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Drépano Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 30s🇬🇷Municipality of Apokoronas, GROperational

Location & Light Range

About Drépano Lighthouse

Also known as: Drépano (Drepanon)

Located on Ákra Drépano, the Drépano lighthouse marks the southern boundary of the Soúda Bay entrance. The present octagonal stone tower, measuring 7 meters in height with a focal plane of 56 meters, was erected in 1948, replicating the first lighthouse. The initial structure, first illuminated in 1864, was demolished by German forces during World War II. The white tower is topped with a dark green lantern enclosure. It displays a white light with a 30-second period, observable for 19.5 nautical miles. The site comprises the tower and an adjoining single-story keeper's residence, both built of stone. A comprehensive refurbishment concluded in 2017, maintaining its active status.

Why it matters: This lighthouse provides navigation marking for vessels entering Soúda Bay, a significant natural harbor and naval facility. Its rebuilding post-World War II underscores its ongoing function as a reference point for maritime passage and represents enduring construction.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl W 30s
Focal Height
56m
Geographic Range
19.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1948
First Lit
1864

Significant events: original lighthouse was destroyed by German troops during World War II, restored recently (2017)

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Souda(8.2 km)
Admiralty No.
N4784
NGA No.
16036
ARLHS No.
CRE-014

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white; lantern dome is dark green
Material
stone

Structure: octagonal stone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story stone keeper's house

Location

City
Municipality of Apokoronas
Country
🇬🇷Greece
Region
Region of Crete
Sea Region
Ákra Drépano is on the south side of the entrance to Soúda (Suda) Bay.
Latitude
35.4733°
Longitude
24.2405°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Drépano Lighthouse at night?+
Drépano displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 30s — 3 white flashes every 30 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 Drépano Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Drépano Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Suda Bay at 2.9 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include MARATHI (3.8 NM WNW), Soúda (8.2 NM W), Kounoupidiana (8.5 NM WNW), Chania (11.3 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Drépano Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Drépano 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 Drépano Lighthouse?+
Drépano 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 Drépano Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Drépano 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.