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Ribadesella Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 12s🇪🇸Ribadesella/Ribeseya, ESOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ribadesella Lighthouse

Also known as: Ribadesella (Punta de Somos)

Constructed in 1861, this lighthouse stands on a headland approximately 1 kilometer west of the Ría de Ribadesella. The structure is a square masonry tower, 8 meters tall, topped with a lantern and gallery, and attached to a single-story keeper's house. It is painted white with unpainted stone trim. The light emits three white flashes every 12 seconds, visible for 26.4 nautical miles. This light has guided vessels toward the river estuary and the nearby port of Ribadesella for over 160 years.

Why it matters: The Ribadesella lighthouse is important for vessels approaching the Ría de Ribadesella, helping them identify the headland and navigate the estuary's entrance safely.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl(3) W 12s
Focal Height
115m
Light Range
25NM (46.3 km)
Geographic Range
26.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1861

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ribadesella(0.9 km)
Admiralty No.
D1586
NGA No.
113-2120
ARLHS No.
SPA-275
Wikidata
Q8960907 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with unpainted stone trim
Material
masonry

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

Location

City
Ribadesella/Ribeseya
Country
🇪🇸Spain
Region
Asturias
Sea Region
headland about 1 km west of the Ría de Ribadesella
Latitude
43.4728°
Longitude
-5.0829°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Ribadesella Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 115 meters and a nominal range of 25 nautical miles (approximately 46.3 km), Ribadesella 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 Ribadesella Lighthouse at night?+
Ribadesella displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 12s — 3 white flashes every 12 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 Ribadesella Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ribadesella Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ribadesella at 1.2 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include LASTRES (8.4 NM WNW), Cabueñes (22.7 NM W), Pola de Siero (25.1 NM W), Gijón (25.8 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ribadesella Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ribadesella 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 Ribadesella Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ribadesella 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.