The Spanish Government is to sell or lease many of its unused lighthouses to private companies, which will then turn them into hotels and other public amenities.
Spain has 387 lighthouses on its coastline. Ana Pastor, the Development Minister, said that they were part of the country’s "rich maritime heritage" and that they should be preserved.
On one hand, national and international tourists will have the opportunity of enjoying "magnificent views" from Spain’s network of lighthouses, Pastor pointed out.
On the other, and possibly closer to the government’s heart, the state will also get something in return through leasing out the buildings.
Formentor Lighthouse in Mallorca is already used for cultural events and tours and the plan is to follow this model and expand on it.
