Name and Location

Stončica Cape Lighthouse (Svjetionik Rt Stončica) is located at Rt Stončica 2, 21480 Vis, Croatia, on the southern tip of the Croatian island of Vis. The coordinates are 43°04′20″ N, 16°15′16″ E.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was erected in 1865 during the Austro-Hungarian period and is an active aid to navigation under the management of Plovput. It was converted to automatic operation in the mid-20th century, with keepers withdrawn.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse complex combines a masonry tower with single-storey keeper's quarters, built using local limestone with a white rendered exterior, terracotta-tiled gabled roof on the house, and a cast-iron lantern. The roof is gabled, covered in traditional red clay tiles, and the tower rises directly from the keeper's house.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse remains an active coastal light, aiding vessels navigating the southern approach to Vis and the wider central Dalmatian coast. It is automated and equipped for remote monitoring by Plovput. The light range and characteristic are not officially documented, but it is shown on Croatian chart "Vis – Rt Stončica" and standard international charts covering the central Adriatic.

Accessibility and Visiting

The site is fenced and not open for interior visits. Public access can be gained through unpaved coastal track from Vis town (approx. 8 km), high-clearance vehicles recommended, or hiking trail from Stončica bay (2 km); moderate difficulty. Landing is possible in Stončica bay below the promontory.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the open sea, neighbouring islets, and Vis's southern coastline.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to island tradition, fogbound sailors of yore looked to the Stončica light for the first safe haven after long Adriatic crossings. The lighthouse is regarded locally as part of Vis's maritime legacy.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is automated and equipped for remote monitoring by Plovput. It does not have public AIS or radar installation reported, but technical specifications are not officially documented.

Further Information

For more information, visit the official page at https://www.plovput.hr/pomorska-signalizacija/svjetionici/svjetionik/a/view/id/6, Croatian-language Wikipedia at https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svjetionik_Rt_Stončica, OpenStreetMap entry at https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/167373587, and Wikidata at Q55554330.