The Best Lighthouse Viewpoints in the World
A lighthouse viewpoint combines maritime navigation history with typically dramatic coastal scenery — the lighthouses are built where they are because the coast there is dangerous, which often means spectacular. These ten are open to the public (some allow climbing the tower) and have well-developed surrounding viewing infrastructure.
1. Phare du Créac'h, Île d'Ouessant, France — 70 m
The most-powerful lighthouse in Europe (and historically in the world). Black-and-white striped tower on Brittany's westernmost island. Boat access from Brest; ferry crossing 2.5 hours. The Atlantic horizon and the famously rocky Ouessant coast.
2. Pemaquid Point Light, Maine, USA — 25 m
The lighthouse on Pemaquid Point with its dramatic stratified rock shelves descending to the Atlantic. Featured on the Maine quarter-dollar. Drive-up; small park around the lighthouse with picnic facilities.
3. Cape Spear Lighthouse, Newfoundland — 75 m
The easternmost point of North America. Two lighthouses on the cape; the older 1836 building is preserved as a museum. Coastal path with views east into the Atlantic and north to St. John's harbour.
4. Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse, Portugal — 80 m
The lighthouse on Europe's southwesternmost cape. The current 1846 tower stands 80 metres above the Atlantic. Drive-up; small café and museum onsite. Best at sunset.
5. Stoer Head Lighthouse, Scotland — 50 m
The remote lighthouse at the tip of the Coigach peninsula in Sutherland. Reached by walking from the small Stoer car park along the headland. Views of the Old Man of Stoer sea stack and the Outer Hebrides offshore.
6. Phare de l'Île Vierge, France — 82.5 m
The tallest "traditional" lighthouse in Europe at 82.5 metres. On a small rocky island off the Finistère coast. Boat tours available; climbable internal staircase.
7. Cap de Formentor Lighthouse, Mallorca — 200 m
The lighthouse at the northern tip of Mallorca, reached by a winding mountain road from Port de Pollença. The view east-northeast over the Mediterranean and along Mallorca's cliff coast.
8. Faro de Cap de Cavalleria, Menorca — 80 m
The northernmost point of Menorca. Drive-up to the lighthouse and a walk along the cliffline. The view north over the open Mediterranean toward France.
9. Cape Reinga Lighthouse, New Zealand — 165 m
The northernmost mainland lighthouse in New Zealand. Spiritually significant for Maori as the point where spirits depart for their ancestral homeland. View of the meeting of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean.
10. Cape Otway Lighthouse, Australia — 80 m
The mainland Australian lighthouse on the Great Ocean Road, with views south into the Southern Ocean. The oldest mainland Australian lighthouse, built 1848.
Explore on the map
Lighthouse viewpoints are typically clustered along treacherous coasts — Brittany, Maine/New England, Newfoundland, Iberia, the British Isles, Australia/NZ. Filter by access type (drive-up, walk-in, boat-only) on the interactive map.