Where you can live in a real lighthouse

Lighthouses possess their own unique romance. There’s something about these solitary buildings that rise above their surroundings and help those who navigate the seas find their way in their endless expanse. If you’ve ever been near a lighthouse, you understand what we’re talking about. But appearance is only half the charm; to complete the picture, it’s better to go inside. And even live there. Not as a keeper, but as a guest, fortunately, there are several lighthouses converted into hotels. We’ve found a few such places where guests can expect sunsets, the sound of the surf, and the realization that for many kilometers around, it’s just you and the ocean.

To embark on such an adventure, it’s most convenient to buy tickets to Istanbul on Kupi.com in advance (as a convenient hub for flights across Europe).

Croatia: Porer Lighthouse

A tiny rocky islet that can be circled in literally five minutes, with a 35-meter lighthouse built in 1833 at its center. It’s 2.5 km by water to the southern tip of Istria and the town of Premantura. If you really want to escape from the world, this is the ideal place. The keeper’s house, two apartments, each designed for four people — that’s the entire layout. All groceries will have to be bought in advance, and water should be used sparingly.

• Price: from 135 € for the entire apartment. In summer, booking must be done at least six months in advance. Round-trip transfer is paid separately — 100 € for four people.

Norway: Molja Lighthouse

Hotel Brosundet has one room that stands out from all the others. Room 47 is located in the lighthouse, where breakfast is brought to guests in a basket and left at the door. Maximum privacy! This hotel is located in the town of Ålesund, and the lighthouse itself is situated at the end of the pier protecting the harbor entrance. The interior was designed by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta: a luxurious bathroom is located on the first floor, and a round bedroom with a view of the North Sea is on the second.

• Price: from 320 € per night. Breakfast is included.

Finland: Bengtskär Lighthouse

This is the tallest lighthouse in Scandinavia, rising 52 meters above the Gulf of Finland. The building, made of stern granite, has survived wars and shelling, and today welcomes guests who love northern nature. The only noise here is the sea around; entertainment includes a restaurant, sauna, and museum. The hotel has seven rooms and a total of 25 beds, all located within the lighthouse. Six rooms are on the third floor, and one is on the second floor next to the cafe.

• Price: from 340 €. Please note that the lighthouse is open to visitors only from June to September.

Spain: O Semáforo de Fisterra Lighthouse

Cape Finisterre was called the "end of the earth" in ancient times. This place is steeped in mysticism: here the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route ends, and beyond it lies only the boundless Atlantic. Today, the lighthouse has been converted into a stylish hotel with modern design. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to fall asleep under the starlight and wake up to the first rays of the sun. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar on the terrace, heating, and satellite TV. Although it’s better to spend time not on movies and TV shows, but on walks along the shore and trips to nearby attractions — Castillo de San Carlos and Cruceiros Fisterra temple.

• Price: from 180 € per night.

Ireland: Clare Island Lighthouse

If you’re looking for a rugged Celtic aesthetic, head to Clare Island. The local lighthouse, built in 1806, is listed as an architectural monument. It has been converted into boutique apartments with its own restaurant, magnificent sea views, and inspiring nature all around. In the evenings, a fireplace is lit, and in the mornings, a farm-fresh breakfast is served. From the cliff, there’s a view of Clew Bay and the endless ocean. Ideal for those who want to escape from people while still having access to good wine and soft sheets.

• Price: from 310 €.

Turkey: Şile Lighthouse (Şile Feneri)

In the resort town of Şile on the Black Sea coast, stands Turkey’s largest active lighthouse. There is no hotel in the tower itself, but the entire coastline around it is built up with boutique hotels whose terraces overlook the striped giant. It’s easy to get here from Istanbul by car. This is an excellent option for a short weekend trip to breathe the sea air and take impressive photos.

• Price: a room in the nearest hotel with a lighthouse view will cost 80–120 €.

What to consider before your trip

Even a single weekend spent in a lighthouse is a very specific experience. They are often located on islands or remote capes, so logistics need to be planned wisely. For example, book a transfer in advance or rent a car to reach the furthest point. In the “island” scenario, a storm might occur at sea, delaying your check-in by a day.

Most such places do not have restaurants or shops. Lighthouses usually have equipped kitchens, so it’s best to buy groceries in advance on the mainland, and water will have to be used sparingly — no relaxing baths are to be expected.

A lighthouse is a vertical space. Be prepared to repeatedly climb and descend narrow spiral staircases. Heavy suitcases are impractical; take only essential items that will fit in a backpack.