Lighthouses are fixtures on many coastlines around the world. From the misty coves of Ireland to the wave-battered cliffs in South Africa, lighthouses often exist in the most scenic spots on Earth. Some still provide necessary guidance for ships at sea, but others are simply statuesque towers and relics from another age. Let’s take a look at some of the most scenic lighthouses around the world.
North American East Coast Lighthouses
Near Portsmouth, NH in the town of New Castle is the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. The green-topped lighthouse is located inside a working military fort on the edge of the Piscataqua River. This lighthouse is still active and dates back to 1878. It also offers a panoramic view of the harbor, nearby Colonial architecture, and the Atlantic in the distance. The lighthouse isn’t always open to the public, but there are guided tours available nearby where you can capture the lighthouse in the background with your camera.
The East Coast is known for its scenic lighthouses, and Portsmouth, NH isn’t the only place to see one. Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine is one of the most photographed lighthouses in America. It stands on a rugged coastline with stunning views of the ocean and stormy skies.
Another East Coast gem is Peggy’s Point Lighthouse in Nova Scotia, Canada. This lighthouse is painted in the classic red and white style and sits on the rocky shore of Peggy’s Cove. It’s surrounded by picturesque fishing shacks and cloudy skies.
Captivating European Lighthouses
Similarly to the East Coast of America, many European lighthouses are situated in stunning locations in a rugged environment. One example is the Fanad Head Lighthouse in Donegal, Ireland. It’s a stark white tower sitting on a windswept peninsula with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Over in Jutland, Denmark, the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse is an example of a relic from another age. It’s slowly being buried by sand dunes as nature reclaims its space. In A Coruña, Spain, you’ll find the oldest active lighthouse in the world in the Tower of Hercules. It dates back to Roman times and overlooks the North Atlantic. To the north is Lindesnes Lighthouse on Norway’s southernmost shore. It’s surrounded by a rocky coast and battered by fierce winds from the North Sea.
Other Notable Lighthouses Around the World
Lighthouses can be found in nearly every corner of the world. The Cape Point Lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa might be one of the wildest locations. It sits atop steep cliffs where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans intersect. In New South Wales, Australia, the Byron Bay Lighthouse sits at the country’s easternmost point with views stretching across the Pacific.
Not far away is the Akaroa Lighthouse on Banks Peninsula in New Zealand. This lighthouse is charming and remote with views of green hills and deep blue water with abundant marine life. The West Coast of America isn’t quite as known for lighthouses as the East Coast, but the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, Oregon is worth checking out. It stands tall on a basalt cliff overlooking the Pacific.