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Capo d'Otranto Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇮🇹Otranto, ITOperational

Location & Light Range

About Capo d'Otranto Lighthouse

Also known as: Capo d'Otranto (Punta Palascia)

Constructed of stone in 1867, the cylindrical tower stands 32 meters tall and is painted white with a gray lantern roof. It rises from a two-story keeper's house. The light emits a white flash every 5 seconds, visible for over 20 nautical miles. Originally lit in 1867, the lighthouse ceased operations in the 1970s. Following a period of inactivity and disrepair, it was restored and relit in 2009. The lighthouse is situated on the cape approximately 5 kilometers southeast of Otranto, marking Italy's easternmost point.

Why it matters: This lighthouse precisely marks the narrowest part of the Strait of Otranto, a significant passage between the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
60m
Geographic Range
20.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1867

Significant events: Inactive 1970s-2009, restored and reactivated 2009

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
32m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a gray lantern roof
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 2-story keeper's house

Location

City
Otranto
Country
🇮🇹Italy
Region
Apulia
Sea Region
Italy's easternmost lighthouse, marking the narrowest point of the Strait of Otranto, the mouth of the Adriatic Sea. Located on the point of the cape, about 5 km southeast of Otranto.
Latitude
40.1074°
Longitude
18.5198°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Otranto(2.9 km)
Admiralty No.
E2178
NGA No.
10788
ARLHS No.
ITA-137
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Capo d'Otranto Lighthouse at night?+
Capo d'Otranto displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 Capo d'Otranto Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Capo d'Otranto Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Otranto at 2.7 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Torre Cesarea (5.5 NM SW), Castro Marina (7.7 NM SW), Santa Foca di Melendugno (12.8 NM NW), Leuca (20 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Capo d'Otranto Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Capo d'Otranto 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'Otranto Lighthouse?+
Capo d'Otranto 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'Otranto Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Capo d'Otranto 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.