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Capo d'Orso Lighthouse

Fl Green 3s🇮🇹Lu Palau/Palau, ITOperational

Location & Light Range

About Capo d'Orso Lighthouse

This cylindrical, 10-meter masonry tower, located on a cape east of Palau, Italy, was first lit in 1924. Its lantern and gallery sit atop a round tapered structure. The lighthouse emits a single green flash every 3 seconds, visible for 11 nautical miles. After becoming inactive in 1960, the Capo d'Orso lighthouse was later reactivated and continues its operation. The cape itself is named for a rock formation that resembles a bear.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides maritime traffic navigating the coast east of Palau, particularly around the distinctive Capo d'Orso headland.

Background
Capo d'Orso Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on the steep Amalfitan Coast in the municipality of Maiori, Campania on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Green 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl G 3s
Focal Height
12m
Light Range
16NM (29.6 km)
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1924

Significant events: Inactive from 1960, later reactivated.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Palau(1.8 km)
Admiralty No.
E0992
NGA No.
8748
ARLHS No.
SAR-043
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q28376062 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: round tapered masonry tower with a small lantern and gallery

Location

City
Lu Palau/Palau
Country
🇮🇹Italy
Region
Sardinia
Sea Region
Located on the point of the cape about 4 km (2.5 mi) east of Palau. The cape is named for a curious rock formation resembling a bear (orso).
Latitude
41.1776°
Longitude
9.4232°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Capo d'Orso Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 12 meters and a nominal range of 16 nautical miles (approximately 29.6 km), Capo d'Orso 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 Capo d'Orso Lighthouse at night?+
Capo d'Orso displays the characteristic Fl Green 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Capo d'Orso Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Capo d'Orso Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Palau at 1.7 NM to the W. Other ports served include La Maddalena (2.6 NM NNW), Cannigione (4.3 NM SSE), Porto Cervo (5.4 NM ESE), Santa Teresa di Gallura (10.8 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Capo d'Orso Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Capo d'Orso 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 Capo d'Orso Lighthouse?+
Capo d'Orso 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 Capo d'Orso Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Capo d'Orso 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.