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Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 20s🇵🇹Calheta, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse

The Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse was constructed in 1922 from masonry, resulting in a 14-meter square tower painted white with black trim. It features a lantern and gallery atop the structure, which rises from a U-shaped, single-story keeper's complex. This lighthouse is situated at the westernmost point of Madeira Island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its light emits a white flash every 20 seconds, visible for over 41 nautical miles. The focal height of 312 meters places it among the world's highest lighthouses.

Why it matters: The Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse marks the extreme western tip of Madeira Island, offering a significant navigational reference for vessels in the Atlantic. Its elevated focal plane provides extensive visibility, aiding safe passage around the headland.

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
312m
Geographic Range
41.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1922

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Porto Moniz(5.9 km)
ARLHS No.
MAD-005

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with black trim
Material
masonry

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

Location

City
Calheta
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Atlantic Ocean, western tip of Madeira Island
Latitude
32.8139°
Longitude
-17.2637°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse at night?+
Ponta do Pargo 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 Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Porto Moniz at 5.4 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Madalena do Mar (10.2 NM SE), Câmara de Lobos (18.5 NM SE), Funchal, Madeira (20.6 NM ESE), Porto da Cruz (21.9 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ponta do Pargo 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 do Pargo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ponta do Pargo 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.