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Lighthouse · Santander, Cantábria
Faro de Cabo Mayor
Lighthouse from 1839 on the cliffs of Cabo Mayor, 91 metres above the sea, marking the entrance to the port of Santander, with an exhibition space and coastal paths.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Faro de Cabo Mayor
The Cabo Mayor lighthouse stands atop the cliffs north of Santander, 91 metres above the sea, and marks the entrance to the port. On the same site there was previously a watchtower, from which signals were made to ships with flags by day and bonfires at night.
A first lighthouse project was drawn up in 1778, but it never left the paper for lack of funds. Construction was only ordered in 1833, and the current lighthouse was inaugurated on 15 August 1839. The design is by ship captain Felipe Bauzá, with the final version by Domingo Rojí. The cylindrical stone tower is 30 metres high.
The old lighthouse buildings house an art exhibition space, with works linked to the theme of lighthouses. Around them, the park and the paths along the cliff edge offer views of the open sea, the coastline and, to the south, the Sardinero.
A coastal path connects Cabo Mayor to the Mataleñas park and to the beaches of the Sardinero.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1h30, including the walk along the cliffs.
Best time
In the late afternoon, for the sunset over the sea. Avoid very windy days.
How to get there
It's about 6 km from the centre, with city buses that stop near the lighthouse. On foot, via the coastal path from the Sardinero, in about 40 minutes.
Tip
Walk from the Sardinero to the lighthouse along the cliff path, passing through the Mataleñas park.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Faro de Cabo Mayor
When was the lighthouse of Cabo Mayor inaugurated?
On August 15, 1839.
Can you walk from the Sardinero to the lighthouse?
Yes, via a coastal path that goes through the park of Mataleñas, in about 40 minutes.
What is at the lighthouse today?
An art exhibition space in the old buildings, and the park with paths along the cliffs.