Name and Location

The Farol do Cabo Branco, also known as the Cabo Branco Lighthouse, is a major coastal lighthouse located on the cliffs of the Cabo Branco promontory in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. It marks one of the easternmost points of the South American continent and guides vessels navigating the northern Brazilian coast.

Location

The lighthouse is situated at Avenida Cabo Branco, s/n – Cabo Branco, João Pessoa – PB, 58046-010, Brazil. Its coordinates are 7°08′55.7″S, 34°47′47.8″W (decimal: –7.1487934, –34.7966115).

Construction and History

The Cabo Branco Lighthouse was constructed in the late 20th century, with no exact year of erection recorded.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a slender, tapering tower with a balcony and lantern, made of reinforced concrete painted white. Its height is approximately 46 meters (seamark:light:height) above sea level.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is Flashing white every 10 seconds (Fl W 10s), with a nominal range of 27 nautical miles. The light source is an automated electric lamp, likely fueled by mains electricity with backup.

Accessibility and Visiting

• The lighthouse grounds and adjacent cliffs form a public promenade (Av. Cabo Branco). The interior is not open for public entry.
• Visitors can access the site by road via Avenida Cabo Branco; parking and lookout platforms are nearby.
• Facilities include benches, viewpoints, and small food stalls.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the cliff-top belvedere at the lighthouse base, one enjoys 180° views of the Atlantic Ocean, distant coral reefs, city skyline to the west, and rugged coastal outcrops to the north. Sunrises are particularly dramatic here, earning the site its nickname “where the sun rises first in the Americas” (not an official title but often cited in tourism literature).

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local lore speaks of fishermen spotting pods of dolphins and sea turtles in the surf below. Former keepers’ quarters were never built; the site was intended from the outset for remote operation.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated, with no resident keepers. Its managing authority is the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (DHN), Brazilian Navy. The status is active aid to navigation.