Faro de Orchilla is located in the westernmost point of El Hierro, so-called Punta de Orchilla.


Already in the II century A.D. the greek cartographer Ptolemy considered this western end of the island as the end of the known world, and he used it as a reference point to cartography and geographical calculations. In 1634 this point was oficially set as the Prime Meridian (Meridiano Cero). It was functioning there until 1884, when it was replaced by the new one, passing through Greenwich.


Today in the place of the former meridian "0" is situated the lighthouse - Faro de Orchilla, which is the perfect navigation point, very useful for the ships sailing to America. It was opened and activated for the first time on 25 of September, 1933. The first lighter was Carmelo Heredia Olmosa. His monument stands on the coastal rocks, right next to the navigating cross (Cruz del Navegante).


At present the lighthouse is totally automated and closed for visitors. But it's really worth to come here, even just for the fact that this is the farthest end of Europe. Additionally in the Tourist Information Office, for a little charge, it's possible to get a special certificate confirming your visit at the meridian "0".

More about Faro de Orchilla : How to get | Neighbourhood of Faro de Orchilla | Photo Gallery

The easiest way to the lighthouse leads along the northern coast, that is: from Valverde through Sabinosa and Playa del Verodal, and further - still in the direction to Ermita Virgen de los Reyes. Then (before the chapel) you should turn right to Faro de Orchilla. The road is asphalt at the beginning, then sandy and bumpy.

• Monumento al Meridiano


• Playa del Verodal


• Ermita Virgen de los Reyes


• Cueva del Caracol


• El Sabinar


• Mirador de Bascos

Visit other sites about Canary Islands: Gran Canaria

All photos and content are property of MyElHierro.com portal. Copy, duplicate and diffuse the content of the site without authors permission are formally forbidden.

(C) My El Hierro 2008 - 2009 | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Contact us