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Ákra Taínaro Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 20s🇬🇷East Mani Municipal Unit, GROperational

Location & Light Range

About Ákra Taínaro Lighthouse

Also known as: Ákra Taínaro (Cape Tenaro, Cape Matapan)

Built in 1882, the Ákra Taínaro lighthouse is located on the southernmost point of the Greek mainland, Cape Matapan. This active light is housed in a 16-meter-high cylindrical stone tower, reaching a focal height of 41 meters. The tower is colored white with a gray metallic roof and is attached to a 1-story stone keeper's residence. Its light, which is white and flashes twice every 20 seconds, can be seen for 17.2 nautical miles. Located about 10 kilometers south of Vatheia, the lighthouse indicates a major landmass extending into the Mediterranean Sea.

Why it matters: This navigation aid is important for ships traveling past the southernmost part of mainland Greece, Cape Matapan, a significant point for vessels crossing the Mediterranean. The structure, a square cylindrical stone tower joined with a keeper's house, forms a notable architectural feature in an exposed location.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
41m
Geographic Range
17.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1882

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Gythion(22.8 km)
Admiralty No.
N4048
NGA No.
14992
ARLHS No.
GRE-125
Wikidata
Q17636581 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a gray metallic roof
Material
stone

Structure: square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, centered on a 1-story stone keeper's house

Location

City
East Mani Municipal Unit
Country
🇬🇷Greece
Region
Peloponnese Region
Sea Region
Ákra Taínaro (Cape Matapan) is the southernmost point of the Greek mainland. Located on the point of the cape, about 10 km south of Vatheia.
Latitude
36.3859°
Longitude
22.4829°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ákra Taínaro Lighthouse at night?+
Ákra Taínaro displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 20s — 2 white flashes every 20 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 Ákra Taínaro Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ákra Taínaro Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Gythion at 22.9 NM to the N. Other ports served include Agía Pelagía (24.4 NM E), Rízes (24.4 NM ESE), Pitra (24.6 NM NE), Elafonissos Lakonias (25.2 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ákra Taínaro Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ákra Taínaro 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 Ákra Taínaro Lighthouse?+
Ákra Taínaro 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 Ákra Taínaro Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ákra Taínaro 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.