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Vale Formoso Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇵🇹Capelo, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Vale Formoso Lighthouse

The Vale Formoso lighthouse, built in 1957, is a cylindrical concrete tower standing 14 meters tall. It is located near Capelo on the south side of Faial island's western peninsula. The structure features a gallery and a modern lantern, emitting a white light with two flashes every 10 seconds. This lighthouse was constructed to replace the Capelinhos lighthouse, which was destroyed. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself remains closed. Its focal height reaches 114 meters, providing a geographic range of 26.3 nautical miles.

Why it matters: Vale Formoso lighthouse ensures safe passage for ships navigating the western peninsula of the island, particularly after the destruction of its predecessor, Capelinhos. It provides a critical navigational reference for vessels approaching or departing the island's southern coast.

Background
The Lighthouse of Vale Formoso is a beacon/lighthouse located along the southwestern cliffs of the civil parish of Capelo, in the municipality of Horta, on the Portuguese island of Faial, in the archipelago of the Azores.

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
114m
Light Range
13NM (24.1 km)
Geographic Range
26.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1957

Significant events: built to replace the destroyed Capelinhos lighthouse

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with gallery and a small modern lantern

Location

City
Capelo
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
near Capelo on the south side of the island's western peninsula
Latitude
38.5812°
Longitude
-28.8112°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Horta(9.4 km)
Admiralty No.
D2699
NGA No.
23348
ARLHS No.
AZO-025
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q10280177 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Vale Formoso Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 114 meters and a nominal range of 13 nautical miles (approximately 24.1 km), Vale Formoso 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 Vale Formoso Lighthouse at night?+
Vale Formoso 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 Vale Formoso Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Vale Formoso Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Capelo at 1.3 NM to the E. Other ports served include Horta (9.3 NM ESE), Madalena (Madalena do Pico) (13.4 NM ESE), Cais do Pico (23.2 NM E), Lajes (28.5 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Vale Formoso Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Vale Formoso 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 Vale Formoso Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Vale Formoso 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.