A small community grew up to receive pilgrims and, over the centuries, inns, houses and shops were developed.

In 1865 a report noted that the lighthouse produced a fixed, white light using seventeen Argand lamps, covering an arc of 260 degrees and having a range of 13 nautical miles.

The report also noted that ventilation for the smoke from the lamps was lacking and that the lighthouse did not have lightning rods (conductors).

The report also noted that reconstruction work had been carried out in 1817, 1846 and 1848 and that there were four houses for lighthousekeepers, as well as 100 containers to store olive oil for the lamps.

In 1947, a new optical apparatus was installed, with a 300 mm focal distance, by the French company Barbier, Benard, et Turenne.

Employing a Catadioptric system the light is aimed both at the horizon and into the sky, the latter as backup navigation for planes, particularly for approaches to Lisbon airport.