Plizio Visual Lab
Diaz Point
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Diaz Point near Lüderitz marks one of the most significant historical sites on the Namibian coast and commemorates the first European voyages of discovery along the African shoreline. In 1488, the Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Diaz erected a stone cross here, a so-called Padrão, to claim the site for the Portuguese crown and mark the route to the Cape of Good Hope. The original cross was severely damaged over the centuries by weathering and vandalism, with parts of it now preserved in museums in Lisbon and Cape Town. In its place today stands a faithful replica, erected in 1988 for the 500th anniversary of the landing, which highlights the rugged beauty of the storm-swept peninsula. The surrounding area is characterized by jagged rocks and bustling marine fauna, including a large colony of African penguins and seals that can be observed in the nearby waters. A narrow wooden walkway leads visitors over the rocks to the cross, offering a spectacular view of the crashing Atlantic and the vast desert landscape. Diaz Point is not only a monument to Christian missioning and colonialism but also a site of extraordinary natural wildness.
- Location: Namibia
- Top sights: Rocky Bay · Diaz Point · Little Arch „Kleiner Bogenfels“
- Nearby: Lüderitz (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Diaz Point memorial is an open-air site that can be visited at any time. The original stone (padrão) has been replaced by a replica; the original is in a museum.
Typical hours
As it is an open memorial, there are no opening hours. Visits are best during daylight to appreciate the inscriptions and the view.
Photography
Photography is allowed and encouraged. The contrast of the white cross against the rugged coastline makes for striking images.
Time needed
Allow about 15 to 30 minutes for a visit to the memorial. The location also provides a nice spot to pause and reflect.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Diaz Point Lighthouse and the town of Lüderitz. The ghost town of Kolmanskop is also close by.
Getting there
The memorial is located next to the lighthouse and reachable via the same road. From Lüderitz, it's about 10 km on a gravel road.
Insider tip
Read the information board to understand the historical significance of the padrão. The wind can be very strong here; hold onto your clothing.
Geography
Facts
- Bartolomeu Diaz landed here on July 25, 1488.
- The original stone cross is historically known as a Padrão.
- The current replica was inaugurated in the year 1988.
- Fragments of the original cross are preserved in Lisbon today.
- Rare African penguins breed in the immediate vicinity.
- A lighthouse dating from 1910 stands near the point.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Diaz Point (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Diaz-Spitze?
Visit in the morning to avoid the strong afternoon winds on the coast.
Do I need hiking boots for Diaz-Spitze?
Sturdy shoes are recommended as the terrain can be rocky and sandy.
Is there an entrance fee?
Visiting the Diaz Point area is generally free of charge.
Is it good for photography?
Absolutely, the historic cross and lighthouse offer great photo subjects.
How long does the visit take?
Expect about one hour for the tour and the view.
Diaz Point: where is it located?
Diaz Point is located in Namibia.
Diaz Point: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rocky Bay, Diaz Point, Little Arch „Kleiner Bogenfels“.
Diaz Point: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Diaz Point: why is it worth visiting?
Diaz Point near Lüderitz marks one of the most significant historical sites on the Namibian coast and commemorates the first European voyages of discovery along the African shoreline.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Namibia →
Nearby cities
Keetmanshoop
The largest settlement and administrative capital of southern Namibia's Karas Region.
Lüderitz
An isolated coastal town built on rocks, renowned for its rich diamond mining heritage and Art Nouveau buildings.
Bethanie
One of the oldest documented settlements in the country, rich in pre-colonial and mission history.
Oranjemund
A town situated at the mouth of the Orange River, historically managed as a private diamond mining enclave.
Warmbad
An ancient settlement in the extreme south, centered around soothing natural thermal springs.
Rosh Pinah
A corporate mining town sustained entirely by the extraction of zinc and lead.
Karasburg
The main administrative center for the deep south, crucial for the regional karakul sheep farming industry.
Aussenkehr
An immense agricultural project on the riverbanks, known as one of the largest grape exporters in the southern hemisphere.
Noordoewer
The primary border post connecting Namibia with South Africa along the majestic Orange River.
Aroab
A quiet outpost nestled on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, functioning as a border crossing point.
Koës
A small settlement characterized by extensive dry pans that sometimes host off-road racing events.
Aus
A tiny village nestled in rocky hills where the arid interior plateau gives way to the harsh Namib Desert.
Ai-Ais
A thermal spring resort at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon, famous for its therapeutic sulfurous waters.
History & landmarks
Diaz Point Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse near Lüderitz, warning sailors of the rugged, windswept coastline, near the spot where Bartolomeu Dias erected a st…
Goerke House
An elegant villa on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, built in 1910 for mining inspector Hans Goerke, reflecting the wealth of the diamond boom.
Felsenkirche Lüderitz
An impressive Neo-Gothic Lutheran church perched high on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, overlooking the town.
Kapps Hotel Building
One of the oldest surviving buildings in Lüderitz, which once served as an important social gathering place during the first diamond boom.
Fish River Canyon
The largest canyon in Africa, offering breathtaking vistas and challenging hiking trails.
Nature
More places
Port of Lüderitz
A major port for the fishing industry and mineral exports in the south.
Felsenkirche
A striking neo-Gothic Evangelical Lutheran church perched on a rocky plateau above the town of Lüderitz.
Lüderitz Colonial History
A port town with fascinating architecture for kids.
Shark Island
A peninsula near Lüderitz that gained infamy as a German concentration camp during the Herero and Namaqua genocide.
Kolmanskop Ghost Town
An abandoned diamond mining ghost town in the Namib Desert, with houses gradually being swallowed by sand.
Elizabeth Bay Mine
A coastal diamond mine near Lüderitz, known for its stormy environment.
Tsau //Khaeb
An area with desert and mountain landscapes.
Pomona Ghost Town
An abandoned mining settlement in the Sperrgebiet National Park, once the most lucrative diamond mining site in Namibia.