Cave Point Lighthouse, Albion: Not for the faint-hearted

This weekend, take a step back in history by visiting one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. The Cave Point Lighthouse, at Albion, will offer you breathtaking views of the west coast and will reconnect you with nature.

Don’t worry about the cold and windy weather, step out and let yourself be carried away by the true beauty of Mauritius. This weekend, or whenever you are on the look out for some interesting places to visit (or re-visit), head towards the western part of the island.

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Take a chance to discover this unique peaceful yet fierce place (which I am sure many Mauritians have not had the chance to visit) that will carry you away into centuries of history. The Cave Point Lighthouse – known as Le Phare de Pointe aux Caves in French – is one of the ‘must visit places’ of Mauritius. Often forgotten, the lighthouse at Albion is an emblem of the island as it is one of the two functional lighthouses that still remain in Mauritius.

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The red and white lighthouse proposes an exceptional architecture. The concrete tower with its cast iron dome is 30 meters high (97 feet). The lighthouse was inaugurated in 1910 under the government of Sir Charles Cavendish Boyle. Initially running on oil, it is in 1952 that a battery system was installed. In 1973, the lighthouse was connected to the public electricity grid.

More than one hundred years later after its construction, the structure of the lighthouse is still intact and the original designs and equipment found in the interior are well kept. To access the top of the lighthouse that is the dome, you will have to climb a daunting 98-step wooden and cast iron staircase. However, the pain is worth it, as you will discover panoramic views from Pointe aux Sables to Flic en Flac, Albion village and the cliffs.

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If you are afraid of heights, walking along the trail that runs up to the lighthouse with your family and friends will also offer you excellent views over the shoreline. Under the cliffs, you may also discover the entrance of a cave, capture daring divers climbing the rocks to dive into the rough sea and fishermen trying to lure fishes. Take a pause, listen to the sounds of the waves and admire them crash against the rocks. You may also stay a bit longer to admire the beautiful sunset.

How to visit the lighthouse? It is important to know that visits to the lighthouse will require an authorisation letter which can be obtained by asking for permission from the Mauritius Ports Authority, which manages and maintains the lighthouse.