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Capo Passero Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇮🇹Portopalo di Capo Passero, ITOperational

Location & Light Range

About Capo Passero Lighthouse

A white, cylindrical masonry tower, 19 meters in height, was first lit in 1871 on the northeastern corner of a large square fort. This fort, originally built in the early 18th century by Emperor Charles VI, stands on Isola Capo Passero, an island off the cape's point and near the town of Portopalo di Capo Passero. The lighthouse's lantern and gallery are mounted atop the round tower. Its focal height reaches 39 meters, and it emits a white light with two flashes every 10 seconds. The lighthouse is operational and has a geographic range of 16.9 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is important for navigation around Isola Capo Passero, a key turning point between the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas.

Background
Capo Passero Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on the Isola di Capo Passero, the extreme south-eastern tip of Sicily.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
39m
Light Range
11NM (20.4 km)
Geographic Range
16.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1871

Significant events: Fort built by Emperor Charles VI in early 18th century

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Portopalo(2.3 km)
Admiralty No.
E1884
NGA No.
10228
ARLHS No.
ITA-060
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q28376196 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: round masonry tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on the northeast corner of a large square fort

Location

City
Portopalo di Capo Passero
Country
🇮🇹Italy
Region
Sicily
Sea Region
Isola Capo Passero, an island just off the point of the cape and the town of Portopalo di Capo Passero, a protected nature reserve.
Latitude
36.6885°
Longitude
15.1516°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Capo Passero Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 39 meters and a nominal range of 11 nautical miles (approximately 20.4 km), Capo Passero is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Capo Passero Lighthouse at night?+
Capo Passero displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 seconds. 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 Passero Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Capo Passero Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Portopalo at 1.7 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Avola (12.6 NM N), Pozzallo (15.4 NM W), Ognina (18.2 NM NNE), Siracusa (23.3 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Capo Passero Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Capo Passero 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 Passero Lighthouse?+
Capo Passero 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 Passero Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Capo Passero 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.