The project was given approval in 1861, and the contract was awarded to Jose Rodriguez Gonzalez, a resident of Santa Cruz de la Palma at a cost of just over 500,000 reales.

[3][4] The lighthouse first entered service in 1867, and was built in a similar style to other 19th century Canarian lights, and consists of a whitewashed single storey keeper's house, with dark volcanic rock used for the masonry detailing.

In 1982, the tower was extended by 4 m to its current height of 34 m.[1] Punta Cumplida, was depicted as part of a set of six commemorative stamps by the Spanish postal service Correos in 2010.

[6][4] In 2017 it was announced that as part of the Faros de España project, the unused keeper's house at the lighthouse would be developed into high quality tourist accommodation.

The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife will renovate the building adapting it for use as tourist accommodation, but retaining certain areas for equipment needed for the operation of the lighthouse as an aid to navigation.