The Five Best Lighthouses of All the Lighthouses

Lighthouses feel almost pure in their purpose—strong, noble structures built to guide and protect. They function as symbols of safety and direction, both literally and in a more symbolic sense. During the late 1600s conflict between France and Britain, French privateers once captured engineer Henry Winstanley while he was working on the first lighthouse at the Eddystone Rocks near Cornwall. King Louis XIV ordered his release, reportedly stating that France was fighting England, not humanity itself.

These structures are also honored in their own way. International Lighthouse Day is observed during the third week of August, while in the United States, National Lighthouse Day falls on August 7, marking the 1789 congressional act supporting lighthouse construction. The author humorously notes that this fact-checking effort failed to provide a deeper “reason” for writing—beyond simply appreciating lighthouses.

The Origins of Lighthouse History

One of the earliest major lighthouses in recorded history was the Lighthouse of Alexandria, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built around 280 BCE, it reportedly reached about 110 meters in height and stood as one of the tallest man-made structures of its era, second only to the Great Pyramid of Giza. An earthquake eventually destroyed it in 1323.

Before such towers existed, coastal guidance came from fires lit on hilltops. Some ancient traditions even attribute the invention of lighthouse-like systems to mythological or legendary figures such as Palamedes of Nauplia in Greek lore.

Today, around 20,000 lighthouses exist worldwide. Choosing “the best” is subjective, but the author presents a personal top five selection.

5 – Tourlitis Lighthouse

The Tourlitis Lighthouse on the Greek island of Andros looks almost magical, perched dramatically on a rock in the sea. Its appearance evokes fantasy imagery, as if it belongs in a wizard’s world. While no mythical figures have ever lived there, its isolated position makes it feel otherworldly.

The original structure was built in 1897 but was destroyed during World War II. The current version was reconstructed in 1996 and became Greece’s first automated lighthouse. It stands about 7 meters tall.

4 – Tower of Hercules

The Tower of Hercules in Galicia, Spain, is admired both for its appearance and its long history. It is believed to date back to the Roman era, likely between the 1st and early 2nd centuries CE, possibly under Emperor Trajan. It was later restored significantly in 1791 by naval engineer Eustaquio Giannini.

It is recognized as the oldest surviving Roman lighthouse still in operation and stands about 55 meters high. It was automated in 1996.

Its name comes from a medieval legend promoted by King Alfonso X, who described Hercules defeating the giant Geryon and building a lighthouse over the site of his burial.

3 – Lindau Lighthouse

The Lindau Lighthouse in southern Germany is often praised for its balanced and iconic design. It embodies the classic lighthouse form while still including distinctive architectural details, including a built-in clock visible from the water.

Completed in 1856, it stands about 33 meters tall and has been automated since the early 1990s.

2 – Lime Rock / Ida Lewis Lighthouse

This small lighthouse in Rhode Island, USA, is less about architecture and more about its extraordinary human history. Originally known as Lime Rock Lighthouse, it was renamed in 1924 to honor Ida Lewis.

Ida Lewis served as keeper for over five decades and became famous for repeatedly rescuing people from the sea. She performed her first rescue at age 12 and continued saving lives into her 60s. One notable story describes her rowing through a snowstorm without proper clothing to rescue stranded soldiers.

She famously responded to criticism about women in such roles by saying that only a fool would consider saving lives “unfeminine.” The lighthouse itself is modest in size, about 4 meters tall, and was automated in 1927.

1 – Bell Rock Lighthouse

Bell Rock Lighthouse, located in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland, is considered by the author to be the most impressive. It stands on a submerged reef that is only visible for a few hours each day at low tide, making construction extremely difficult.

The reef was a major shipping hazard, responsible for numerous wrecks. After the sinking of HMS York (historically referenced in similar accounts), the need for a lighthouse became urgent.

Engineer Robert Stevenson led the ambitious project under extremely harsh conditions, working only limited hours each day when the rock was exposed. Construction was slow and dangerous, requiring immense ingenuity and perseverance. Despite early setbacks, the lighthouse was completed after several years and has stood for over two centuries.

It is about 30 meters tall, located roughly 11 miles from Arbroath, and became automated in 1988. Over its lifetime, it has significantly reduced shipwrecks in the area, making it one of the most successful maritime safety structures ever built.