Jávea opens historic lighthouse to the public with a new whale-watching viewpoint

A long-closed coastal landmark in Jávea has opened its gates to the public, giving visitors a new way to explore the area’s natural beauty, discover its maritime history and look out for dolphins and whales across the Mediterranean.

The outdoor grounds of the Cap de Sant Antoni lighthouse officially opened on Thursday, October 8, following improvements designed to transform the historic site into an accessible visitor attraction. Entry is free, with access available around the clock and no booking required.

The opening comes ahead of the October 9 regional holiday in the Valencian Community, offering residents and visitors a new place to explore during the long weekend.

Four stops reveal the secrets of the lighthouse

Visitors can follow a four-part route combining native plant life, local history and spectacular coastal views.

The first section is a botanical trail featuring 14 native plant species, showcasing the biodiversity of the surrounding landscape. Information boards explain the plants, while QR codes allow visitors to access additional details and learn more about the species growing in the area.

The route then leads towards the lighthouse building itself, where a display explores its history and that of the former post office building nearby.

The third stop offers panoramic views across Jávea Bay, alongside information about the Cap de Sant Antoni Marine Reserve and its ecological importance.

The final section is designed for wildlife enthusiasts. A dedicated viewpoint has been equipped with free-to-use binoculars, allowing visitors to scan the sea for dolphins, whales and seabirds.

On particularly clear days, the island of Ibiza can also be seen from the site, adding another highlight to the coastal panorama.

A new way to enjoy Jávea’s natural beauty

Mayor Rosa Cardona welcomed the opening, explaining that the council had wanted to make the area accessible to the public for some time.

She said the municipality had many beautiful corners along its coastline, from Cap de Sant Antoni to Cap de la Nau, and that this particular location deserved to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Preparatory work included improvements and repainting around the grounds, alongside measures to highlight the site’s natural and historical features.

The project has involved collaboration with Montgó Natural Park, which contributed to the botanical route, and the Oceanogràfic Foundation, which supported the educational information about the area’s marine and terrestrial wildlife.

Cardona described the new viewpoint as a place where people could relax, enjoy the surroundings and observe nature.

The grounds also have video surveillance, and the council hopes the attraction will encourage visitors to appreciate the area’s environmental value as well as its scenery.

A historic site opens after more than 170 years

The lighthouse began operating in 1855, and its grounds had remained largely closed to public access for more than 170 years.

The new arrangement marks a significant change, allowing people to explore the renovated outdoor area for the first time.

However, the opening does not extend to the lighthouse building itself or its tower, which remain closed to visitors. The site falls under port authority jurisdiction, with Jávea granted use of the exterior grounds.

The project gives the municipality another attraction focused on nature and heritage, while providing a new vantage point from which to appreciate the Mediterranean coastline.

For anyone planning a visit, the grounds are free to enter, open 24 hours a day and do not require advance reservations.