Name and Location

The lighthouse at Itanos stands on the northeastern coast of Crete, near the ruins of ancient Itanos in the municipality of Sitia, Lasithi regional unit, Greece. Its official name remains unknown.

Coordinates: 35.3158985 N, 26.3109084 E

Address (Plus Code): 8886+99 Itanos, Greece

Google Maps link: https://www.google.com/maps?q=35.3158985,26.3109084

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was likely erected in the mid-20th century to improve coastal safety along Crete's rugged northeast shore. No archival records are currently published for this light.

3. Architecture and Materials

The structure is a cylindrical tower on a square plinth, attached to a low equipment building. The materials used are believed to be reinforced concrete painted white, with a contrasting trim common in Greek coastal lights. The estimated tower height is 6-8 m, with a focal height around 12 m above sea level.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse serves as a minor navigation aid for local fishing craft and pleasure boats entering the bay south of Cape Sideros. The light pattern is reportedly a single white flash every 5-7 seconds (unverified), with an estimated range of approximately 5 nautical miles under clear conditions.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse can be reached on foot via a rough 4 km coastal track east from Palaikastro or by boat. No paved road leads directly to the structure. Unfenced, but caution is advised due to unstable ground and lack of visitor facilities.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the lighthouse site, visitors can enjoy sweeping views northward across the Mirabello Gulf toward the Lasithi Plateau cliffs; to the west lie the archaeological ruins of ancient Itanos, with ruins visible from the lighthouse site.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local fishermen recall the light as a "beacon of hope" during sudden meltemi gales in summer, guiding small boats back to the lee of Itanos Bay. No documented shipwrecks are directly tied to this point, though several ancient wreck sites lie offshore.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated (no resident keepers) and likely powered by a solar-powered LED beacon with battery backup, typical for minor Greek lights. There are no recorded AIS or radar aids. The relevant chart is HNHS Chart 54 – Mirabello Gulf.