Architecture and Materials

The Faro di Portofino is an exemplary example of neoclassical architecture, with its white stone façade and ornate details. The lighthouse was built using local limestone and granite, with a cylindrical shape rising to a tapered top.

Light and Navigation

The Faro di Portofino features a distinctive light characteristic: Fl (3) W.15s, which flashes white every 15 seconds, with a range of approximately 16 nautical miles (30 kilometers). This beacon has guided ships through the narrow Strait of Portofino and into the Mediterranean Sea.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Faro di Portofino is open to visitors, offering stunning views of the town's colorful houses, the harbor, and the surrounding Ligurian coast. Visitors can climb the tower for a panoramic perspective or explore the adjacent park.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding landscape from the top of the lighthouse.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The lighthouse has played a crucial role in Portofino's maritime history, serving as a guidepost for ships and fishermen. Locals often share stories of the lighthouse's importance during World War II, when it helped navigate Allied forces through the treacherous Strait of Portofino.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, with a modern Fresnel lens system illuminating the surrounding waters.

Further Information

• * US NGA Pub. 113 (2010-10-22)