Faro de Orchilla
— The Zero‑Meridian Lighthouse at El Hierro’s Western Edge

Faro de Orchilla stands on El Hierro’s far western coast, a remote volcanic plain shaped by dark lava, sparse vegetation and the constant presence of the Atlantic. For centuries, this area marked the Zero Meridian — the reference line used in navigation before Greenwich became the global standard. The lighthouse preserves this legacy, making it one of the island’s most symbolic landmarks.

The building rises from a low, open plateau where volcanic rock meets the ocean. Its white tower contrasts with the surrounding terrain, a landscape defined by basalt fields, gentle slopes and the wide horizon stretching westward. The sense of isolation is strong: no villages, no cliffs, just open volcanic ground and the Atlantic.

The lighthouse was completed in the early 20th century to guide ships navigating the western approaches of the Canary Islands. Its position reflects centuries of maritime tradition, when El Hierro marked the edge of the known world for European sailors.

Nearby, a monument marks the historic Zero Meridian point, connecting the site to its navigational past. The area also offers views toward the rugged southern coastline and the volcanic ridges that rise toward El Julan and the island’s highlands.

Faro de Orchilla remains one of El Hierro’s most atmospheric places — a lighthouse shaped by volcanic geology, maritime history and the island’s role in global navigation.