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Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse

Fl (4) White/Red 15s🇵🇹Vila de São Sebastião, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse

The Ponta das Contendas lighthouse, built in 1934, is a 13-meter-tall square masonry tower situated at the southeastern tip of Ilha de Terceira. It rises from the center of a one-story keeper's complex, with the lantern and gallery crowning its structure. The light emits four flashes, alternating between white and red, every 15 seconds, visible for 19.1 nautical miles. This station celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2009 and was featured on a Portuguese postage stamp in 1996. The lighthouse continues to operate as an active aid to navigation.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides vessels around the southeastern tip of Ilha de Terceira, preventing groundings on the island's shores. Its integration with the keeper's complex represents a distinctive architectural feature.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White/Red 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl(4) WR 15s
Focal Height
53m
Geographic Range
19.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1934

Significant events: 75th anniversary of the light station was celebrated in 2009, featured on a 1996 postage stamp

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Praia da Vitoria(5.1 km)
Admiralty No.
D2664
NGA No.
23532
ARLHS No.
AZO-007

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: square masonry tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the center of a 1-story keeper's complex

Location

City
Vila de São Sebastião
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
southeastern tip of the Ilha de Terceira
Latitude
38.6436°
Longitude
-27.0845°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse at night?+
Ponta das Contendas displays the characteristic Fl (4) White/Red 15s — 4 white/red flashes every 15 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/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Praia da Vitória at 4.9 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Angra do Heroísmo (6.2 NM W), Terceira Island Apt (7.6 NM NW), São Mateus (8.6 NM W), Topo (33.3 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ponta das Contendas 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 Ponta das Contendas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ponta das Contendas 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.