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Lighthouse · Gran Roque, Dependências Federais
Faro Holandés
The late-19th-century lighthouse atop the hill of Gran Roque, now decommissioned. The walk up takes less than 30 minutes and gives views over the village, the airstrip and the cayos of Los Roques against the blue sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Faro Holandés
Faro Holandés is the old lighthouse of Gran Roque, atop the rocky hills on the island's north side. The construction was agreed in 1874 between Venezuela and Luis Oduber, a Dutch citizen, and the design was entrusted to an English engineer; the popular name comes from the Dutch origin of the initiative. Today the lighthouse is decommissioned, and the stone tower, with walls worn by wind and salt, has become a viewpoint.
The ascent starts at the end of the village's sandy streets, on a dirt trail with loose stones that skirts the hill. It is short, under 30 minutes' walk, but there is no shade and closed shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended.
Up there, the view is the broadest of Gran Roque. To the south you can see the village, with its colorful houses and rooftops, the airstrip next to the beach and the pier with the boats. To the east and southeast, the cayos of Madrisquí, Francisquí and others spread over the shallow water, in bands of turquoise and green. To the north, the open sea hits the rocks more forcefully.
Late afternoon is the preferred time: the sun sets over the sea to the west, and the low light colors the hills and the village. Bring water and a flashlight for the descent, which gets dark quickly.
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
About 1 hour, including the ascent, the view and the descent.
Best time
In the late afternoon for sunset, or very early, before the heat. The sun is strong and there is no shade on the trail.
How to get there
The trail starts at the end of the village's sandy streets, heading toward the hills on the island's north side, just a few minutes' walk from the guesthouses. Ask your guesthouse for the shortest route.
Tip
Start the ascent with enough time to arrive before sunset and bring a flashlight for the descent. Wear sturdy footwear: the stones are loose in some sections.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Faro Holandés
Is the climb to the lighthouse difficult?
It's short, under 30 minutes, but it has loose stones and no shade. With sturdy footwear, it's doable for people with normal mobility.
Why is the lighthouse called Dutch?
Because the construction was arranged in 1874 with Luis Oduber, a Dutch citizen. The project was by an English engineer.
Does the lighthouse still function?
No. The old tower is decommissioned and today serves as a lookout over the village and the cayos.
What's the best time to climb?
Late afternoon, to watch the sunset over the sea, or very early, before the heat. Bring a flashlight for the descent.