Arecibo Lighthouse

The Arecibo lighthouse was completed in 1898 on the headland above the town, one of the last built under Spanish administration, and it has been restored with the keeper's quarters furnished as a small museum. Around it a commercial park has been built with replica Taino village, pirate ship, Columbus caravels and a playground, which makes it a family attraction rather than a historic monument. The headland and the view along the coast are the better part.

History

The lighthouse was completed in 1898 on the Punta Morillos headland, one of Spain's last maritime works on the island, with a neoclassical keeper's house and a hexagonal tower under a bronze dome. It was converted to electric power in 1931 and automated in 1964, then fell into decay, its original Fresnel lens damaged in 1975, and a private company restored it in 2001 (Wikipedia, Arecibo Light).

Highlights

• The lighthouse - an 1898 tower with restored keeper's quarters inside.
• The headland - the coast running east and west from the point.
• The replicas - a Taino village, caravels and a pirate ship in the grounds.
• The museum rooms - the keeper's quarters furnished as they were.

When to go

December to April is the drier season. Weekends and school holidays are busy with families. The park keeps set hours and closes on some weekdays.

What to expect

The park around the lighthouse is a commercial attraction with replicas rather than a historic site, and visitors expecting the latter are often put off. The entry charge is high. The replicas are worn in places.

Nearby

Arecibo is south, and Cueva del Indio is east along the coast.

Key facts