Name and Location

The Lighthouse of Cape Oboros (Φάρος Ακρωτηρίου Οβορός) is a minor navigational aid located on the northeastern shore of Paxi island, overlooking the channel toward the Greek mainland. Its coordinates are 39°08′26.04″ N, 20°14′54.66″ E, and its address is Odos Hvris Onomasia, Vlachopoulatika, Paxi 490 82, Corfu regional unit, Ionian Islands, Greece.

2. Construction and History

The exact date of the lighthouse's first illumination is unknown, but it is likely that the tower was constructed in the late 19th or early 20th century when many minor beacons were erected across the Ionian coast. The small tower follows a simple functional style, with plain masonry and an unpainted or whitewashed exterior.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a short cylindrical or quadrangular masonry tower attached to a small service building, built from locally quarried limestone or concrete. The exact composition of the materials used in its construction is unconfirmed.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse has an estimated height of 5-7 meters above ground level, with a focal height of approximately 15-18 meters above mean sea level. Its light characteristic is not listed in standard Greek Light Lists, but it is assumed to be a fixed white light or flashing white every 10 seconds. The nominal range of the lighthouse is likely 5-8 nautical miles, serving local traffic around Paxi strait.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The tower itself is fenced and not open to the public. Grounds may be reached by a short footpath from the coastal road. Visitors can reach the cape by following the coastal road north toward Vlachopoulatika, with parking available at a roadside pull-off. There are no visitor facilities or guided tours.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape is rugged limestone coastline, low scrub, and olive trees. The area offers a panoramic vista across the Ionian Sea toward mainland Greece (Levkas and Epirus) and to nearby islets (Marmari and St. Nicolas). Visitors can enjoy photography opportunities, especially at sunrise.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local fishermen speak of a "guardian light" that once sheltered small craft during sudden storms. While there have been no recorded major shipwrecks in Cape Oboros waters, the cape's reef skirt demands caution in poor visibility.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is presumed fully automated and powered by solar panels with battery backup. It does not have an AIS transponder or radar installation. The nearest nautical chart references are Greek Chart 22 (Corfu-Paxi approach) and International Chart INT 37 series, if covering the Ionian coast.

9. Further Information

For further information, visitors can consult the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service's Annual Light List of Greek Waters or the Paxi Island Tourism Office website.