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Ponta do São Mateus Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇵🇹Madalena, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ponta do São Mateus Lighthouse

This lighthouse is a cylindrical white concrete tower standing 13 meters tall, with its light at a focal height of 33 meters. It is situated on a circular concrete base with a gallery. The structure is located on a promontory on the southwest coast of an island in Portugal, near the village of São Mateus. Its light emits a single white flash every 5 seconds and has a geographic range of 15.9 nautical miles. The original lantern has been removed from the tower.

Why it matters: The light guides vessels past the promontory on the island's southwest coast, aiding coastal navigation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
33m
Geographic Range
15.9NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Lantern removed

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Madalena(7.9 km)

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete (?) tower with gallery, mounted on a circular concrete base

Location

City
Madalena
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
on a promontory on the southwest coast of an island in Portugal, near São Mateus.
Latitude
38.4229°
Longitude
-28.4485°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ponta do São Mateus Lighthouse at night?+
Ponta do São Mateus displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 São Mateus Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ponta do São Mateus Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Madalena (Madalena do Pico) at 7.8 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Cais do Pico (8.5 NM NE), Lajes (9.3 NM E), Horta (10.5 NM NW), Capelo (18.4 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ponta do São Mateus Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ponta do São Mateus 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 São Mateus Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ponta do São Mateus 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.