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Ágios Ioánnis Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 12.8s🇬🇷Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit, GROperational

Location & Light Range

About Ágios Ioánnis Lighthouse

Also known as: Ágios Ioánnis (Cape St. John)

This stone lighthouse was built in 1864 on Ákra Ágios Ioánnis, a cape at the northern entrance to the Gulf of Mirambéllou in northeastern Crete. The cylindrical white tower stands 9 meters tall, with its light positioned 49 meters above sea level. It emits a white light, with two flashes every 12.8 seconds, visible for 18.5 nautical miles. The structure includes a metallic dome and is attached to a ruined single-story keeper's house. The lighthouse has been inactive for many years, and in late 2008, a storm blew off its lantern dome. The lens and rotating mechanism were subsequently stolen. The site is open to the public, but the tower remains closed due to neglect and vandalism.

Why it matters: Constructed in 1864, this lighthouse served as a navigational aid for vessels entering the Gulf of Mirambéllou, a significant waterway in northeastern Crete.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 12.8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
12.8s
Raw Code
Fl W 12.8s
Focal Height
49m
Geographic Range
18.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1864

Significant events: Inactive for many years, lantern dome blew off in a storm in late 2008, lens and rotating mechanism stolen, critically endangered by neglect and vandalism

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a metallic dome
Material
stone

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

Location

City
Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit
Country
🇬🇷Greece
Region
Region of Crete
Sea Region
Prominent cape at the northern entrance to the Gulf of Mirambéllou in northeastern Crete, located on the point of the cape, about 25 km north of Ágios Nikólaos
Latitude
35.3409°
Longitude
25.7722°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Agios Nikolaos, Kriti(9.2 km)
Admiralty No.
N4814
NGA No.
16124
ARLHS No.
CRE-003
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ágios Ioánnis Lighthouse at night?+
Ágios Ioánnis displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 12.8s — 2 white flashes every 12.8 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 Ágios Ioánnis Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ágios Ioánnis Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Agios Nikólaos, Kríti at 9.2 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Altsi (11.6 NM SSE), MALIA (14.9 NM W), Siteía (18.4 NM ESE), Ierápetra (20.2 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ágios Ioánnis Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ágios Ioánnis 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 Ágios Ioánnis Lighthouse?+
Ágios Ioánnis 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 Ágios Ioánnis Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ágios Ioánnis 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.