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Selvagem Grande Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇵🇹Funchal, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Selvagem Grande Lighthouse

A cylindrical tower, 10 meters high, stands at 163 meters above sea level on Ilha Selvagem Grande. Its structure features red and white horizontal bands, with flared sections at the top and bottom. This lighthouse began operation in 1977, emitting a white flash every 4 seconds. The light has a geographic range of 30.7 nautical miles. It is situated atop the Pico de Atalaia on the island's west coast, the largest in the remote Ilhas Selvagens archipelago. The nearest port, Tenerife, is approximately 101.5 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse aids navigation around the Ilhas Selvagens, a significant waypoint in the eastern Atlantic. Its presence helps vessels safely transit the area without disturbing the protected natural reserve.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
163m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
30.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1977

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tenerife(101.5 km)
Admiralty No.
D2768
NGA No.
23776
ARLHS No.
MAD-011
Wikidata
Q15648040 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red and white horizontal bands

Structure: round cylindrical tower, flared at the top and bottom and colored with red and white horizontal bands

Location

City
Funchal
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Located atop the Pico de Atalaia, on the west coast of Ilha Selvagem Grande, largest of the Ilhas Selvagens.
Latitude
30.1425°
Longitude
-15.8689°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Selvagem Grande Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 163 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Selvagem Grande is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Selvagem Grande Lighthouse at night?+
Selvagem Grande displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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.
Is Selvagem Grande Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Selvagem Grande 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 Selvagem Grande Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Selvagem Grande 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.