Lighthouses already existed in ancient times in the form of fires lit on elevated positions along the coastlines. This way, mariners could be navigated to avoid dangerous rocks or reefs similarly as the modern-day lighthouses do.

One of the most famous lighthouses of the ancient world was the Lighthouse of Alexandria, a structure that is considered to be one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world but which was destroyed by a series of earthquakes. Today some of them are hundreds of years old and still working. These old beacons have become landmarks and are historically significant. Check out these ten lighthouses, that are posited in the wonderful surroundings.

1. Farolim de Felgueiras, Foz do Douro, Porto, Portugal

The Farol de Felgueiras, or the Felgueiras Lighthouse, is next to the river Douro’s mouth. The stormy Atlantic Ocean is captured in the pictures. When it is calm, the seaside is a lovely place to have a romantic walk, however, during storms like this it is better to stay away from the Ocean.

2. Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, Argentina

Also known as the ‘the lighthouse at the end of the world’, this lighthouse is located on a small island 5 nmi (which are 9.3 km) east to the Argentinian city of Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The lighthouse was built in 1920 and is now a popular tourists attraction and can be reached only by boat.

3. Tower of Hercules, La Coruña, Spain

The oldest lighthouse in the world has originated from an ancient Roman tower, which is known to be standing here since around the 2nd century. It is declared a National Monument of Spain and is protected by UNESCO.

4. Sambro Island Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada

Located on an island near the community of Sambro in Nova Scotia, Canada, this lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in North America. It first lit in 1758 and it became automated in 1988. The lighthouse is 82 ft (25 m) tall.

5. Fanad Lighthouse, Fanad Peninsula, County Donegal, Ireland

Fanad lighthouse is situated in a spectacular place. It is the northernmost part of Ireland, where even the Northern Lights can be spotted sometimes. Among various landmarks on the peninsula, which include The Great Roman Wall, the landscapes are the most breathtaking thing here.

6. Cape Hatteras Light, North Carolina, United States

Located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks, this lighthouse was first built in 1802. The current 210 feet (64 m) high lighthouse was built in 1870 and is tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. It is still activated today.

7. Nugget Point Lighthouse, Otago, New Zealand

A 19th-century lighthouse is situated on the steep point of Otago. The location is gorgeous: the whole shoreline is very dramatic, while down from the cliff huge rocks protrude from the water. It is one of the most popular sites in Otago.

8. Peggys Point Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada

Peggys Point or Peggys Cove lighthouse is a famous and iconic Canadian monument. First lit in 1915, the lighthouse today is one of the busiest tourist attractions in Nova Scotia and the focal point of the Lighthouse Trail scenic drive

9. Cape Byron Lighthouse, New South Wales, Australia

Located on the easternmost point of Australia, Cape Byron is also the most powerful lighthouse in the country. It is located in a very beautiful area. Besides the great ocean views, dolphins, turtles, whales and surfers can be spotted from the point.

10. Kullen Lighthouse, Sweden

Located atop a hill, in south-west coast of Sweden, this lighthouse is one of the most famous landmarks in Sweden and perhaps Scandinavia.