The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1924 after the newer, taller lighthouse was constructed to provide better visibility.
The ruins are constructed from local granite, a material chosen for its resistance to the constant salt spray and Atlantic winds.
During the Spanish Civil War, the surrounding area served as a strategic military observation point due to its commanding view of the entrance to the Vigo estuary.
The site remains largely unrestored, preserving its original architectural footprint from the mid-19th century.
Faro Vello de Silleiro consists of the ruins of the original 19th-century lighthouse located on the rocky coast of Baiona, Pontevedra. Built in 1862, it served as a vital maritime beacon until it was replaced by a more modern structure nearby in the 1920s. The site is characterized by exposed granite walls and remains of the keeper’s dwellings overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It sits directly above the rugged cliffside of the Cabo Silleiro promontory. Visitors access the area via walking paths that connect to the coastal scenery of the Rías Baixas. The ruins are currently integrated into the landscape near the operational Faro de Silleiro.
The path looking north toward the ruins with the modern lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good grip, as the terrain around the ruins is uneven and rocky.
Bring a windbreaker or layered clothing, as the coastal exposure results in strong, persistent Atlantic gusts regardless of the season.
Stay on marked paths, as the cliffs surrounding the lighthouse site are steep and unstable.
Do not attempt to access the ruins during heavy rain or high-wind warnings, as the surrounding cliff edge becomes hazardous.
Respect the ruins by not climbing on the unstable masonry; pack out all trash to preserve the coastal environment.
