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Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇵🇹Velas, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse

This white concrete lighthouse, built in 1958, stands 27 meters tall on a cylindrical tower featuring eight ribs and an attached one-story keeper's complex. Its light is positioned at a focal height of 283 meters, providing a geographic range of 39.3 nautical miles. The lighthouse emitted a white flash every 10 seconds. It served as a navigational aid until 1982, when it was deactivated, remaining dark for over two decades. The structure was reactivated in 2005, resuming its role in guiding vessels. While the site is open to visitors, the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: Its significant focal height allows the light to be seen from a considerable distance, making it important for maritime safety in the Azores, especially for local shipping and fishing fleets.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
283m
Geographic Range
39.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1958

Significant events: Reactivated (inactive 1982-2005)

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white concrete
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with eight ribs and gallery, attached to a 1-story keeper's complex

Location

City
Velas
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Ponta dos Rosais
Latitude
38.7535°
Longitude
-28.3114°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Velas(6.8 km)
ARLHS No.
AZO-019
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse at night?+
Ponta dos Rosais displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 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 dos Rosais Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Velas at 7.1 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Cais do Pico (13.8 NM S), Madalena (Madalena do Pico) (16.7 NM SW), Calheta, Island São Jorge (16.9 NM ESE), Horta (19.8 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ponta dos Rosais 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 dos Rosais Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ponta dos Rosais 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.