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Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇪🇸Sant Lluís, ESOperational

Location & Light Range

About Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse

Also known as: Illa de l'Aire (Isla del Aire, Punta Prima)

The Illa de l'Aire lighthouse, built in 1860, stands on a low, flat island off the southeastern tip of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. This cylindrical masonry tower, 38 meters high, displays black and white horizontal bands. It rises from a keeper's house and features a lantern with double galleries. The tower was reconstructed and these galleries were added in 1965. Its light emits a single white flash every five seconds, visible for over 19 nautical miles. The island is accessible by boat, and while the site is open to visitors, the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for warning vessels of the Illa de l'Aire and the nearby coastline, particularly for those navigating towards Mahon.

Background
The Illa de l’Aire Lighthouse is an active lighthouse on the islet of Illa de l'Aire, on the southeast coast of the Spanish island of Menorca.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
53m
Light Range
18NM (33.3 km)
Geographic Range
19.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1860

Significant events: modified in 1965, tower reconstructed and double galleries added in 1965

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
38m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with black and white horizontal bands
Material
masonry

Structure: round masonry tower with lantern and double gallery, rising from a 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
Sant Lluís
Country
🇪🇸Spain
Region
Balearic Islands
Sea Region
off the southeastern tip of Menorca, near Punta Prima, on the low, flat Illa de S'Aire island
Latitude
39.7994°
Longitude
4.2931°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mahon, Menorca(3.8 km)
Admiralty No.
E0366
NGA No.
113-5180
ARLHS No.
BAL-002
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5856428 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 53 meters and a nominal range of 18 nautical miles (approximately 33.3 km), Illa de l'Aire 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 Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse at night?+
Illa de l'Aire displays the characteristic Fl White 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sant Lluís at 2.8 NM to the NW. Other ports served include VILLACARLOS (4.9 NM N), Mahón, Menorca (5.9 NM NNW), FORNELLS (16.4 NM NNW), CIUTADELLA (24.4 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Illa de l'Aire 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 Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse?+
Illa de l'Aire 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 Illa de l'Aire Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Illa de l'Aire 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.