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Varna South Breakwater Lighthouse

Iso Red 4s🇧🇬Varna, BGOperational

Location & Light Range

About Varna South Breakwater Lighthouse

This cast iron lighthouse was built in 1903 and first lit the same year. Standing 6 meters tall with a focal height of 10 meters, its white cylindrical tower features a red lantern and a gold dome. The structure includes a round lantern and gallery. Its operational red light flashes in an isophase pattern every 4 seconds, visible for 10.4 nautical miles. Located at the end of a short pier on the west side of Varna's inner harbor, it is 0.8 kilometers from the nearest port.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides vessels past the breakwater into Varna's inner harbor. Its design reflects early 20th-century standardized construction methods for maritime infrastructure.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso Red 4s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
Red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Iso R 4s
Focal Height
10m
Geographic Range
10.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1903

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Varna(0.8 km)
Admiralty No.
N5006
ARLHS No.
BUL-024

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a red lantern and gold dome
Material
cast iron

Structure: round cylindrical cast iron tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Varna
Country
🇧🇬Bulgaria
Region
Varna
Sea Region
Varna's inner harbor, at the end of a short pier on the west (mainland) side.
Latitude
43.1915°
Longitude
27.9206°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Varna South Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Varna South Breakwater displays the characteristic Iso Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Varna South Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Varna South Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Varna at 0.5 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Ignatievo (7.6 NM WNW), Varna-Zapad (11.9 NM W), Balchik (16.4 NM NE), KAVARNA (23.1 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Varna South Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Varna South Breakwater 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 Varna South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Varna South Breakwater 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 Varna South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Varna South Breakwater 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.