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Guide

The Cullera Lighthouse

A complete guide to the most photographed lighthouse on the Costa del Azahar: how to get there, where to park, when to go, which coves are nearby and what to grab while you wait for sunset.

Cullera Lighthouse at sunset with the Mediterranean Sea and cliffs lit by golden light

What the Cullera Lighthouse is

The Cullera Lighthouse (Faro de Cullera) sits on the Punta del Far, the southern tip of Cullera’s municipal area (Valencia province), about 70 metres above sea level. Built in 1858 and still operational, it’s one of the most recognisable lighthouses on the Valencian Mediterranean. Its white, long-range light guides ships in and out of the port of Valencia.

The interior is not normally open to the public, but everything around the lighthouse — viewpoint, coves and coastal path — absolutely is. That’s the part worth the trip.

How to get to the Cullera Lighthouse

The easiest way is by car along the CV-503. From central Cullera, it’s a 5-minute drive up the Cap del Far.

  • From Valencia: A-7 toward Alicante → exit 57 (Cullera) → CV-503 up to the lighthouse. ~50 minutes.
  • From Gandía or Alicante: AP-7 / N-332 → Cullera → CV-503. 25–60 minutes depending on origin.
  • By train: Renfe Cercanías C-1 to Cullera station. From there, taxi or local bus to the lighthouse (~10 minutes).
  • On foot: Faro trail from Racó beach or from the castle. Moderate climb, 25–40 minutes. Spectacular at sunset.
  • By bike: the CV-503 climb is demanding but doable and very beautiful.

Parking

There is a free car park at the foot of the lighthouse, next to the viewpoint. In winter you’ll almost always find a space; in summer, especially at sunset and weekends, it fills in 30 minutes. If you arrive late, the best move is to park lower down and walk up.

Best time to visit

Sunset is the main event: the sun drops behind the cape and the horizon catches fire. Arrive 30–45 minutes early to grab a good spot and watch the light shift. In summer, sunset is between 21:00 and 21:45.

Sunrise is the less touristy and possibly more spectacular option: the sun rises directly over the sea. Almost nobody is there at that hour.

Avoid midday (12:00–17:00) between July and September — there’s no shade and it gets very hot.

What to do around the lighthouse

  • Viewpoint (Mirador del Faro de Cullera) — panorama over the Mediterranean. Benches to sit on.
  • Cala del Far / Cap Blanc — small, quiet coves reachable from the lighthouse via short paths. Crystal water in summer.
  • Cueva del Volcán del Faro — striking geological cave at the base of the cape. Access by sea (kayak/paddleboard) or via an unmarked path.
  • Coastal trail from Far to Racó — about 40 minutes along the cliffs, with viewpoints and coves.
  • Gelateria El Faro — a stop for an ice cream, a horchata slushie or a coffee before or after sunset. In the Faro de Cullera district, a few minutes from the viewpoint.

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes (closed-toe if you’re heading down to the coves).
  • Water: no fountains nearby in summer.
  • A light jacket for sunset (the wind picks up).
  • A camera or phone with space. You will be taking pictures.
  • Sunscreen if you’re going during the day.

The lighthouse and us

Gelateria El Faro sits in the neighbourhood named after it — Faro de Cullera — a few minutes from the cape and the viewpoint. The classic combo before or after going up: a horchata slushie with a fresh farton. Open Saturdays (4 pm – 11 pm) and Sundays (4 pm – 9 pm).

See the menu How to find the shop

FAQs about the Cullera Lighthouse

Where is the Cullera Lighthouse?
The Cullera Lighthouse (Faro de Cullera) stands on the Punta del Far, in the area known as Faro de Cullera, south of Cullera town in Valencia, Spain. GPS coordinates: 39.1632, -0.2271. Access is via the CV-503 road from central Cullera.

Can you go inside the Cullera Lighthouse?
The lighthouse interior is not normally open to the public, but the viewpoint next to it (Mirador del Faro de Cullera) is freely accessible and offers one of the best views on the Valencian Mediterranean. Free parking next to it.

What is the best time to visit the Cullera Lighthouse?
Sunset is the showstopper. Arrive about 45 minutes before the sun sets to find space (especially in summer). Sunrise is equally spectacular and far quieter. Avoid the middle of the day in July and August — there is no shade and it gets very hot.

Is there parking at the Cullera Lighthouse?
Yes, there is a free car park right next to the lighthouse and viewpoint. In summer, especially around sunset and on weekends, it fills up fast. Plan B: park further down and walk up the coastal path.

What is there to do near the Cullera Lighthouse?
Around the lighthouse and in the surrounding Faro de Cullera district you have: the viewpoint (180° panorama over the Mediterranean), the small coves of Cap Blanc and Cala del Far, the Cueva del Volcán del Faro (spectacular geological formation), the coastal path towards Racó beach, and Gelateria El Faro a few minutes away for ice cream or a horchata slushie before the sunset.

How to get to the Cullera Lighthouse from Valencia?
From Valencia: take the A-7 toward Alicante, exit at junction 57 (Cullera) and follow the CV-503 to the lighthouse. About 50 minutes by car. You can also take the Cercanías C-1 commuter train to Cullera station and then a taxi or local bus to the lighthouse (~10 minutes).