Faro de Orchilla

The Faro de Orchilla, located on the westernmost point of the Canary Islands in Spain, stands as a sentinel over the Atlantic Ocean. This historic lighthouse has been guiding seafarers since its inauguration in 1933, marking the zero meridian until 1884, when it was moved to Greenwich.

Perched on the rocky coastline of El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands, the lighthouse is no longer in active service but remains a destination for travelers seeking the tranquility of isolated nature and the romance of maritime history. The Faro de Orchilla is a symbol of human endeavor to conquer the challenges of navigation before the advent of modern technology.

The lighthouse, with its characteristic white and blue trim, is a beacon of architectural simplicity. Its construction was a feat in itself, given the remote and rugged terrain of El Hierro. Although the lighthouse is not typically open for public tours, it is a site of pilgrimage for its spectacular views of the ocean and the dramatic sunsets that can be observed from this unique vantage point.