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Apolitares Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 15s🇬🇷Municipal Unit of Antikythira, GROperational

Location & Light Range

About Apolitares Lighthouse

Also known as: Apolitares (Antikythira, Andikíthira)

The Apolitares Lighthouse, a stone structure built in 1926, stands at the southern tip of Antikythira island. This 23-meter cylindrical tower, with a green roof, is situated on the seaward end of a one-story stone keeper's house. It emits a white light, flashing once every 15 seconds, with a geographic range of 17.1 nautical miles. The lighthouse complex is accessible by boat from the nearest port of Kythira, located 24.7 kilometers away. While the site is open to visitors, the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels through the Antikythira Strait, a narrow passage connecting the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas northwest of Crete.

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
40m
Geographic Range
17.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1926

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a green roof
Material
stone

Structure: 2-stage round stone tower, lower stage cylindrical and upper stage conical, with lantern and gallery, attached to the seaward end of a 1-story stone keeper's house

Location

City
Municipal Unit of Antikythira
Country
🇬🇷Greece
Region
Attica
Sea Region
Antikythira Strait, which connects the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas northwest of Crete, located at the southern tip of Antikythira island.
Latitude
35.8235°
Longitude
23.3247°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kythira(24.7 km)
Admiralty No.
N4072
NGA No.
15076
ARLHS No.
GRE-040
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Apolitares Lighthouse at night?+
Apolitares 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 Apolitares Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Apolitares Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Potamos Antikithera at 4.1 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Kastelli Kissamou (24 NM SE), Kapsalion (Kythira) (24.7 NM NW), Kythira (24.7 NM NW), Diakofti Kythiron (29.3 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Apolitares Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Apolitares 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.
What shipping routes pass near Apolitares Lighthouse?+
Apolitares Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Apolitares Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Apolitares 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.