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Cabo Trafalgar Lighthouse

Fl White 15s🇪🇸Barbate, ESOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cabo Trafalgar Lighthouse

Cabo Trafalgar lighthouse, operational since 1862, is a white, cylindrical tower standing 34 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 51 meters, emitting two white flashes followed by one white flash every 15 seconds. The structure, attached to a one-story keeper's house, features an eight-ribbed design added in 1926 to support a larger lantern. Located on the point of Cabo Trafalgar, approximately 3 km south of Zahora, the site is accessible by foot. The lighthouse grounds are open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: Designated a national monument in March 2025, Cabo Trafalgar marks the historic site of the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar, adding significant cultural resonance to its navigational role at the northwestern entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl(2+1) W 15s
Focal Height
51m
Light Range
22NM (40.7 km)
Geographic Range
18.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1862
Heritage Status
National Monument (2025)

Significant events: Eight ribs added in 1926 to strengthen for larger lantern; controversy over proposed information center and restaurant in 2024; designated national monument in March 2025

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
34m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white

Structure: round 8-ribbed tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
Barbate
Country
🇪🇸Spain
Region
Andalusia
Sea Region
Northwestern entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, on the point of Cabo Trafalgar, about 3 km south of Zahora
Latitude
36.1828°
Longitude
-6.0347°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Barbate(5.5 km)
Admiralty No.
D2406
NGA No.
113-4080
ARLHS No.
SPA-052
Wikidata
Q5856371 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Cabo Trafalgar Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 51 meters and a nominal range of 22 nautical miles (approximately 40.7 km), Cabo Trafalgar 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 Cabo Trafalgar Lighthouse at night?+
Cabo Trafalgar displays the characteristic Fl White 15s. 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 Trafalgar Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cabo Trafalgar Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is BARBATE at 5 NM to the E. Other ports served include Barbate (5.7 NM E), CONIL (8.3 NM NW), San Fernando (19.6 NM NNW), Tarifa (23.4 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cabo Trafalgar Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cabo Trafalgar 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 Trafalgar Lighthouse?+
Cabo Trafalgar Lighthouse is located within the Strait of Gibraltar — the gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Cabo Trafalgar Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cabo Trafalgar 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.