Standing tall for over a century and a half: The lighthouse of Cabo Cruz
The area surrounding the tower is notable for a vast system of stepped natural terraces, considered one of the most significant and best-preserved examples in the world
Posted by Sol de Cuba, 29/09/2026
At the southwestern tip of Granma province stands the Vargas Lighthouse—also known as the Cabo Cruz Lighthouse—a 19th-century colonial structure that has remained standing for more than 150 years.
Rising approximately 32 meters, the lighthouse is a key landmark of Cabo Cruz. It is situated within Desembarco del Granma National Park, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to the extraordinary value of its landscapes and geological formations.
The tower’s surroundings are distinguished by a massive system of stepped natural terraces, regarded as one of the world’s most important and best-preserved examples. Some of these formations reach heights of around 360 meters.
The area is also home to endemic species and offers opportunities to observe Cuban birds such as the Cuban trogon, Cuban tody and the bee hummingbird, considered the smallest bird in the world.
In addition to its natural significance, Cabo Cruz preserves indigenous archaeological sites and locations linked to major historical events in this region of Cuba.
Photos: Naturaleza Secreta Facebook page
