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Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 15s🇮🇹Portopalo di Capo Passero, ITOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse

Built in 1864, this lighthouse is constructed of stone with a white stone octagonal masonry tower rising 37 meters from an octagonal base. It sits atop a square, one-story keeper's house. The tower features a lantern and gallery. Its light emits three white flashes every 15 seconds from a focal height of 82 meters, with a geographic range of 22.9 nautical miles. Located on a hill beside the Via Pachino, north of Portopalo di Capo Passero, it marks the southeastern corner of Sicily. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: Cozzo Spadaro serves as the primary landfall light for Capo Passero, guiding vessels approaching the southeasternmost point of Sicily.

Background
Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located at the top of a hill in the Quartiere named Cozzo Spadaro in the municipality of Portopalo di Capo Passero, the southernmost comune of Sicily, on the Ionian Sea.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
82m
Light Range
24NM (44.4 km)
Geographic Range
22.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1864

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
37m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white stone
Material
stone

Structure: octagonal masonry tower with lantern and gallery, rising from an octagonal base atop a square 1-story masonry keeper's house

Location

City
Portopalo di Capo Passero
Country
🇮🇹Italy
Region
Sicily
Sea Region
Located on a hill beside the Via Pachino, on the northwest (landward) side of the town of Portopalo di Capo Passero, marking Capo Passero, the southeastern corner of Sicily.
Latitude
36.6857°
Longitude
15.1317°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Portopalo(1.7 km)
Admiralty No.
E1882
NGA No.
113-10224
ARLHS No.
ITA057
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q28376182 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 82 meters and a nominal range of 24 nautical miles (approximately 44.4 km), Cozzo Spadaro 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 Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse at night?+
Cozzo Spadaro displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 15s — 3 white flashes every 15 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 Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Portopalo at 1 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Avola (12.8 NM N), Pozzallo (14.5 NM W), Ognina (18.7 NM NNE), Siracusa (23.7 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cozzo Spadaro 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 Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse?+
Cozzo Spadaro 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 Cozzo Spadaro Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cozzo Spadaro 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.