Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Ínsua Lighthouse

Fl White/Red/Green 4s🇵🇹Caminha, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ínsua Lighthouse

The Ínsua lighthouse is situated on a small islet at the southern entrance to the Rio Minho, which marks the border between Spain and Portugal. Established in 1886, the current operational light is housed within a 1-story, 7-meter square equipment room with a solar-powered lantern on its roof, surrounded by a spiral staircase. This structure is part of the historic 17th-century Fortaleza de Insúa. The lighthouse emits a white, red, and green light with a characteristic of one flash every 4 seconds. Its geographic range is 12.4 nautical miles. While the islet and fort are open to visitors, the lighthouse tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for providing safe passage into the Rio Minho, a waterway that delineates the border between Spain and Portugal. Its sector light offers precise guidance for mariners navigating this complex river mouth.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White/Red/Green 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl WGR 4s
Focal Height
17m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1886

Significant events: Station established 1886

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
square

Structure: A 7m 1-story square equipment room with a solar-powered light on a post on the roof, surrounded by a spiral staircase.

Location

City
Caminha
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Region
Viana do Castelo
Sea Region
Located on a tiny islet on the south side of the entrance to the Rio Minho, which is the border between Spain and Portugal, southwest of Caminha.
Latitude
41.8592°
Longitude
-8.8748°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
La Guardia(2.4 km)
Admiralty No.
D2002
NGA No.
113-3076
ARLHS No.
POR-028
Wikidata
Q10280140 →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Ínsua Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Portugal, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Ínsua Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 17 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Ínsua 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 Ínsua Lighthouse at night?+
Ínsua displays the characteristic Fl White/Red/Green 4s. 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ínsua Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ínsua Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is La Guardia at 2.5 NM to the N. Other ports served include VILARINHO (2.7 NM S), Viana do Castelo (10.5 NM S), Castelo do Neiva (14 NM SSE), BAIONA (15.8 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ínsua Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ínsua 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 Ínsua Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ínsua 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.