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La Higuera Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 20s🇪🇸Almonte, ESOperational

Location & Light Range

About La Higuera Lighthouse

Also known as: La Higuera (Matalascañas)

Constructed in 1986, the La Higuera lighthouse is a 24-meter-tall cylindrical concrete tower topped with a lantern. Its focal height reaches 47 meters, casting a white light with three flashes every 20 seconds. The structure's design, by architects Ismael Guarner and José Fernández, was inspired by the monolith from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, evident in its geometric form. Situated behind Matalascañas beach, it lies approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Mazagón and operates as an active aid to navigation. While the site is open for visits, the tower itself remains closed to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's unique architectural inspiration from a film monolith makes it a distinctive landmark on the Spanish coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
47m
Light Range
20NM (37.0 km)
Geographic Range
18.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1986

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
24m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: triangular cylindrical concrete tower with lantern

Location

City
Almonte
Country
🇪🇸Spain
Region
Andalusia
Sea Region
Located behind the beach at Matalascañas, about 35 km (22 mi) southeast of Mazagón.
Latitude
37.0075°
Longitude
-6.5687°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Huelva(16.4 km)
Admiralty No.
D2345
NGA No.
3863
ARLHS No.
SPA-174
Wikidata
Q28375214 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can La Higuera Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 47 meters and a nominal range of 20 nautical miles (approximately 37.0 km), La Higuera 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 La Higuera Lighthouse at night?+
La Higuera displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 20s — 3 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 La Higuera Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
La Higuera Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Huelva at 15.9 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include SANLUCAR DE LA BARRA (16.7 NM SE), CHIPIONA (17.1 NM SSE), Trebujena (21.1 NM ESE), Rota (25.9 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is La Higuera Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, La Higuera 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 La Higuera Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near La Higuera 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.