From Mauritius To Morocco: The Modern Allure Of Lighthouses

Everything in Ireland, I am told, always begins with “a pint of gat,” that literally translates to “a pint of Guinness.” Even in a quaint fishing town, such as Howth, just outside of Dublin. "You'll need a little liquid courage to weather the cliffs, my friend," a bartender said cheekily as I set off to my next stop, The Baily Lighthouse, built in 1814 and perched on the rocky cliff of Howth Head. The uphill walk, passing the bustling harbour with seabirds hovering over you, seems easy at first—until the warning signs of a "jackal alert" begin to appear. It is at this moment you realise that you are trespassing on nature's restricted terrain. You continue to trudge up, braving the unforgiving Irish gusts—until the stark view of the lighthouse from a narrow cliffside path emerges. A stoic white tower stands, looking like a miniature from the cliffs, almost indifferent to its surrounding mayhem. But on close observation, it reminds you of the centuries of maritime history it holds—one that has witnessed stories of shipwrecks, storms and sailors.

It makes me stop and think: what is the appeal of lighthouses that I always find myself weathering the wind each time to get a better view? Why do these isolated structures, many retired from their daily operations, still “beam” with life?

Lighthouses Across Continents

My quest for answers didn't just end in Ireland. Another uphill task awaited me: almost 176 steep steps, spiralling to the top of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse situated in Western Australia. It made me wonder how the lighthouse keepers must have endured the climb daily and whether they ever sneaked a sip of Merlot from the neighbouring Margaret River wine region after work. Once you finish the climb, it is not just the view of the coast that enthrals you, but of two oceans—Indian and Southern oceans—as if fighting over territory. For almost 130 years, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is still perceived as a watchful guard on this treacherous coastline. “Still a working lighthouse,” a local points out, adding, "The Western Australian government had to wait almost 15 years to build the project because it could only fund it after the discovery of gold near Kalgoorlie."

My lighthouse expeditions across continents gave me much clarity. These mighty structures are like life itself: standing on the edge, weathering unprecedented storms and somehow still helping others navigate through choppy waters. And, even when the light goes out, the wild seas in front of you are proof of a life well lived.

This is most evident at Pigeon Point Lighthouse situated in Pigeon Point Light Station State Park in Pescadero, a sleepy seaside town, 50 miles from San Francisco, California. One of the tallest lighthouses in the United States at 115 feet, built in 1872, surrounded by wildflowers and marine life, its postcard beauty hides a dark past: it took its name from the ship 'Carrier Pigeon' that wrecked here in 1853 on her maiden voyage. Yet when the coast disappears behind fog-blanketed rocks, like the December morning I had visited, it feels less like a photogenic spot, serving more as a reminder of the many lives the Pacific Ocean had quietly claimed.

And just up the Californian coast, at Point Reyes Lighthouse, standing tall on the rocky edge of Point Reyes National Seashore, nature presented a unique irony—the very sentinel built to guard sailors was now the reason why travellers like me feared being swept off the cliff by the salty winds, as I painstakingly descended the 313 steps to the lighthouse. To evade the fog that surrounds Point Reyes, it was strategically built 275 feet down the bluff. The 1.4-mile round trip, despite the harsh winds, is a sight for sore eyes, thanks to its spectacular coastal views, and if you are lucky as I was, an opportunity to spot migratory whales. No Wi-Fi, no cafes, no GPS—yet the allure of lighthouses keeps pulling me in. There is an inexplicable thrill of standing at the edge of the world.

From Beacons To Tourism Icons

Earl Perez-Foust, programme manager, interpretation and education, Point Reyes National Seashore, told me that the lighthouse receives thousands of visitors every weekend throughout the year, even though parking is a nightmare. He shares his favourite anecdote, "Legendary author Jack London and his wife's signature can be found in the old visitor logs. Though lighthouses were staffed by keepers, who pursued their job seriously, they often served as hosts to visitors from around the country." I realised then that my obsession with lighthouses was not a lone quirk. There were thousands out there who willingly volunteered to tread the not-so-favourable paths to catch a glimpse of the tall structures where land runs out.

