Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Regufe Lighthouse

Iso🇵🇹Póvoa de Varzim, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Regufe Lighthouse

Also known as: Regufe (São Brás, Póvoa de Varzim Range Rear)

The Regufe lighthouse, built in 1892, is a red, tripod-shaped tower constructed of cast iron. Standing 22 meters tall with a focal height of 30 meters, it was originally the rear light for the Póvoa de Varzim Range. The lighthouse is located about 600 meters east of its former front light, near a light rail line and the N13 highway. It emitted an isophase white light on a 6-second cycle, visible for 15.3 nautical miles. Although it ceased operations in 2001, the structure was repainted and reactivated with a decorative light in 2015.

Why it matters: Recognized as a historic monument in 1995, this lighthouse is one of only three surviving cast iron tripod lighthouses worldwide and was originally part of a range system guiding vessels.

Background
Farol de Regufe or Regufe Light is a lighthouse in Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal, located in the city neighborhood of Regufe, origin of the lighthouse's naming.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso
Flash Type
Isophase
Raw Code
Iso W 6s
Focal Height
30m
Light Range
15NM (27.8 km)
Geographic Range
15.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1892
Heritage Status
Historic monument 1995

Significant events: Inactive since 2001, recognized as a historic monument in 1995, repainted and reactivated with a decorative light in 2015

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
22m
Tower Shape
tripod
Tower Color
red
Material
cast iron

Structure: tripod cast iron tower with lantern, gallery, and central cylinder, painted red

Location

City
Póvoa de Varzim
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Region
Porto
Sea Region
Originally the rear light of the Póvoa de Varzim Range, located next to a light rail line on the east side of the N13 highway about 600 m (3/8 mi) due east of the front light in Póvoa de Varzim.
Latitude
41.3745°
Longitude
-8.7550°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Povoa de Varzim(0.8 km)
Admiralty No.
D2020
NGA No.
113-3156
ARLHS No.
POR-060
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5436130 →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Regufe Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Portugal, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Regufe Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 30 meters and a nominal range of 15 nautical miles (approximately 27.8 km), Regufe 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 Regufe Lighthouse at night?+
Regufe displays the characteristic Iso. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Regufe Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Regufe Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is POVOA DE VARZIM at 0.5 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Vila do Conde (1.5 NM S), Angeiras (6.7 NM SSE), Fão (8.6 NM N), Perafita (9.8 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Regufe Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Regufe 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 Regufe Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Regufe 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.