Discover One of the Symbols of the Costa de la Luz
Standing on Punta del Perro at the edge of Chipiona, the lighthouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Cádiz coast. Visible from much of Costa Ballena and the surrounding beaches, it has guided ships approaching the mouth of the Guadalquivir River since the nineteenth century and remains an active navigational aid today.
For many visitors, the lighthouse has become one of the defining images of Chipiona and an essential stop when exploring the town.
The Tallest Lighthouse in Spain
The current lighthouse was designed by the Catalan engineer Jaime Font and built between 1863 and 1867. Rising to approximately 69 metres above sea level, it is the tallest lighthouse in Spain and one of the tallest traditional lighthouses in Europe.
Its stone tower contains more than 300 steps leading to the lantern room, where the light can be seen up to 25 nautical miles offshore.
A Site with Much Older Origins
Long before the present structure was built, the same location was associated with an ancient Roman lighthouse. Historians generally connect the name “Chipiona” with the Latin name Turris Caepionis (“Tower of Caepio”), referring to a lighthouse ordered by the Roman proconsul Quintus Servilius Caepio around 140 BC to warn ships about the dangerous reefs near the mouth of the ancient River Baetis, now known as the Guadalquivir.
Visiting the Lighthouse
The lighthouse stands beside the promenade and the beaches of Chipiona, making it easy to combine a visit with a walk through the town or a meal in one of the nearby restaurants.
Guided visits to the interior are organised at certain times of the year, allowing visitors to climb the spiral staircase and enjoy panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean, Chipiona and the surrounding coastline. Availability varies throughout the year, so it is advisable to check locally for current schedules.
An Icon of Chipiona
More than 150 years after it first entered service, the Chipiona Lighthouse remains one of the most important landmarks on the Costa de la Luz. Whether seen from the beaches of Costa Ballena or up close in the centre of Chipiona, it continues to connect the town with its maritime history and its long relationship with the Atlantic Ocean.
