While most of them are now automated or inactive, lighthouses are historic monuments whose beauty continues to dazzle us. They fascinate by their mysterious side and their situation, often isolated in front of the immensity of the sea and the ocean whose whims they are not afraid to face. Built to indicate to sailors the arrival of the coast, it is also this reassuring aspect that appeals to the curious. Their architecture differs from one monument to another. Along the European coasts, the Petit Futé takes you to discover the most beautiful lighthouses, from the Breton islands to the Cyclades, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
Lanterna from Genoa, Italy

 

First built in 1128, the Genoa Lighthouse is a square-base tower, nicknamed the Lanterna. It was rebuilt in its current form in 1543 because it was repeatedly damaged by war and lightning. It rises to 77 m and thus reaches a height above sea level of 117 m. Symbol of the city, the Lanterna dominates the port and offers a magnificent view of Genoa and its historic center. There is also a multimedia museum at its feet, which offers the possibility of viewing several films in which people from everyday life testify to the art, history and traditions of Genoese life.

Hook Head Lighthouse, Ireland

 

On the Hook Head Peninsula stands the lighthouse of the same name, which is the oldest in Ireland and the oldest active lighthouse in Europe. Erected almost 800 years ago by the Normans and maintained at that time by monks who, throughout the year, lit warning lights to warn sailors of the arrival of the coasts, it constitutes the one of the tourist attractions in the south east of Ireland. It is possible to visit the interior of the lighthouse, with the added bonus of a breathtaking view of the sea at its summit. Next to it are the old caretakers' houses, now converted into a museum.

Île Vierge lighthouse, France

 

This lighthouse is one of the tallest in the world and one of the most remarkable in France. Built between 1897 and 1902 and located north-east of Aber Wrac'h, it has been classified as a historic monument since 2011. This imposing freestone building is accessible by boat and on foot at low tide on the occasion of major events. tides. You will then have to climb almost 400 steps before reaching its summit, but it is worth it, because the view of the bluish reflections of the sea and the islets is simply magnificent! Those who wish can also go to Île Vierge to see this unmissable monument in Finistère by renting a kayak.

Lindau lighthouse, Lake Constance, Germany

 

The old Lindau lighthouse, 37 m high, was built in the 13th century. It contributes to the charm of this island city on the shores of Lake Constance. Not far from the lighthouse sits the emblem of the city, an imposing stone lion, symbol of Bavaria, which seems to set the horizon ... This lighthouse is sublime by its architecture and captivating by its location overlooking a peaceful lake surrounded by mountains . The essential activity, after strolling through the old town of Lindau and taking the time to contemplate the details of the monument outside, is to climb up the lighthouse to benefit from a sublime panorama.

Tourlitis lighthouse, Andros, Greece

 

At 200 m from the coast of the island of Andros, in the Cyclades, stands the very picturesque lighthouse of Tourlitis on a rock, at the entrance to the port of Chora. Built in 1897, then destroyed during the Second World War, the current lighthouse is in fact a replica of the original, built in the 1990s thanks to the gifts of a wealthy family. It is the only lighthouse in Greece built at sea and also the first automated lighthouse in the country. It cannot be visited, but the simple fact of being able to observe it from afar leaves lasting memories, between the beauty of the monument and the reflections of the sea.

Gorliz lighthouse, Cape Billano, Spain

 

Close to Bilbao, in the Spanish Basque Country, stands the white lighthouse of Gorliz, on Cape Billano, facing the sea and the island of the same name. Inaugurated in 1991, it was also one of the very last built in Spain. It offers a very beautiful point of view on the cliffs and the immensity of the sea from its height of 21 m. Its architecture is quite atypical and its coating readily recalls the buildings of the traditional Basque villages on the coast. Among the details that catch the eye, the glass flashlight decorated with metal rods that give it a modern and quite avant-garde look.

 Créac’h lighthouse, Ouessant, France

 

In France, Brittany is one of the regions of predilection to go and observe splendid lighthouses. On the Breton island of Ouessant, in the surroundings known to sailors for their dangerousness, the Créac'h lighthouse, visible more than 60 km away, which guides the entry of boats into the English Channel, is the most powerful in Europe . It is recognized by its white and black stripes, and in turn 55 m. If the lighthouse is inaccessible to the public, you can visit the museum of lighthouses and beacons located at its feet, where its old power plant was located. Note for the curious that Créac'h means promontory in Breton.

Tower of Hercules, La Coruña, Spain

 

The Tower of Hercules is the emblem of La Coruña, in the northwest of Spain. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the only Roman lighthouse in the world still in operation. If it was originally built in the 2nd century, it is actually enclosed in a shell dating from the 18th century. After climbing its 12 floors, its panoramic balcony will offer you a sublime view of the city, the coast of A Coruña and the ocean. A visit to the Tower of Hercules is a special moment, the opportunity to go back in time and realize that the idea of ​​a monument serving as a landmark dates back to Antiquity.

Kullen lighthouse, Sweden

 

The Kullen Lighthouse is located on the top of a hill in south-western Sweden, on the Kullaberg Peninsula and in the heart of a nature reserve of the same name. It stands 88 m above the sea and was erected in 1900 in place of the 16th century lighthouse. It’s one of the best known in the country. Before going to the lighthouse, it is recommended to hike in the nature reserve, different routes lead the walkers to the edge of the cliffs and end up reaching the monument. We take this opportunity to marvel at the nature that surrounds the lighthouse, between rocks, greenery and sea.

Talacre Lighthouse, Wales

 

The pretty lighthouse at Talacre Beach is located at the tip of Ayr, the most northerly point in Wales. Built in 1776 and inactive since 1883, it is however, according to some local legends, still inhabited! The lighthouse is indeed the subject of many rumors, and some say they have seen ghostly shadows ... It is therefore a place full of mysteries which awaits visitors, who take pleasure in walking on the surrounding sand and dunes while by observing it. Its appearance gives the impression of a monument completely abandoned, which inevitably adds to its charm and the desire to take multiple photos.