They were not chasing selfies, though pictures here hardly needed a filter—just like Albion Lighthouse in Mauritius, a historic landmark on Mauritius’ west coast. "These historic structures today are symbols of the island’s marine heritage," Avinash Kanti Teelock, director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) told me. He said people are not only drawn to breathtaking landscapes that lighthouses provide, but also to stories that are deeply steeped in local tradition.

Take the case of Cape Spartel Lighthouse in Morocco—though it still serves as a working maritime beacon, helping vessels navigate, today it is more than just a guiding light for ships, says Jamal Younes Kilito, country manager India, Moroccan National Tourist Office. "It's a symbol of Morocco’s history and spirit," he adds. Standing firm where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, you realise why visitors turn up. "Generations have stood here, looking out to sea, finding stories of connection, trade, and discovery," says Kilito.

Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw was perhaps referring to Ireland's Baily Lighthouse when he said, "I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve." A student from University of Limerick who I bumped into at Howth resonated with Shaw's words when he said that whenever he wants to comprehend history, without holding a book, a lighthouse is a great place to begin.

Earl agrees, "Lighthouses often feature in literature as metaphors for guidance (a shimmer of light in the dark), and harbingers of safety amid treacherous conditions. And it is for this appeal that lighthouses all over the world draw crowds of visitors." For Teelock, lighthouses offer insight into stories of shipwrecks and even heroism.

However, lighthouses don't just evoke nostalgia. To keep them relevant, they are remodelled, rebranded and repositioned to attract tourists in more creative ways than one—something that the early 1900s keepers may not have imagined.

At Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California, there is a cosy hostel on the premises where you can lull yourself to sleep to the music of the Pacific waves. At Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia, there are tour guides, a café, shop, interpretive centre and lookouts—serving you the ideal day-trip experience.

At Point Reyes, Earl told me that the overlook above the lighthouse was redone to meet modern accessibility standards a few years ago. "This improvement has made the area more welcoming to people from all backgrounds and abilities," he explained, adding that its active social media presence has only made the lighthouse even more popular in recent years. At Cape Spartel, Jamal said that they exercise careful planning—setting clear visitor areas, offering guided tours, and ensuring the structure's upkeep. "Cape Spartel is an active maritime beacon, and keeping ships safe as they pass through the Strait of Gibraltar will always be the top priority," Kilito added.

It is clear: safety always triumphs Insta reels. And for these sites to thrive in the present, the key is to not just preserve the towers, but also make space for people who admire such cultural attractions.

Earlier, I would visit lighthouses simply to check a tourist attraction off my meticulously planned itinerary. However, as I continued to explore lighthouses, usually located in isolated corners of the world where even Google Maps fails to guide you, I realised that's perhaps the way they are to be experienced. And then it dawned on me that the biggest allure that drew me to them was a reminder: on some days, only a single ray of light is all you need to navigate life’s fog of uncertainty.

FAQs

Q1. Can you stay overnight in a lighthouse?
Yes, many countries have converted historic lighthouses into boutique hotels and homestays, offering travellers a unique stay by the sea.

Q2. Which are the most famous lighthouses in the world?
Some iconic lighthouses include Portland Head Light (USA), Lindau Lighthouse (Germany), Cape Byron Lighthouse (Australia), and Alnes Lighthouse (Norway).

Q3. Are lighthouses still in use for navigation today?
While modern GPS has reduced their necessity, many lighthouses still function as coastal markers and heritage landmarks.

Q4. What makes lighthouses popular among travellers?
Their dramatic clifftop locations, historic architecture, panoramic sea views, and the sense of solitude and adventure make them highly appealing.

Q5. What is the best time to visit lighthouses?
Late spring to early autumn is ideal, as weather conditions are calmer, making coastal walks and lighthouse climbs more enjoyable.