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Punta Galea Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 8s🇪🇸Getxo, ESOperational

Location & Light Range

About Punta Galea Lighthouse

The Punta Galea lighthouse, constructed in 1950, reaches 8 meters in height. It is a cylindrical rubblestone tower with a lantern and gallery, attached to a single-story keeper's residence. A red band encircles its base, while the rest of the structure, including the dome, is clear glass. This 1950 construction replaced a 1905 light that was dismantled because of coastal erosion. The light's focal plane sits 84 meters above sea level, producing a white flash every 8 seconds (Fl W 8s). It is located on a headland that marks the eastern entrance to the Bahía de Getxo, the port area for Bilbao. The grounds are open to the public, but the tower itself remains closed. The property was leased as a dining establishment in 2016.

Why it matters: This light serves as a navigation aid for ships entering the Bahía de Getxo, the port of Bilbao, which is one of Spain's most active commercial harbors.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl W 8s
Focal Height
84m
Light Range
19NM (35.2 km)
Geographic Range
23.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1950

Significant events: Previous light replaced in 1905, previous light demolished in 1950 due to erosion, leased as a restaurant in 2016

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with a red band around the base but is otherwise clear glass including the dome
Material
stone

Structure: round cylindrical rubblestone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to the front of a 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
Getxo
Country
🇪🇸Spain
Region
Autonomous Community of the Basque Country
Sea Region
Located on a bold promentory off the Camino de la Galea in Getxo, marking the eastern entrance to the Bahía de Getxo, the harbor of Bilbao.
Latitude
43.3717°
Longitude
-3.0353°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Bilbao(1.0 km)
Admiralty No.
D1524
NGA No.
113-1900
ARLHS No.
SPA-232
Wikidata
Q12258124 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Punta Galea Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 84 meters and a nominal range of 19 nautical miles (approximately 35.2 km), Punta Galea 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 Galea Lighthouse at night?+
Punta Galea displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 8s — 3 white flashes every 8 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 Punta Galea Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Punta Galea Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Algorta at 1.5 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Bilbao (1.7 NM SW), Santurce (2.3 NM S), Santurtz (3.4 NM SSE), Castro-Urdiales (7.9 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Punta Galea Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Punta Galea 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 Galea Lighthouse?+
Punta Galea Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Punta Galea Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Punta Galea 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.