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Carapacho Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇵🇹Luz, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Carapacho Lighthouse

Also known as: Carapacho (Ponta do Carapacho, Ponta da Restinga)

Built in 1956, this 14-meter white concrete lighthouse is situated on the Azores coast near Luz. The cylindrical tower, constructed of concrete, has eight ribs and is crowned by a lantern and gallery. It connects to a one-story keeper's dwelling. The light, positioned at a focal height of 191 meters, displays a white flash every 10 seconds, observable up to 33 nautical miles. The structure is 2.3 kilometers from Praia da Graciosa, the closest port.

Why it matters: This light serves as a navigation aid for vessels entering or leaving the Azores archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Its white flashes assist seafarers in determining their position within the island group's frequently misty environment and rocky coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
191m
Geographic Range
33NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1956

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Praia da Graciosa(2.3 km)
Admiralty No.
D2670
ARLHS No.
AZO-006

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white concrete
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with eight ribs, lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story keeper's complex

Location

City
Luz
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Atlantic Ocean, on the coast of the Azores, Portugal
Latitude
39.0140°
Longitude
-27.9548°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Carapacho Lighthouse at night?+
Carapacho 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 Carapacho Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Carapacho Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Praia da Graciosa at 2.3 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Santa Cruz da Graciosa (4.9 NM NNW), Velas (23.5 NM SSW), Calheta, Island São Jorge (25 NM S), Topo (29 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Carapacho Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Carapacho 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 Carapacho Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Carapacho 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.