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Punta Carnero Lighthouse

Fl (4) White/Red 20s🇪🇸Algeciras, ESOperational

Location & Light Range

About Punta Carnero Lighthouse

Also known as: Punta Carnero (Bahía de Algeciras)

Built in 1874, the Punta Carnero Lighthouse stands on a headland at the western entrance to the Bahía de Algeciras, also known as the Bay of Gibraltar. The unpainted stone tower, which is 19 meters high, is cylindrical and topped with a gray metallic lantern and gallery. Attached to the base is a single-story keeper's house. The lighthouse emits four flashes, alternating between white and red, every 20 seconds, with a focal height of 42 meters. Its geographic range extends to 17.4 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for maritime safety, specifically guiding vessels through the narrow and often congested western entrance of the Bahía de Algeciras, a critical shipping lane adjacent to the Strait of Gibraltar. Architecturally, its design by Jaime Font, mirroring the Faro de Chipiona, offers a unique insight into 19th-century Spanish lighthouse engineering.

Background
Punta Carnero Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on the headland known as Punta Carnero to the south of Algeciras, Spain. The lighthouse was designed and built by Jaime Font, who also designed the lighthouse at Chipiona. Opened in 1874, it overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White/Red 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl(4) WR 20s
Focal Height
42m
Light Range
16NM (29.6 km)
Geographic Range
17.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1874

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
unpainted (stone), lantern gray metallic
Material
stone

Structure: round cut stone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
Algeciras
Country
🇪🇸Spain
Region
Andalusia
Sea Region
The semicircular Bahía de Algeciras (also called the Bay of Gibraltar) lies to the west of the Rock of Gibraltar; this lighthouse stands at the western entrance to the bay, directly opposite the Rock. Located on Punta Carnero, about 10 km (6 mi) south of Algeciras on provincial highway CA-223.
Latitude
36.0771°
Longitude
-5.4263°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Algeciras(3.8 km)
Admiralty No.
D2420
NGA No.
113-4128
ARLHS No.
SPA-203
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q3211185 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Punta Carnero Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 42 meters and a nominal range of 16 nautical miles (approximately 29.6 km), Punta Carnero is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Punta Carnero Lighthouse at night?+
Punta Carnero displays the characteristic Fl (4) White/Red 20s — 4 white/red 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/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Punta Carnero Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Punta Carnero Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Algeciras at 3.6 NM to the N. Other ports served include Gibraltar (5 NM NE), ALCAIDESA (5.8 NM NNE), PALMONES (5.9 NM N), Tarifa (9.5 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Punta Carnero Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Punta Carnero 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.
What shipping routes pass near Punta Carnero Lighthouse?+
Punta Carnero Lighthouse is located within the Strait of Gibraltar — the gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Punta Carnero Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Punta Carnero 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.