The most famous lighthouses in the world

The lighthouses are located at the entrance. The bays Beautiful and natural harbours, it has been a great guide for ships for hundreds of years.

Unfortunately, many of them have become redundant and have been replaced by more effective on-board navigation systems.

Those in use today are mostly automated, and feature stronger lights and lenses than the lighthouses used in the past.

Due to their unique design, lighthouses often represent Landmarks Very much so, as their shapes and colours blend in with the surrounding landscape.

Therefore, they provide some great photography opportunities and are usually placed in stunning locations along rugged coastlines.

The most famous lighthouses in the world

Famous Lighthouses – Galle Lighthouse, Sri Lanka

Located within the ancient walls of Galle Fort, the eponymous lighthouse has been protected by the surrounding waters since it was first erected in 1848.

While it is the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka In its entirety, the lighthouse's current bright white walls date from 1939, when it was rebuilt after a devastating fire.

Tucked away on the country's southern coast, its stunning location at the entrance to Galle Harbour with palm trees all around makes it one of the most picturesque landmarks in Galle.

Galle Lighthouse, Sri Lanka

Famous Lighthouses – Makapu Point Lighthouse, Hawaii

This lighthouse is perched on the eastern tip of Oahu, Hawaii, in one of the most dramatic locations, where the Pacific Ocean stretches out endlessly.

Although only 14 metres high, the light emanating from its tower can be seen from afar thanks to its prominent location on a rocky slope.

Coupled with the bright blue waters of the ocean below, these massive volcanic cliffs certainly make for a stunning sight with the Makapuu Point Lighthouse hidden among them.

Built in 1906, the lighthouse has long been of utmost importance as it guides ships from the West Coast of the United States to Honolulu.

Makapu Point Lighthouse, Hawaii

Lindesnes Lighthouse, Norway

Located in the far south of Norway, Lindesnes is the oldest lighthouse in the country.

While the current lighthouse with its gleaming white walls and red top was only built in 1915, the oldest version dates back to 1656.

Since then, it has demarcated the North Sea from the Baltic Sea and warned sailors of the dangerous Norwegian coastline.

Having been captured by the Germans in World War II, there are now trenches, tunnels and a small fort.

Lindesnes Lighthouse, Norway

Remarkably, a light has been warning ships approaching the treacherous waters of Cape Espichel since 1430, when monks erected a lighthouse on the top of the cliff.

However, in 1790 the first proper lighthouse was built.

This lighthouse displays some striking and distinctive architecture with its 32-metre high white hexagonal tower being its defining feature.

The lighthouse is located at the end of the Setubal Peninsula in Portugal.

It overlooks many beautiful coasts that used to strike fear into the hearts of sailors.

Given its dramatic setting and stunning architecture,

Cape Special Lighthouse is certainly one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.

Cape Special Lighthouse, Portugal

Tower of Hercules, Spain

Since the 2nd century AD, the Tower of Hercules has watched over Spain's North Atlantic coast.

This makes it the oldest lighthouse still in use today.

In such an era, it is believed to have been modeled after the Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the World In the ancient world.

The lighthouse was first built by the Romans, with the sturdy, square tower, 57 metres high, being repaired in 1791.

In addition to its amazing age and architectural design, the picturesque location of the Tower of Hercules Lighthouse on a peninsula in Galicia certainly makes it one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.

Tower of Hercules, Spain

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon, USA

Located in a prominent and scenic spot on the Oregon coast, the lighthouse is certainly a sight to behold.

Its gleaming white tower overlooks the Pacific Ocean with dramatic rocks below, and the scenery is backed by green forests nestled on the hillside.

The lighthouse was first lit in 1894, and is named after Bruno Heceta, a Spanish explorer who sailed up and down the Pacific Northwest in the 18th century.

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon, USA

Chania Lighthouse, Greece

This cheerful lighthouse stands at the entrance to Chania in the historic harbour of Crete.

It is not only one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece and the Mediterranean, but in the entire world.

It was first built by the Venetians at the end of the 16th century, then restored by the Egyptians, Ottomans and later the Greeks.

As such, the minaret certainly boasts an illustrious and interesting history as evidenced by its unique design reminiscent of a mosque minaret.

Its attractive architecture and wonderful atmosphere with the city in the background are what make it a popular attraction.

Chania Lighthouse, Greece

Formentor Lighthouse, Mallorca, Balearic Islands

One of Mallorca's most famous landmarks, Formentor Lighthouse is located at the northernmost tip of the Balearic Island.

The lighthouse rises about 210 metres above sea level, and is positioned on a steep, towering cliff.

This bright lighthouse has been warning sailors of the dangerous coast of Mallorca since 1863.

With its stunning natural beauty and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, it is a must-see destination.

Formentor Lighthouse, Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Portland Head Light, Oregon, USA

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Portland Head Light has guided mariners to safety since 1791.

The historic lighthouse sits on a rocky bluff on Cape Elizabeth, just south of busy Portland Harbor.

Its white conical tower stands nearly 25 metres high, standing out like a flag on the barren, rugged coastline that surrounds it.

Although it is now automated, visitors can stop by the adjacent Maritime Museum to learn all about its fascinating past.

And listen to the tragic tales of the many ships that wrecked along the state's coast.

Portland Head Light, Oregon, USA