In the past before the first lighthouses were built, the local fishermen and their families would place lights on high ground to steer the ships and boats to safety. As shipping traffic increased, however, safety became a major concern and so lighthouses began to be built.

Nowadays, many of these lighthouses are no longer inhabited or in use.

On the Cíes islands there are four lighthouses: Monte Faro Lighthouse, A Porta Lighthouse, Monte Agudo (or O Peito) Lighthouse and Bicos Lighthouse.