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Islote Hormiga Grande Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 9s🇪🇸Palamós, ESOperational

Location & Light Range

About Islote Hormiga Grande Lighthouse

This square lighthouse stands 6 meters tall on a rocky reef approximately 5 kilometers northeast of Palamós. Its structure consists of a square column rising from a 1-story equipment shelter. The light, situated 14 meters above sea level, emits a white flash every 9 seconds, visible for 11.6 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors who can reach it by boat, but the tower itself is closed. The lighthouse warns vessels of the reef it occupies, located off Cap Roig.

Why it matters: The lighthouse warns mariners of the dangerous rocky reef it occupies, ensuring safer passage for coastal traffic northeast of Palamós.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 9s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
9s
Raw Code
Fl W 9s
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Location

City
Palamós
Country
🇪🇸Spain
Region
Catalonia
Sea Region
Located on a rocky reef off the point of Cap Roig, approximately 5 km northeast of Palamós.
Latitude
41.8626°
Longitude
3.1857°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Palamos(3.6 km)
Admiralty No.
E0467
NGA No.
5932
ARLHS No.
SPA-224

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white

Structure: square column rising from a square 1-story equipment shelter

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 Islote Hormiga Grande Lighthouse at night?+
Islote Hormiga Grande displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 9s — 3 white flashes every 9 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 Islote Hormiga Grande Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Islote Hormiga Grande Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Palamós at 2.7 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Calonge (4.6 NM W), Begur (5.3 NM N), Sant Feliu de Guixols (8.3 NM SW), L'ESTARTIT (11.4 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Islote Hormiga Grande Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Islote Hormiga Grande 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 Islote Hormiga Grande Lighthouse?+
Islote Hormiga Grande 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 Islote Hormiga Grande Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Islote Hormiga Grande 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.