There are four lighthouses in La Palma, to correspond with the NESW directions of a compass. The one closest to the north cardinal point is north-easterly Faro Punta Cumplida. It's the oldest lighthouse on the island, first lit up in 1867. This faro is also a stylish hotel, one of only two lighthouses you can sleep over at in the whole of Spain. Staying here is a special event, especially if the non-resident lighthouse keeper pays a visit during his shift. When the Spanish post office brought out commemorative stamps in 2010, Punta Cumplida was one of the six lighthouses memorably depicted. It's an La Palma icon and a powerful symbol of Canary Islands tourism at its most sustainable.
The 45-minute drive from the airport is one memorable road trip with the landscape becoming increasingly spectacular with every turn.
This lighthouse hotel is situated on the far north of the island, in rural Barlovento.
By plane: flights from London take around 9 hours with a stop in Barcelona; flights from Birmingham take around 11 hours with a stop in Tenerife. The hotel is a 45-minute taxi ride from the airport. Free parking on-site. skyscanner.net
Extended families who enjoy travelling together are able to hire out the whole complex, meaning they take over the hotel. The Atlantic brings a sense of calm. The ocean is always there as a constant: you can see it or smell it the whole time.
Watching the sun go down and be replaced by the shining beacon is a highlight of a lighthouse stay.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Roof terrace
- Swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
The Farero Suite, one half of the lighthouse's sleeping quarters, complete with fireplace, library, and two bathrooms is reassuringly comfortable. The Instagrammable half-transparent door in the Atlantic Suite, with delightful sea green shutters, is surrounded by gorgeous exposed brickwork.
Farero Suite, Atlantic Suite, La Palma Suite
Facilities include: ensuite shower or bath, private terrace, fully equipped kitchen, TV
Enjoy a glass of local wine at The Sky High Mini Bar after the Steps Challenge by running up them. Chef Willy Rodríguez serves tataki de atún made of tuna caught in front of the lighthouse at Barlovento's La Gaviota.
Breakfast: the housekeeper can bring a continental breakfast basket each day.
Lunch/dinner: there is a fully equipped kitchen. A small supermarket and several restaurants can be reached in 10-15 minutes by car. Your fridge can also be stocked with local specialities by arrangement.
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