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Horta Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇵🇹Horta, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Horta Breakwater Lighthouse

This square skeletal concrete tower stands 15 meters high and 21 meters above sea level at the end of Horta's breakwater. It features an enclosed watch room, lantern, and gallery, all mounted on a large circular concrete pier. The lighthouse exhibits a red light with a flash every three seconds, visible for 13.4 nautical miles. Its structure is white with a red lantern. The site is open to the public, though access to the tower itself is not permitted. It serves as a navigational aid at the entrance to Horta, Faial's principal port.

Why it matters: This light is essential for vessels entering or exiting Horta's harbor, warning them of the breakwater's end. It is also a recognizable feature for transatlantic sailors using the port.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
21m
Light Range
11NM (20.4 km)
Geographic Range
13.4NM

Location

City
Horta
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Located at the end of the breakwater at Horta, the principal port of Faial, near the southeastern tip of the island.
Latitude
38.5339°
Longitude
-28.6213°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Horta(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
D2694
NGA No.
23320
ARLHS No.
AZO-026
Wikidata
Q28375311 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with a red lantern
Material
concrete

Structure: square skeletal tower with enclosed watch room, lantern, and gallery, mounted a large circular concrete pier at the end of the breakwater

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Horta Breakwater Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 21 meters and a nominal range of 11 nautical miles (approximately 20.4 km), Horta Breakwater is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Horta Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Horta Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl Red 3s. 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 Horta Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Horta Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Horta at 0.2 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Madalena (Madalena do Pico) (4.2 NM E), Capelo (8.2 NM WNW), Cais do Pico (14.1 NM E), Lajes (19.2 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Horta Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Horta 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 Horta Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Horta 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.