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Funchal Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl Red 5s🇵🇹Funchal, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Funchal Breakwater Lighthouse

This cylindrical concrete tower, standing 6 meters tall, is located at the end of the breakwater in Funchal's chief port on Madeira's south coast. It is painted with red and white horizontal bands. The light, situated 15 meters above sea level, emits a red flash every 5 seconds, visible for nearly 12 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed. The lighthouse is situated just 0.2 kilometers from the nearest port facilities in Funchal.

Why it matters: The Funchal Breakwater lighthouse clearly marks the end of the breakwater, guiding maritime traffic into Madeira's principal port.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl R 5s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Location

City
Funchal
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Funchal, on the south coast of Madeira, at the end of the breakwater in the chief port.
Latitude
32.6419°
Longitude
-16.9076°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Funchal, Madeira(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
D2738
NGA No.
23728
ARLHS No.
MAD-013

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Funchal Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Funchal Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Funchal Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Funchal Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Funchal, Madeira at 0.2 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Câmara de Lobos (3 NM W), Machico (7.9 NM ENE), Zona Franca da Madeira (8.1 NM E), Porto da Cruz (8.4 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Funchal Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Funchal Breakwater 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 Funchal Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Funchal Breakwater 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.