Faro de Mesa Roldán
Lighthouse from 1863 on the coast of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with a small museum of lighthouses and maritime signals; visits by prior request.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Mesa Roldán lighthouse in Carboneras was lit in 1863 to replace the bonfires that had been lit on top of the old watchtower. It lies within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park and is one of the best viewpoints in this natural area. It still operates as a maritime signal and is managed by the Autoridad Portuaria de Almería (Almería Port Authority), although it now works automatically.
For more than thirty years its lighthouse keeper, Mario Sanz, gathered in the building a collection of more than 3,000 items relating to the sea, maritime signalling and the history of lighthouses, including models, paintings, documents and photographs of former lighthouse keepers from all over Spain. Book presentations, temporary exhibitions, workshops and free school visits were also held at the lighthouse.
Since the lighthouse keeper's retirement in September 2025, the building has had no permanent staff. The Autoridad Portuaria opens the lighthouse and the museum only for visits arranged by prior request, according to a calendar.
Highlights
- Lighthouse in service since 1863 within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park
- Museum with more than 3,000 items on lighthouses, maritime signals and the sea
- Free visits for groups, by prior request
- Natural viewpoint over the coast of Carboneras
Permanent exhibition
- Museo del faro – Collection assembled by the last lighthouse keeper, with more than 3,000 items on navigation, maritime signalling and the history of lighthouses, plus models, paintings and a photographic archive.
- Founded
- 1863
- Operated by
- Autoridad Portuaria de Almería
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Group visits to the lighthouse are free of charge.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Good to know | Visits must be requested from the Autoridad Portuaria de Almería; for questions, telephone +34 950 236 033. |
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