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Guiding Light: Exploring the Enchanting Punta de Teno Lighthouse in Tenerife
Unlock the hidden gems of Tenerife! Don’t miss out on Punta de Teno Lighthouse, the most westerly point on the island. Enjoy the beautiful sea & landscape and take stunning photos.
Punta de Teno Lighthouse is a must-see attraction in Tenerife, located in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte.
This active lighthouse is situated on a narrow rocky headland, which is the most westerly point on the island. The lighthouse is not open to tourists, but it is still an interesting structure that is often the focus of many photographs that you see from the area.
To get to Punta de Teno Lighthouse, you can take a scenic drive along a winding road that offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape. The area covers around 6km² and is only accessible by road, making it a secluded and peaceful spot to visit.
Apart from its incredible natural landscape, the lighthouse is the standout attraction in Punta de Teno.
While the lighthouse itself is closed to visitors, you can explore the rocky volcanic headland leading up to it. The area is perfect for hiking and offers stunning views of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean.
If you’re planning a trip to Tenerife, make sure to add Punta de Teno Lighthouse to your itinerary.
Attractions Tenerife
Location and Accessibility of the Punta de Teno Lighthouse
As I explore the beautiful island of Tenerife, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Punta de Teno Lighthouse.
Punta de Teno
This lighthouse is located on the westernmost point of the island and is part of the Teno Rural Park.
Getting There
To get to the lighthouse, I took the TF-445 road, which is a scenic route that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The road is narrow and winding, so I had to be careful while driving.
However, the journey was well worth it as I was rewarded with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline.
If you don’t have a car, there are other options available to reach Punta del Teno. You can take a taxi or a bus from nearby towns such as Buenavista del Norte or Los Silos.
The bus stop is located at the entrance of Teno Rural Park, and from there, you can hike or take a shuttle bus to the lighthouse.
It’s important to note that due to the popularity of the site, access to Punta del Teno is restricted, and only a limited number of visitors are allowed to enter the area at a time.
The shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the park.
History and Construction
As I stand here at Playa Punta del Teno, I can’t help but admire the majestic Punta del Teno Lighthouse. This lighthouse has been an integral part of the maritime history of the Canary Islands since its construction.
The Faro de Punta del Teno, as it is known in Spanish, was first built in 1897 as part of the first maritime lighting plan for the Canaries.
It was constructed in a similar style to other 19th-century lighthouses in the region, with a single-story white-washed building and dark volcanic rock used for the masonry detailing.
However, due to the harsh weather conditions and the rugged terrain, the original lighthouse was replaced with the current one in 1978. The new lighthouse was constructed with modern materials and techniques, making it more durable and resistant to the elements.
The Punta del Teno Lighthouse is situated on a narrow rocky headland, which is the most westerly point on the island of Tenerife. It is one of seven lighthouses that mark the coastline of Tenerife, and it is still functional today.
The construction of the lighthouse was a challenging feat, as it had to be built on a rocky outcrop that was prone to erosion. The builders had to blast away the rock and create a solid foundation for the lighthouse to stand on.
The lighthouse also had to be designed to withstand strong winds and heavy seas, which are common in this area.
Features and Characteristics of the Punta de Teno Lighthouse
Height and Range
The Punta de Teno Lighthouse is a cylindrical tower that stands at a height of 20 meters. Its white colour with red bands and a white cupola lantern makes it easily visible from a distance.
The lighthouse is equipped with a Fresnel lens that has a range of 18 nautical miles. This lens is responsible for producing a beam of light that can be seen from far away in the Atlantic Ocean.
Viewpoints
The Punta de Teno Lighthouse is situated on a narrow rocky headland that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse is surrounded by cliffs that are over 600 meters high, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
At the base of the lighthouse, there is a small cove and a jetty that adds more charm to the area. From this viewpoint, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Los Gigantes cliffs and the Teno Alto mountain range.
The lighthouse is not open to tourists, but visitors can still access the area and enjoy the stunning views.
There is a viewpoint that has been constructed near the lighthouse that allows visitors to take in the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The viewpoint is equipped with benches and shades to provide visitors with a comfortable experience.
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