What is the significance of the Europa Point Lighthouse in Gibraltar?
Short answer
Europa Point Lighthouse has guided shipping through the Strait of Gibraltar since 1841 and is the only Trinity House lighthouse outside the British Isles. Since 17 September 2026 it has also been open to the public as a heritage attraction.
Detailed answer
The Europa Point Lighthouse, also known as the Trinity Lighthouse and now marketed to visitors as Gibraltar Lighthouse, stands at the southernmost tip of Gibraltar at the entrance to the Strait. It has guided vessels between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean since 1841, and HM Government of Gibraltar puts traffic through the Strait at more than 300 ships a day.
A working Trinity House light
It is the only Trinity House lighthouse outside the British Isles and the southernmost in Trinity House's care. It remains a fully operational aid to navigation, with its light 49 metres above sea level and a range of approximately 37 kilometres.
Open to the public since 17 September 2026
The lighthouse was officially opened to the public on 17 September 2026. The Gibraltar Heritage Trust, appointed by Trinity House, runs:
- guided tours that climb 117 steps to the Lantern Room for views across the Strait towards North Africa
- self-guided full-access visits
- ground-floor base access with interpretation displays
- events at the site
Tickets are sold at gibraltarlighthouse.com.