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Cape Sidero Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇬🇷Itanos Municipal Unit, GROperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Sidero Lighthouse

Also known as: Cape Sidero (Ákra Sídhero)

A cylindrical concrete tower painted white stands 15 meters tall at Cape Sidero, marking the northeastern tip of Crete. This structure, built in 1948, replaced an earlier lighthouse destroyed during World War II. The tower features a lantern and gallery, and is attached to a single-story keeper's house. Its focal height is 45 meters, and it emits a white light with a 10-second cycle. The lighthouse is situated on a cape that is part of an island chain tenuously connected to the mainland, a unique geographical position. Oil was unloaded at the site in 1968, indicating logistical operations for the station.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is significant for maritime traffic navigating the northeastern extremity of Crete, specifically marking Ákra Sídero in the Aegean Sea. Its location on a series of islands presents challenging coastal geography that the light helps to make safe.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
45m
Geographic Range
17.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1948

Significant events: original lighthouse destroyed during World War II, oil unloaded in 1968

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white concrete
Material
concrete

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

Location

City
Itanos Municipal Unit
Country
🇬🇷Greece
Region
Region of Crete
Sea Region
marks Ákra Sídero, the northeastern tip of Crete. The cape is on an island connected tenuously to a second island, which in turn is connected tenuously to the mainland.
Latitude
35.3158°
Longitude
26.3108°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Siteia(11.7 km)
ARLHS No.
CRE-010
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Sidero Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Sidero displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Cape Sidero Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Sidero Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Siteía at 11.7 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Atherinolakos Ierapetras (20.9 NM SSW), Altsi (22.1 NM WSW), Agios Nikólaos, Kríti (29.9 NM WSW), Kassos (30.9 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Sidero Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Sidero 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 Cape Sidero Lighthouse?+
Cape Sidero 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 Cape Sidero Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Sidero 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.