Marine Reserve Interpretation Center Old Lighthouse
Iconic twin lighthouses, unique salt pans, and a marine conservation museum set against dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Marine Reserve Interpretation Center Old Lighthouse
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic twin lighthouses, unique salt pans, and a marine conservation museum set against dramatic volcanic landscapes.
"Loved the spot. Two gorgeous lighthouses next to each other, easy to park, tiny fishing "village" just below, with a small beach."
🚶♀️ Salt Pan Stroll
Enjoy the free self-guided tour of the salt pans; it's a highlight for many visitors. :walking:
🎬 Conservation Film
Don't miss the short film inside the old lighthouse about marine conservation. :movie_camera:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Twin Lighthouses
Overlooking the Atlantic
See the old and new lighthouses standing side-by-side, offering stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
Captivating Salt Pans
Adjacent to the lighthouses
Wander through the free, self-guided salt pans for a unique and picturesque experience.
Marine Conservation Museum
Inside the Old Lighthouse
Learn about coastal conservation and marine life in a unique, subdued space with an illuminated floor.
Charming Fishing Village
Below the lighthouses
Discover a tiny fishing village with a small, inviting beach just a short walk away.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Salt Pans & Coastal Wonders
Conservation Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Salt Pan Stroll
Enjoy the free self-guided tour of the salt pans; it's a highlight for many visitors. :walking:
🎬 Conservation Film
Don't miss the short film inside the old lighthouse about marine conservation. :movie_camera:
🚗 Parking Availability
Plenty of parking is available around the base of the lighthouses. :car:
☕ Cafe & Restaurant
Grab a snack or drink at the cafe and restaurant on-site. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Salt Pan Stroll
Enjoy the free self-guided tour of the salt pans; it's a highlight for many visitors. :walking:
🎬 Conservation Film
Don't miss the short film inside the old lighthouse about marine conservation. :movie_camera:
🚗 Parking Availability
Plenty of parking is available around the base of the lighthouses. :car:
☕ Cafe & Restaurant
Grab a snack or drink at the cafe and restaurant on-site. :coffee:
🚗 Car Hire Recommended
Consider hiring a car to explore the island further after your visit. :rental_car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Marine Reserve Interpretation Center Old Lighthouse a captivating spot, particularly for its unique salt pans and the educational marine conservation museum. The juxtaposition of the old and new lighthouses, along with the nearby fishing village and beach, adds to its charm. While the film viewing area has limited seating, the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and informative exhibits.
"This is an interesting place to visit, mainly for the salt pans that are next to the lighthouses. There is a cafe and restaurant that serve drinks and snacks. The salt pans have a self guided tour that you can walk around for free."
Sue Burgon
"Loved the spot. Two gorgeous lighthouses next to each other, easy to park, tiny fishing "village" just below, with a small beach. Easy walk to the salt flats."
Marta
"This place is truly captivating. I explored not only the salines but also the cliffs/coastline. The memorial platform and the museum round off one of the island‘s must visit locations."
Thomas Türling
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is accessible by car with plenty of parking available. If staying nearby, a bus operates regularly, taking about 15 minutes one way.
Yes, the lighthouse is a prominent landmark. The road leading down is long and windy, passing banana plantations, offering scenic coastal views.
Some visitors staying at nearby hotels, like the Princess hotel, found it convenient to visit via a short bus ride.
The drive is described as long and windy, passing through banana plantations and offering lovely rugged coastal views.
Yes, a bus operates regularly from nearby areas, making it a convenient option for reaching the lighthouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entry fee of 2 euros for the old lighthouse, with a concession for seniors at 1 euro.
Tickets can likely be purchased on-site. It's always a good idea to check the official website for any booking requirements, though no specific advance booking is mentioned in reviews.
Yes, the salt pans have a self-guided tour that you can walk around for free.
Opening hours are not explicitly stated in the provided information, but it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours for the best experience.
The museum is located within the old lighthouse, and the entry fee of 2 euros covers access to this area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see two lighthouses (old and new), explore the salt pans, visit the marine conservation museum, and a small fishing village with a beach.
Absolutely! The salt pans offer a free, self-guided walking tour, which is a popular activity.
The short film focuses on the conservation area of the coast and its importance to sea creatures and working with fishing villages.
The film viewing area inside the old lighthouse has limited seating, with most visitors standing on lava ledges.
The museum floor is lit up under colored glass laid over debris from the ocean, illustrating the damage to sea life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe and restaurant on-site that serve drinks and snacks.
The cafe and restaurant offer drinks and snacks, suitable for a brief stop during your visit.
While snacks and drinks are available, it's more of a cafe/snack bar rather than a full-service restaurant based on reviews.
The small beach near the fishing village could be a nice spot for a picnic, though dedicated picnic facilities are not mentioned.
The fishing village is described as tiny, so dining options might be limited to the on-site cafe/restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic view of the old and new lighthouses together, the unique salt pans, and the rugged coastal scenery.
Yes, the combination of the lighthouses, ocean, mountains, and salt pans makes it an excellent location for landscape photography.
Daytime offers the best light for capturing the vibrant colors of the salt pans and the dramatic coastal views.
Photography rules inside the museum are not specified, but it's generally advisable to be respectful and check for signage.
No information is available regarding drone usage. It's recommended to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking is convenient, and there's a cafe for snacks. Consider bringing a stroller or carrier for younger children as the terrain around the salt pans can be uneven. The overall experience is relatively low-key, making it a pleasant outing without being overwhelming.
🌿 Nature & Conservation Enthusiasts
Exploring the coastal cliffs and learning about the importance of the marine reserve provides a holistic understanding of the area's ecological significance. It's a place where you can appreciate natural beauty while also gaining valuable insights into conservation efforts.
📸 Photographers
Don't forget to capture the rugged coastal scenery and the charming details of the nearby fishing village. Visiting during the day ensures the best natural light for vibrant colors and dramatic landscapes. The unique illuminated floor in the museum might also offer interesting photographic opportunities, though check for any restrictions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Salt Pans
Many visitors rave about the accessibility and beauty of the salt pans, making them a must-see attraction. It's a relatively easy walk, allowing you to get up close to the salt crystals and appreciate the environment. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain.
The Marine Conservation Aspect
This educational component adds significant depth to a visit, appealing to those interested in environmental issues. The 2-euro entry fee for the old lighthouse is considered well worth it for the insights gained. It's a chance to learn about the delicate balance of the marine environment and the efforts being made to protect it.
Beyond the Lighthouses: Coastal Exploration
For those looking to explore further, hiring a car is recommended, as it allows for greater freedom to discover other parts of the island, including the scenic road leading to the lighthouse with its banana plantations. The combination of natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and local charm makes this area a rich destination for exploration.
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