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Cabo Machichaco Lighthouse

Fl White 7s🇪🇸Bermeo, ESOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cabo Machichaco Lighthouse

Also known as: Cabo Machichaco (Matxitxako)

Constructed in 1909, the Cabo Machichaco lighthouse features a cylindrical stone tower measuring 20 meters in height. This octagonal structure, topped with a lantern and gallery, is attached to a two-story keeper's house. The focal plane of the light is 122 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 27.1 nautical miles. The lighthouse emits a white flash every seven seconds. Its operational status ensures continuous guidance for vessels.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is critical for maritime safety along the northern Spanish coast, aiding navigation around Cabo Machichaco and guiding ships through the Cantabrian Sea. Its distinctive stone tower represents an important example of early 20th-century lighthouse architecture.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 7s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Fl W 7s
Focal Height
122m
Geographic Range
27.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1909

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Bermeo(2.8 km)
Admiralty No.
D1520
NGA No.
1892
ARLHS No.
SPA-032

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
stone

Structure: octagonal cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to the front of a 2-story keeper's house

Location

City
Bermeo
Country
🇪🇸Spain
Region
Autonomous Community of the Basque Country
Sea Region
Located at Cabo Machichaco, on the coast of Spain.
Latitude
43.4542°
Longitude
-2.7528°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cabo Machichaco Lighthouse at night?+
Cabo Machichaco displays the characteristic Fl White 7s. 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 Cabo Machichaco Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cabo Machichaco Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Bermeo at 2.6 NM to the SE. Other ports served include MUNDACA (3.6 NM SE), MURUETA (6.6 NM SSE), Munguía (7.2 NM SSW), Lekeitio (12.2 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cabo Machichaco Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cabo Machichaco 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 Cabo Machichaco Lighthouse?+
Cabo Machichaco 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 Cabo Machichaco Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cabo Machichaco 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.