Faro de Santa Catalina
The first visitable lighthouse in the Basque Country, converted into a centre on navigation, with a virtual boat trip and terraces overlooking the coast.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Santa Catalina lighthouse in Lekeitio opened in 1862 with an oil lamp, later replaced by a kerosene lamp. In 1935 the lantern and optics were kept, but the installation switched to acetylene, and since 1957 it has had electricity.
Today it is the first visitable lighthouse in the Basque Country. Together with the watchtower, it forms a centre for interpreting navigation technology: using technological resources it explains the basics of navigation from antiquity (signals, lights, orientation, stars, whale spotting) and gives an idea of what sailors felt when they saw the lighthouse beam that brought them back to land.
The visit includes a virtual boat trip between Lekeitio and Elantxobe, which puts basic navigation techniques into practice, and ends on the outdoor terraces, overlooking the Basque coast.
Highlights
- First visitable lighthouse in the Basque Country
- Centre for interpreting navigation technology
- Virtual boat trip between Lekeitio and Elantxobe
- Outdoor terraces overlooking the Basque coast
Permanent exhibition
- Centro de interpretación de la navegación – Interactive route through navigation techniques from antiquity to the present day, with a virtual boat trip between Lekeitio and Elantxobe.
- Founded
- 1862
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
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| Reduced | €4.50Children aged 3 to 12 and pensioners. |
| Children & teens | €4.50Children aged 3 to 12. Under-3s are not admitted. |
| Seniors | €4.50Pensioners. |
| Groups (20+ people) | –On weekdays, groups of at least 20 people must book in advance. |
VAT included.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The lantern room of the lighthouse is not open to visitors.
Kids & families
Recommended for ages 3+
| Time needed | approx. 50 min |
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Children under 3 are not admitted.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
Outdoor terraces overlooking the Basque coast.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Maximum 20 people per session. Dogs are not admitted, and eating or smoking within the grounds is not allowed. |
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