The Europa Point Lighthouse stands proudly at the very tip of Gibraltar. Its great beam lights the way for mariners sailing through the often turbulent Straits of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean collide. Stand on the very tip of Europa Point and appreciate the incredible views and the iconic red and white striped lighthouse.
Seafarers have long feared this stretch of water. Before the lighthouse was built, they relied upon flames flickering in the nearby chapel of Our Lady of Europa. The lighthouse was constructed in 1838 and became known as the Trinity Lighthouse at Europa Point. Make your way to the very tip of Gibraltar to see the 65-feet (20-metre) tall lighthouse rise 164 feet (50 metres) from the sea. Its beam can be seen shining from more than 20 miles (32 kilometres) away.
The automation of Europa Point Lighthouse was completed in 1994 although unusually, it still has a lighthouse keeper. It is the only lighthouse outside of the U.K. to be regulated by Trinity House. Take a photo with this unique lighthouse in the background and the spectacular views beyond. There is a beautiful wide open space here in which to enjoy the vistas and cool off with an ice cream. Alternatively, sip a coffee in the cafeteria.
A short distance from the lighthouse is the Sikorski Memorial. The monument is dedicated to the late Polish Prime Minister Wladyslaw Eugeniusz Sikorski who, along with 15 others, lost his life in a plane crash on the Rock in 1943. Visit the memorial to remember Sikorski and the others whose names are inscribed on a plaque.
Ride a bus from the town centre Market Place to get to the lighthouse. Buy an all-day bus ticket and enjoy being able to hop on and hop off at your leisure. The sunsets from Europa Point are incredible, and on clear days it is possible to see the northern shores of Africa, less than 16 miles (26 kilometres) away.
