Faro di Capo Carbonara
Faro di Capo Carbonara, 09049 Villasimius SU, Italy
Name and Location
The Faro di Capo Carbonara is an active coastal lighthouse located at the southeastern tip of Sardinia (Capo Carbonara) in the municipality of Villasimius, Province of South Sardinia, Italy. The official name is Faro di Capo Carbonara. Its coordinates are 39°06′12.5″ N, 9°30′49.8″ E.
Construction and History
The lighthouse was built in the second half of the 20th century to modernize coastal aids on Sardinia's southeastern shore. The exact date of construction and first lighting is not documented.
Architecture and Materials
The Faro di Capo Carbonara has a modern functional design typical of mid-20th-century Italian lighthouses. The tower and lantern house are made of reinforced concrete. The tower form is cylindrical, but the precise shape is unconfirmed. The lantern features a simple metal-framed structure with glass panes painted white.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse helps vessels navigate the Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinian coastal waters. Its technical specifications include an estimated focal plane of approximately 35 meters above sea level, a possible group-flashing white light (Fl(3) W 15s), and a nominal range of likely 15-20 nautical miles.
Accessibility and Visiting
The lighthouse is not open to visitors, but the surrounding area offers public access. Panoramic sea views and photo opportunities are available along coastal footpaths around Capo Carbonara.
Notable Views and Landscape
- Spiaggia di Porto Giunco
- Spiaggia di Cala Pira
- Spiaggia di Campus
The lighthouse is situated within the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, which features clear waters, Posidonia seagrass meadows, and diverse marine life.
Anecdotes and Folklore
While there are no widely recorded local legends specific to the lighthouse itself, the promontory has long been noted by mariners for its strong currents and frequent summer thunderstorms.
Technical and Operational Details
The Faro di Capo Carbonara is fully automated, mains-powered with solar-battery backup. It is managed by Marina Militare (Italian Navy) – Servizio dei Fari e Segnalamenti Marittimi.
Further Information
- "Fari e Segnalamenti Marittimi" – Marina Militare official website
- Italian Wikipedia entry: https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faro_di_Capo_Carbonara
- Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area: https://www.area marina protetta capocarbonara.it
Details
| Name | Faro di Capo Carbonara |
|---|---|
| City | Villasimius |
| Country | Italy |
| Coordinates | 39.1035451, 9.5138136 |
| Events | shipwrecks; rescues |
| Architectural style | Modern functional design |
| Construction material | "Reinforced concrete tower and lantern house" |
| Focal height | 35 |
| Tower height | 20 |
| Access description | From Villasimius, follow SP17 toward Capo Carbonara; parking available near the entrance to the Marine Protected Area, then a short walk leads to the lighthouse promontory. |
| Accessible | false |
| Parking | true |
| Landscape type | Rocky coast, dunes, island |
| Guided tours | false |
| Facilities | Basic signage about the protected area and local flora/fauna. |
| Nearby attractions | ["Fortezza Vecchia","local craft shops, seaside restaurants"] |
| AIS Radar | true |
| Light characteristic | "Fl(3) W 15s" |
| Light range | 15 |
| Automated | true |