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Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse

Fl White 6.5s🇵🇹Vila Real de Santo António, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse

The Vila Real de Santo António lighthouse, a 46-meter cylindrical concrete tower, was first lit in 1923. Its red exterior is topped by a lantern and gallery, and it is connected to a two-story keeper's complex. The light emits a white flash every 6.5 seconds, providing a geographic range of 19 nautical miles. Situated on the west bank of the Rio Guadiana, this active aid marks the river's entrance near the Spanish border. The lighthouse complex is accessible to the public, with the tower open for visits on Wednesday afternoons.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for maritime traffic navigating the mouth of the Rio Guadiana, a critical artery for trade and travel between Portugal and Spain.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 6.5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
6.5s
Raw Code
Fl W 6.5s
Focal Height
52m
Geographic Range
19NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1923

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Vila Real de Santo Antonio(0.7 km)
Admiralty No.
D2246
NGA No.
3816
ARLHS No.
POR-057

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
46m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete (?) tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 2-story keeper's complex

Location

City
Vila Real de Santo António
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Region
Faro
Sea Region
Marks the entrance to the Rio Guadiana, located on the west side of the river, on the Estrada da Mata, in Vila Real de Santo António, a city of about 20,000 residents adjoining the Spanish border.
Latitude
37.1869°
Longitude
-7.4164°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse at night?+
Vila Real de Santo António displays the characteristic Fl White 6.5s. 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 Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Vila Real de Santo António at 0.5 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include VILA REAL ST ANTONIO (0.8 NM N), Ayamonte (1.5 NM NNE), ISLA CRISTINA (4.3 NM E), Santa Luzia (12.3 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Vila Real de Santo António 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 Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Vila Real de Santo António 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.