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Calheta Pierhead Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇵🇹PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Calheta Pierhead Lighthouse

Also known as: #Calheta Pierhead

A 6-meter cylindrical concrete tower, painted with horizontal red and white bands, marks the waterfront of Calheta on the island's south coast. The light emits a red flash every 3 seconds from a focal height of 10 meters, with a geographic range of 10.4 nautical miles. This structure replaced an earlier tower as part of a breakwater reconstruction. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The Calheta Pierhead light is essential for safe passage into Calheta's harbor, guiding local fishing fleets and recreational vessels navigating the south coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
10m
Geographic Range
10.4NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Replaced, reconstruction of breakwater

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with horizontal red and white bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower, painted with horizontal red and white bands

Location

Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Waterfront of Calheta, on the south coast of the island
Latitude
38.6004°
Longitude
-28.0097°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Calheta(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
D2681.2
NGA No.
23477
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Calheta Pierhead Lighthouse at night?+
Calheta Pierhead displays the characteristic Fl Red 3s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Calheta Pierhead Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Calheta Pierhead Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Velas at 10 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Topo (11.1 NM ESE), Cais do Pico (15.4 NM WSW), Lajes (16.9 NM SW), Madalena (Madalena do Pico) (24.8 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Calheta Pierhead Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Calheta Pierhead 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 Calheta Pierhead Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Calheta Pierhead 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.