Lovely Lighthouse Guide: 12 Beautiful Lighthouses Worldwide

Sailing to the lighthouses of North America

In Canada and the United States, three emblematic lighthouses: Peggy's Cove, Portland Head and Hillsboro Inlet.

Let's begin our lighthouse tour on the other side of the Atlantic. Ready to be dazzled?

1. Peggy's Cove lighthouse, Canada

Our first stop is Canada, not for its maple syrup but for its emblematic lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, in Nova Scotia. This white tower with a red lantern, built in 1914, is 15 m high and draws many visitors every year, who venture onto the granite rocks to take a photo beside it. It is an unmissable spot, with a magnificent view over the bay.

2. Portland Head lighthouse, United States

Let's leave Canada for the Atlantic coast of the United States, in Maine, known as the Lighthouse State for the many lighthouses along its shore. Head to Cape Elizabeth to see the oldest lighthouse in Maine, first lit in 1791. It is a historic place, with a superb view over the entrance to Portland Harbor and Casco Bay from its rugged headland.

3. Hillsboro Inlet lighthouse, United States

Let's warm up on the beaches of Florida! This iron tower of about 42 m was completed in 1907. Its original black and white look goes with a powerful light, visible from around 52 km away. Climb its 175 steps for an exceptional view.

Discovering the lighthouses of the far north

In Scandinavia, the lighthouses of Tranøy, Kjeungskjær and Rubjerg Knude stand among fjords, islets and dunes.

Back to the European continent and on to Scandinavia, with its incredible lighthouses, on the shore or out at sea. Don't forget your hat!

4. Tranøy lighthouse, Norway

We start the Scandinavian leg in the Norwegian fjords, at Tranøy, on the Vestfjord in the municipality of Hamarøy. This red lighthouse with a white stripe stands between sea and mountains, with views towards the Lofoten islands, whose peaks are often capped with snow.

5. Kjeungskjær lighthouse, Norway

Let's head further south in Norway and out to sea to find an astonishing all-red lighthouse. Built in 1880 on an islet off Ørland, this little house-like tower welcomes visitors who come for the view over the fjord. Check the local tourist information before you go, as visits and overnight stays depend on the season and on the crossing.

6. Rubjerg Knude lighthouse, Denmark

This famous 23 m stone lighthouse, near Hjørring on the west coast of Denmark, has an incredible story. Built in 1899 and 1900 and lit in 1900, it was moved 70 m inland in 2019 to stop it from tumbling into the sea as the cliff eroded. Its history and its position on the dune, facing the North Sea, make it a must-see in Denmark, with a stunning panorama.

Across the North Sea: lighthouses of Britain and Ireland

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Lismore, Beachy Head and Fastnet offer lighthouses on an islet, at the foot of cliffs or far out at sea.

No need to travel far to admire wonderful lighthouses by the sea. Let's sail for the United Kingdom and Ireland.

7. Lismore lighthouse, Scotland

Our destination is the Scottish lochs and this pretty white lighthouse. Built in 1833 by Robert Stevenson, it stands on the small rocky island of Eilean Musdile, at the entrance to Loch Linnhe in western Scotland. You can't miss it: its white tower is visible from afar against the green and rocky hills.

8. Beachy Head lighthouse, England

Take in this emblematic English lighthouse, built between 1900 and 1902 and in service since October 1902, standing just off the foot of the Beachy Head cliffs, the highest chalk sea cliffs in Britain. The shore around the cliff base is much more open at low tide, but the sea can cut off the way back, so check your tide clock or the local tide tables before you go and keep an eye on the time. Then enjoy a long walk along the clifftop to see the Seven Sisters and the sea stretching to the horizon. What a spectacle!

9. Fastnet lighthouse, Ireland

Let's leave the coast behind for an exceptional lighthouse at sea. Standing on Fastnet Rock, about 6.5 km off the south-west coast of Ireland, this granite lighthouse is the tallest in Ireland at 54 m. It is so emblematic that it gave its name to the famous Fastnet Race, the sailing race that rounds the rock. Don't expect to climb to its lantern, as landing on the rock is difficult, but you can take a boat trip to see this incredible site.

Heading to the lighthouses at the other end of the world

In Australia and New Zealand, three lighthouses overlook the Pacific: Hornby, Cape Byron and Castlepoint.

Let's finish this quick world tour on the other side of the planet, in Australia and New Zealand.

10. Hornby lighthouse, Australia

In Sydney, this small red and white striped lighthouse stands at South Head, at the entrance to Sydney Harbour, and is as lovely as the view from its cliff. The tower itself is closed to the public, but you can reach it on foot by the South Head Heritage Trail from Camp Cove, through Sydney Harbour National Park, with wide views over the harbour and the Pacific Ocean.

11. Cape Byron lighthouse, Australia

Perched on a clifftop, the most powerful lighthouse in Australia, opened in 1901, gives lovely views over Byron Bay, from where you can watch for whales. It is also a magical and very popular place to see the sun rise and set. The walking trails around it offer more exceptional views of the cape.

12. Castlepoint lighthouse, New Zealand

On the Wairarapa coast of New Zealand's North Island, this 23 m lighthouse was first lit in January 1913. A path leads up to it, rewarding you with a view over the Pacific Ocean, the lagoon and the Castle Rock headland. With a bit of luck, you may spot seals along the shore.

The French coast also has magnificent lighthouses, which we will tell you about in a future article.