Icons Of Coastal Beauty
There's something magnetic about these tall structures standing alone against the ocean. They've been saving lives for centuries by warning sailors away from rocks and guiding them through fog and darkness. Some are ancient, others are relatively new, but they all share that same dramatic presence against water and sky. Here are some of those beautiful lighthouses you’ll want to visit.
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia
1. Portland Head Light, Maine, USA
Its classic white conical tower contrasts stunningly with crashing Atlantic waves and clear salt air along Maine's rugged coastline. Commissioned in 1791 by George Washington, this lighthouse stands 80 feet tall on the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth. It's often called the most photographed lighthouse worldwide.
Photo by and (c)2014 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) on Wikimedia
2. Peggy's Point Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada
This 50-foot octagonal tower sits on massive granite boulders in Peggy's Cove, enhancing its photogenic appeal since its construction in 1915. Named after a legendary shipwreck survivor, it flashes white every six seconds along Nova Scotia's scenic Lighthouse Trail.
3. Tower Of Hercules, Galicia, Spain
Overlooking the Atlantic from a 187-foot rocky peninsula, this 180-foot structure blends ancient granite architecture with panoramic ocean views. Its beam reaches 24 nautical miles, and UNESCO recognized it for historical engineering excellence. Legend links it to Hercules burying a giant's skull.
Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga) on Wikimedia
4. Baishamen Lighthouse, Haidian Island, China
China's sixth-tallest lighthouse worldwide rises 236 feet as a white triangular prism from a hexagonal base. The structure began operations in 2000, flashing white every six seconds across the Qiongzhou Strait while overlooking calm waters near Baishamen Park.
5. Lindau Lighthouse, Bavaria, Germany
This 108-foot white tower is the region's only lighthouse. It was built in 1856 and offers 360-degree views of the Alps and islands from its top, enhanced by an adjacent lion statue for a picturesque composition.
Julian Herzog (Website) on Wikimedia
6. Hook Lighthouse, County Wexford, Ireland
The world's oldest intact lighthouse stands 115 feet tall with distinctive black-and-white stripes. Operations began in the 13th century on cliffs overlooking the Celtic Sea, where 115 steps lead visitors through guided tours to panoramic views.
7. Jeddah Light, Jeddah Seaport, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's concrete tower reaches 436 feet into the sky at Jeddah Seaport, claiming the title of world's tallest lighthouse since 1990. The spherical observation deck provides stunning views over turquoise Red Sea waters, and this Guinness World Record holder resembles a space-age structure more than traditional maritime architecture.
Mateusz War. (Email) on Wikimedia
8. La Jument Lighthouse, Brittany, France
Atlantic storms batter this 154-foot tower, built in 1911. Red flashes pierce the darkness every 15 seconds and reach 22 miles across some of the world's most dangerous seas. Theodore Malgorne's 1989 photograph amid massive waves created an iconic image of human defiance against nature's fury and oceanic power.
9. Tourlitis Lighthouse, Aegean Sea, Greece
Rebuilt in 1994 after WWII destruction, this 23-foot tower perches uniquely on a solitary rock islet in the Aegean Sea. Europe's only sea-rock lighthouse features a helical staircase carved into rock. Automated since 1897, it flashes white every 10 seconds through treacherous currents.
10. Kapu Lighthouse, Karnataka, India
Black-and-white stripes mark this 89-foot tower standing on a boulder, overlooking the Arabian Sea and backwaters since 1901. Coconut palms frame panoramic sunsets from its elevated clifftop position. The spiral staircase also attracts photographers seeking dramatic shots.
KshitizBathwal / Skyscape Photography on Wikimedia
11. Galle Lighthouse, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Standing 87 feet tall inside Galle Fort, Galle Lighthouse was built in 1939 to replace earlier versions. Historic buildings and palm trees surround this popular photography spot where colonial charm blends seamlessly with coastal beauty.
12. Hornby Lighthouse, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney Harbour's entrance has been guarded by this 30-foot red-and-white striped tower since its construction in 1858. Cliffs provide sensational coastal views from their candy-cane appearance. Sydney Harbour National Park's location also makes it a popular whale-watching spot with easy trails.
DestinationFearFan on Wikimedia
13. Cape Reinga Lighthouse, North Island, New Zealand
The Tasman-Pacific confluence spreads below this 33-foot white tower on New Zealand's northern tip, where operations began in 1941. Sweeping ocean panoramas unfold from wild cliffs 165 meters above sea level. Māori culture recognizes this location as a spiritual soul departure point, adding sacred significance.
14. Slangkop Lighthouse, Western Cape, South Africa
Built in 1919, South Africa's tallest cast-iron tower rises 108 feet in Kommetjie. Breathtaking coastal vistas unfold from this structure that shines light 33 nautical miles for maritime safety. WWI delays postponed its commission, and today, tours let visitors see the tower’s internal mechanisms while enjoying its rich maritime history.
15. Kõpu Lighthouse, Hiiumaa Island, Estonia
Square granite buttresses define this 124-foot tower on Hiiumaa Island. Its operations began in 1531 and never stopped. Wars couldn't destroy this Estonian landmark, and its remote island setting now attracts climbers eager for stunning panoramic vistas across the historic maritime landscape.
16. Fanad Head Lighthouse, County Donegal, Ireland
County Donegal's headland showcases this 72-foot white tower overlooking Lough Swilly. The lighthouse began service in 1817 following a devastating shipwreck. A fjord and sandy bay nestle around the structure, which creates picturesque views voted among the world's most beautiful lighthouses.
17. Neist Point Lighthouse, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK
This 62-foot white tower’s construction was finished in 1909. Its aerial cableway system delivered supplies until automation eliminated the need. Now, the remote, windswept settings provide breathtaking Minch views, and the location serves as a prime spot for whale and puffin sightings.
18. Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
The lighthouse rises 36 feet above the Beagle Channel. Locals call it the "End of the World" because it first lit up in 1920. Snow-capped Patagonian mountains frame the remote structure as sea lions inhabit the crystalline waters below.
19. Basco Lighthouse, Batanes, Philippines
Operations began in 2003 for this 66-foot tower on Naidi Hills. One of three modern lighthouses in Batanes stands amid lush green hills and volcanic landscapes meeting the open sea. An old American telegraph facility previously occupied this location before the contemporary structure replaced it.
20. Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, Southern Coast, Iceland
A red lantern tops the 43-foot concrete tower on Iceland's southern coast, guiding vessels since 1927. Black sand beaches and puffin habitats create stunning views below, where a natural arch adds dramatic geological interest. It’s also a great place for birdwatchers for unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
