With thousands of islands and a coastline that measures 13,676 kilometers, Greece's lighthouse network is one of the largest and most organized, worldwide. Sitting on steep capes and rocky islets, lighthouses guide safely those who sail the Greek seas and offer joy to those returning home from long journeys. In Greek waters, lighthouse structures, have spotted the Aegean archipelago since the 15th century. The first one that was built under the modern Greek state was at the port of Aegina in 1829, when the city was declared the capital of the then newly formed Greek state. The lighthouse network soon expanded in the rest of the Greek territory. A large number of them were damaged or destroyed by the Germans during World War II, specifically during the German troops’ withdrawal from Greece. After the end of the war, some of the lighthouses were restored by the Lighthouse Service of the Hellenic Navy but many are still awaiting to be restored and regain their former glory. Today, more than 120 traditional stone-made lighthouses still stand in Greece. Each one has its own cultural value and structural beauty, but they are all important monuments of the modern maritime Greek history. Nowadays, a large number of them have been listed as Historical Monuments by the Greek Ministry of Culture and are protected by law. So, let's discover the best traditional lighthouses of Greece and learn more about these crucial elements of Greek maritime tradition.
Every year, on the third Sunday of August (Sunday, 16 August 2026), selected lighthouses across Greece open to the public.
Greece has hundreds of lighthouses scattered across its coastline and islands. Some of the most scenic ones are located on islands like Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes, as well as coastal areas of the mainland.
Among the most iconic are the Akrotiri Lighthouse, the Chania and Rethymno Lighthouses in Crete, Agios Nikolaos Lighthouse in Rhodes, Cape Tenaro Lighthouse in Lakonia, and the Tourlitis Lighthouse in Andros. These stand out for their history, architecture, and stunning sea views.
Most lighthouses in Greece can be visited from the outside, allowing travellers to get close and enjoy the surrounding views. However, access to the interior is usually restricted, as many are still operational and maintained by the Hellenic Navy. On World Lighthouse Day, celebrated every year on the third Sunday of August, however, selected lighthouses across Greece are opened to the public, offering a rare opportunity to explore these historic maritime landmarks from within.
The best time to visit is during spring, summer, and early autumn, when weather conditions are ideal. Sunset is especially popular, as many lighthouses—like the Akrotiri Lighthouse—offer breathtaking views over the sea.
Greece has an extensive lighthouse network of more than 1,600 lighthouses, beacons, and navigational lights, many of which date back to the 19th century. This vast maritime system is considered one of the largest and most well-organised lighthouse networks in the world. Although not all lighthouses are open to visitors, many can still be included in scenic travel routes, offering unique stops for coastal exploration, photography, and cultural sightseeing.
Lighthouses have played a crucial role in maritime navigation and safety, especially in a country with thousands of islands and a long coastline. Today, they are also valued as historical landmarks and scenic viewpoints, attracting photographers and travelers alike.
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