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Sveti Ivan Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇧🇬BGOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sveti Ivan Lighthouse

Built in 1884, the Sveti Ivan lighthouse stands on the northern tip of Sveti Ivan island, approximately 1.2 km north of Sozopol. This cylindrical concrete tower, 13 meters high, is painted white and features a lantern and gallery. Its light is positioned 44 meters above sea level, casting a white flash every 10 seconds. The lighthouse is situated on the south side of the entrance to Burgas Bay. It is attached to a small equipment cabinet, forming a compact structure on the island's highest point.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for safe navigation into and out of Burgas Bay, marking the bay's entrance and guiding vessels.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
44m
Light Range
24NM (44.4 km)
Geographic Range
17.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1884

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sozopol(1.2 km)
Admiralty No.
N4976
NGA No.
17564
ARLHS No.
BUL-022
Wikidata
Q28376007 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a small equipment cabinet

Location

Country
🇧🇬Bulgaria
Region
Burgas
Sea Region
Sveti Ivan (St. John) is an island about 1.2 km north of Sozopol on the south side of the entrance to Bourgaski Zaliv (Burgas Bay), located on the northern tip of the island.
Latitude
42.4384°
Longitude
27.6906°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Sveti Ivan Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 44 meters and a nominal range of 24 nautical miles (approximately 44.4 km), Sveti Ivan 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 Sveti Ivan Lighthouse at night?+
Sveti Ivan displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 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 Sveti Ivan Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sveti Ivan Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sozopol at 0.9 NM to the S. Other ports served include POMORIE (7.7 NM NNW), Burgas (9 NM W), Nessebar (13.5 NM N), Tsarevo (17.8 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sveti Ivan Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sveti Ivan 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 Sveti Ivan Lighthouse?+
Sveti Ivan 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 Sveti Ivan Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sveti Ivan 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.