same area.
- Sunset and sunrise: the best moments.
- Watch for wind and access (some lighthouses have limited parking).
- Use nearby service areas for the night (see service areas).
In summary
The lighthouse route is an original themed idea that takes you to the most spectacular corners of the coast, with unforgettable sunsets. The step to take today: choose a stretch of coast (the Costa da Morte is ideal to start with), chain together its lighthouses and plan to be at one at sunset; respect overnight-parking rules and watch the wind on the headlands. Combine it with our best beaches.