For millennia lighthouses have stood as guardians of the coastline in civilizations all over the world, shepherding seafarers to safety as the look for ways to navigate to port and avoid hidden rocks, and in the Region those which still stand shed light not only on the waves but also on countless old tales and secrets.
From the cliffs of Cabo de Palos to the calm waters of the Bay of Mazarrón these special landmarks stand on high promontories, offering stupendous panoramic views of the Mediterranean while each possessing its own history and personality:
- We start in Cartagena, on the jetty of La Curra, where the lighthouse is modest, discreet and practical. The green and white tower is symbolic of the industrial growth of the city and stands right on the border between the ancient maritime traditions of Cartagena and its modern life.
- Not far away is the Faro de Navidad, literally the “Christmas lighthouse” but in fact nothing to do with the festive season, similarly to the castle which stands alongside. The bright red tower stands at the entrance to the port of Cartagena, and although it appears to be painted to live up to its name, its practical usefulness is in no means less than other, sterner, larger structures along the coast.
The panoramic views back towards the city take your breath away and enable you to appreciate how important the natural harbour has been in making Cartagena one Spain’s most important military and trading ports over the 3,000 years of its history.
- Heading east, we soon reach the Bay of Portmán in the municipality of La Unión, hemmed in by the mountains of the Sierra Minera. The port here was vital for the transport of the rich ores mined in the mountains, and the red and white colours of the tower help it to stand out against a landscape where the scars of mining can clearly be seen. Now that efforts have been made to recover half of the bay from the infill which resulted from the greed of the mining concerns, the lighthouse stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal.
- A few kilometres further east we reach the headland of Cabo de Palos, where the lighthouse is probably the best-known in the Region of Murcia. It stands on a rocky promontory which almost makes it seem as though it rises directly from the Mediterranean, and its majestic cylindrical tower is built from natural stone.
This tall, grey monument has long been a cause for both concern and hope among sailors, ever since its most recent reconstruction in the 19th century, and there are plenty of tales of shipwrecks and sunken treasures in the clear blue water around the headland – this is a real must-see stop on a trip along the Murcia coast, and in recent years the inside of the tower has been opened to visitors. Don’t forget your camera!
- From here we travel north along the spit of La Manga del Mar Menor until we reach the Faro del Estacio, which is located alongside one of the “golas” (the channels which allow an exchange of water between the Mediterranean and the warmer, saltier Mar Menor. Located at the Mediterranean end of the gola, its black and white tower is uninstakeable and give it a modern look, but in fact the lighthouse at this spot has been aiding sailors to find their way for well over a century. Nowadays many of those seafarers are on board leisure craft, enjoying excursions on the crystal-clear water, while not far away are the pristine sand dunes of the north of La Manga and San Pedro del Pinatar.
- Back in the municipality of Cartagena, we now change direction and head west to the headland of Cabo Tiñoso. The lighthouse here is far smaller than in Cabo de Palos and fairly difficult to reach on land, but with its white tower and black lantern frame it stands out against the wild mountain countryside in one of the parts of the Costa Cálida which have been least altered by Man. This is a real trip out into nature, and with unforgettable views towards Cartagena in the east and Águilas in the west.
- Now it’s over to the other side of the eastern half of the Bay of Mazarrón, where the lighthouse of Puerto de Mazarrón stands proudly over the modern marina and the town. Those making their way up to the lighthouse could be forgiven for thinking that it was built purely to make for picture postcard views, but of course the elegant white structure with its red base has played a vital part in the safeguarding the busy fishing fleet of Mazarrón.
For us landlubbers, though, this is without doubt one of the finest spots in the Region of Murcia to enjoy a quiet sundowner or two!
- To end our trip we make our way to the seaside town and port of Águilas, where the black and white lighthouse is the perfect place to appreciate the tranquillity of this part of the Costa Cálida. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a romantic getaway, where better to end your tour of the lighthouses of Murcia?
In many ways these and other lighthouses are an integral part of the lifestyle and history of the Region of Murcia, and they open the door to some amazing landscapes and seascapes! At the same time, a trip to discover them is a great way to explore the coastline of the Region, and no doubt along the way you’ll find numerous other delights and surprises you had no idea existed!