All About the Lighthouse of Aspropounta in Folegandros
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A trip to the Aspropounta Lighthouse is a must-do when visiting the sunny island of Folegandros,
Greece. The island’s natural, unspoiled beauty is a siren-call to visitors, but the Aspropounta Lighthouse has been a special place to explore and admire for visitors and locals alike for the last 100 years.
About the Lighthouse of Aspropounta
First opened in 1921, the Lighthouse is located on a rocky outcropping on the southwestern coast of Livadaki beach at Giofiri (Greek for “bridge”). Standing as a white-washed beacon to sailors of the past and present, Aspropounta’s storied history exemplifies the modern Greek approach to life. This lighthouse was first lit by a wick and then petroleum gas to produce the life-saving lights. This structure, created to notify ships of the small, rocky island of Aspropounta has now been powered by solar energy since 1986. Today, powered by nearly self-sufficient solar power, the guardhouse next to the lighthouse is mostly empty. Standing 58 meters above sea level, the white-washed lighthouse sports an 11-meter light that can be viewed from up to 17 miles away.
What to Do at the Lighthouse of Aspropounta
When planning a visit to this beautiful and historical location, you can expect a beautiful view of the ocean and sky no matter what time of day you visit. A stop at this iconic landmark will include walking around the base of the structure as well as admiring the architecture and lighting of the lighthouse from the outside. If you are lucky enough to stop by when the guardhouse is staffed, you might be able to score an inside tour of the lighthouse, as well.
Getting to the Lighthouse of Aspropounta
Since the Lighthouse of Aspropounta is located adjacent to the beach of Livadaki, planning a trip to visit it can easily be connected to a trip there. Since the lighthouse is located on an outcropping of rock, a small walk or hike is necessary to reach the structure, regardless of the method of transportation to the area.
From Samos
If arriving by car from Samos, expect a short drive from the city on a paved road followed by a 3-meter dirt road to the beach of Livadaki. From Livadaki, an approximately 30-minute hike up the connecting path is needed to reach the lighthouse.
From Livadaki
From Livadaki beach, visitors to the Lighthouse of Aspropounta need to take a hiking path. This stretch of the island’s circular walking path will take between 30 minutes and an hour to arrive at the lighthouse. The beach area of Livadaki is accessible by car from Samos or by the boats that run from nearby Angali beach about every 30 minutes during the day.
From Apano Meria
Visitors can take the island’s circular walking path from the town of Apano Meria to the Lighthouse at Aspropounta in about 30 minutes of hiking. This trail is part of a larger path that encircles the island of Folegandros, and the other side of the lighthouse path leads down to Livadaki beach after a short hike.
While visiting Folegandros, Greece, you should consider spending time Lighthouse of Aspropounta.
Categorized in: About Folegandros, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
