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Alfanzina Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 15s🇵🇹Lagoa e Carvoeiro, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Alfanzina Lighthouse

The Alfanzina Lighthouse, built in 1920, consists of a 23-meter-tall square masonry tower. It features a lantern and gallery at its apex and is connected to a single-story keeper's residence. The light emitted is white, with one flash occurring every 15 seconds, and it has a range of 19.5 nautical miles. This structure is located on a rocky point southeast of Lagoa, overlooking the Atlantic coast. The lighthouse has been active since 1920, serving as a navigation aid. The grounds are accessible to visitors, with tours of the tower available on Wednesday afternoons.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a marker for vessels approaching the reef-strewn point it is situated on. Its design represents an important example of lighthouse construction from the early 1900s in Portugal.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
56m
Light Range
29NM (53.7 km)
Geographic Range
19.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1920

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
masonry

Structure: square masonry tower with lantern and gallery, attached to the front of a 1-story keeper's complex

Location

City
Lagoa e Carvoeiro
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Region
Faro
Sea Region
Located on a rocky promontory off the N530 highway about 15 km southeast of Lagoa.
Latitude
37.0869°
Longitude
-8.4428°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Portimao(4.2 km)
Admiralty No.
D2192
NGA No.
113-3684
ARLHS No.
POR-001
Wikidata
Q3499472 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Alfanzina Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 56 meters and a nominal range of 29 nautical miles (approximately 53.7 km), Alfanzina is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Alfanzina Lighthouse at night?+
Alfanzina displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 15s — 2 white flashes every 15 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Alfanzina Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Alfanzina Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Benagil at 0.5 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Armação de Pêra (4.5 NM E), Portimao (4.8 NM WNW), Albufeira (8.6 NM E), Lagos (11 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Alfanzina Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Alfanzina Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Alfanzina Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Alfanzina Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.