7 Most Beautiful Lighthouses in The World
Today I have a travel guest post highlighting some of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, compliments of the lovely Daniela Baker. It is with great pleasure I share this post, because lighthouses have always fascinated and enchanted me during my travels to different coastal destinations. Now I can add more amazing destinations to my list. Without further ado, I present Daniela…
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Here’s an interesting way to decide on where to go for your next vacation: find a beautiful lighthouse, and go there. Many of these historic towers still function as lighthouses today, but most of them offer options for tourists. Some even have former light keeper’s houses that you can rent or stay in during your vacation!
If you’re looking for some inspiration for a lighthouse themed vacation, here are seven of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world:
Torre de Hercules, Spain
This classical Roman structure is the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world. According to UNESCO, the tower’s original Roman base was added to during a restoration in the 18th century, directed by Eustaquio Giannini. Torre de Hercules is a popular tourist destination because the site it’s build on features another Roman building, a Muslim cemetery, rock carvings from the Iron Age, and several sculptures.
Torres de Hercules Lighthouse/Image Credit: Pablo Charlon
Pigeon Point Lighthouse, United States
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse in California is a classically designed white lighthouse and is the tallest lighthouse on the California coast at 115 feet. Now, this lighthouse is a part of the California State Parks system, and tourists can participate in guided tours of the restored lighthouse. If you’re interested, you can also stay in the restored lighthouse keeper’s housing, which now operates as a hostel. The Pigeon Point lighthouse is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as well as for whale watching during the annual January-April migration season.
Pigeon Point lighthouse/Image Credit: Anita Ritenour
Kiz Kulesi, Turkey
The Maiden’s Tower is a gorgeous lighthouse on an islet in the Bosphorus strait. The tower was originally built in 408 BC, and has been restored and modified several times since then, including having steel supports added around the tower after a 1999 earthquake. Today, the tower is not an operating lighthouse, but has a restaurant and café. It makes for a romantic, interesting historical destination for travelers in Turkey.
Kiz Kulesi The Maiden's Tower lighthouse/ Image Credit: Pictrues
Cape Hatteras Light, United States
The Cape Hatteras Light in North Carolina is an image of what most people think of when they envision a lighthouse. The black and white light house continues to use an automated light to help protect ships in the Outer Banks area. According to the National Park Service, which runs the lighthouse, there are 248 stairs taking you nearly twelve stories to the top of the lighthouse, and visitors can now take this strenuous climb to be rewarded with a gorgeous view from the top.
Cape Hatteras light and lighthouse/ Image Credit: Ed Cleve
Madang Lighthouse, Papua New Guinea
This torch-shaped lighthouse has more of a modern look and still functions as a lighthouse today. Built in 1959 and dedicated as a memorial to the soldiers and civilians who worked as coast watchers during WWII. It is also known as the Coast Watchers Memorial Lighthouse.
Madang Lighthouse/ Image credit: Kahunapule Michael Johnson
Fanad Head Lighthouse, Ireland
This lighthouse on Ireland’s Fanad Peninsula was created in 1818. The gorgeous complex surrounding the lighthouse is build in white, and the dramatic coast upon which it’s perched make it a worthy destination for travelers. There is even a heliport next to the lighthouse.
Fanad Head Lighthouse, Ireland/ Image credit: Sergey A
Norah Head Lighthouse, Australia
This lighthouse in New South Wales was built in 1903, and it’s often used for weddings because it’s in such a beautiful location. The light still flashes every fifteen seconds, and this lighthouse still functions as an aid for boaters. The light keeper’s houses have been fully restored, and they can be rented for a great vacation spot.
Norah Head Lighthouse, Australia/ Image credit: Kevin Trotman
The world is full of many lighthouses, and these are just a few of the most beautiful. Most countries with coastlines will have at least one or two interesting historical lighthouses, since they were once a primary aid to navigation for ships. A lighthouse themed vacation can be a great way to introduce your kids to a bit of history on a beach vacation, as well.
Start saving up for your trip now by putting back a little money each month, and use the best airline credit card for your credit purchases so you’ll have more money to put towards your plane tickets. By making smart financial choices and getting some good credit card rewards, you’ll be able to save up for a great lighthouse vacation. If you really want to splurge, why not visit several European lighthouses on a month-long jaunt around the continent?
About the author: Daniela Baker loves to help people make smart financial decisions. Please don’t forget to visit her blog at Credit Donkey for credit tips and ways to save money.
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Thank you, Daniela. I appreciate you stopping by! 
For everyone else, Have you ever visited beautiful lighthouses? If so, where, and if not, which lighthouses would you love to see? Tell me in the comments.
If you liked this post, I invite you to read the previous one: Radically Random Music. Before you go, please subscribe to this blog through the available RSS options or via email. I’d be grateful if you took advantage of the sharing buttons located at the bottom of the post, and if you enjoy this blog, please click the “like” button to the right for my Facebook page. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my posts.
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I haven’t visited any lighthouses ut that second picture you posted is really nice. I like the ones high on a cliff over looking the water.
Mary, those are my favorite, too. I’d love to live in a lighthouse. So romantic!
Great pictures and very interesting statistics on all of them. Nice post, thank you.
Peter, I’m glad you enjoyed. Daniela provided the info, but I searched out photos that would enhance the post. I love a mashed up combination of talents at work.
Thanks again Amberr, the pictures are stunning
I love lighthouses. My familyroom is decked out in that theme! These are beautiful! There’s just something about them!
Beautiful pictures and great post! Thanks for sharing!
Irene, I am so glad you share an equal love and enthusiasm for lighthouses. You have great taste!
Those lighthouses are just gorgeous. It’s amazing how many different shapes they can take!
Tat, it really is amazing!
I wish I could visit one of them! It’s a lifetime dram!
*dream* hehe
Penny, Dram, dream, I know what you mean. Me, too!!
Great post! How original!
Glad you enjoyed, Ingrid. I can’t wait to highlight your guest post either!
These are stunning. I used to have a friend that collected model lighthouses – amazing things. Thanks for sharing:)
Jane, I would love to have a collection of lighthouse figurines, but I am also crazy about frogs and monkeys, too. It used to be turtles and faeries, which makes me wonder why I change so often. *shrug*
Those are some pretty amazing pictures. Lighthouses are so serene…probably because they’re by the water which is always so calming.
Maria, I think so, although I don’t know how calm it would be during a crazy storm, but I bet it’s exciting!
Aw man, I love these types of posts but also hate them because I want to go to all of these places lol.
Guess I’ll have to do as Daniela suggests and start planning now for my world lighthouse tour!
John, absolutely. If you have a chance to go, take lots of pictures!