El Faro de Punta Mulas is a historic lighthouse with a museum on a pretty mound of grass overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Dating back to the late 19th century, it is one of the oldest lighthouses on the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico. Relax on the lawn beside the structure and gaze out at the picturesque ocean.

Capture photos of the lighthouse, which has a white façade with yellow features. Enter the building for its museum that tells the history of the island and the structure itself. Browse the intriguing exhibits documenting the intricate maritime past of Vieques.

Relax on the pleasant grassy patch beside the lighthouse and keep cool in the shade of one of the palm trees. Stay until sunset for spectacular views of the darkening hues of the sky reflected on the water. The colorful boats of the island’s fishermen bob in the water at the foot of the hill. Spot the main island of Puerto Rico in the distance.

Note that the structure was first illuminated in 1896, before being automated in 1949. The lighthouse played an important role in guiding ships past the hazardous maze of reefs of the San Juan Passage off the northern shore of Vieques. The lighthouse was restored in 1992 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ first trip to the Americas. The building is one of the 16 historic lighthouses dotted around the islands of Puerto Rico.

The lighthouse is only open occasionally. Snap photos of the structure and check to see if it is open. Entrance to the museum is free.

El Faro de Punta Mulas is on a small cape that extends into the Atlantic Ocean on the central northern part of the island of Vieques in Puerto Rico. Walk north for 5 minutes from the Vieques Ferry Terminal in the northern area of Isabel II. Visit nearby attractions, such as the Iglesia Catolica, Muñoz Rivera Plaza and the Siddhia Hutchinson Fine Art Gallery.