Faro di Punta Sardegna
Vicolo delle rocce del golfo, 35, 07020 Palau SS, Italy
Name and Location
Punta Sardegna Lighthouse, also known as Faro di Punta Sardegna, is located in Palau, Sardinia, Italy. Its coordinates are 41.2068653 N, 9.3628816 E.
2. Construction and History
The original masonry tower was commissioned by the Regia Marina in 1913. In 1985, a new cylindrical fiberglass-reinforced concrete tower replaced the historic structure. The current tower is fully automated and managed by the Italian Navy's Lighthouse Service (Marina Militare).
3. Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse has a cylindrical tapered tower with a gallery and lantern. It stands at a height of 13 meters above its base and 33 meters above sea level. The structure is made of reinforced concrete, coated in fiberglass and finished in white, with a stainless-steel lantern housing.
4. Light and Navigation
The Punta Sardegna Lighthouse emits a group flashing light characteristic – three white flashes every 15 seconds (Fl (3) W 15 s). Its range extends to 11 nautical miles (approximately 20 kilometers). The light is powered by solar panels with battery backup, automated switching, and monitored remotely by Marina Militare.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset, but the tower itself is closed to the public. Accessible parking is available below the lighthouse, followed by a short footpath over uneven terrain (approximately 200 meters). The surrounding area offers panoramic views of Isola Buddelli, Isola Tavolara, and the Corsican coastline on clear days.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
The Punta Sardegna Lighthouse is situated amidst a scenic landscape of granite outcrops, Mediterranean scrub, cliffs, and emerald-green waters. On clear days, it offers stunning views of Isola Buddelli, Isola Tavolara, and the Corsican coastline.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
Local fishermen tell stories of midnight boat processions around the capes, believing that the triple-flash pattern of Punta Sardegna Lighthouse chases away storm spirits.
8. Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse is fully automated and monitored remotely by Marina Militare (identification code 1038 E.F.). It does not have a radar target or AIS installed on-site. The power supply comes from solar panels with battery backup, automated switching.
9. Further Information
For further information, please visit the Marina Militare website: https://www.marina.difesa.it/cosa-facciamo/per-la-difesa-sicurezza/fari/Pagine/1038.aspx
Details
| Name | Faro di Punta Sardegna |
|---|---|
| City | Palau |
| Country | Italy |
| Coordinates | 41.2068653, 9.3628816 |
| Year of construction | 19131985 |
| Stories | Local fishermen tell of midnight boat processions around the capes, believing the triple-flash pattern of Punta Sardegna Lighthouse chases away storm spirits. |
| Architectural style | Functional maritime utility design typical of 1980s Italian lighthouses |
| Construction material | ["Reinforced concrete (fiberglass-coated)","stainless-steel lantern housing"] |
| Focal height | 33 |
| Tower height | 13 |
| Heritage status | false |
| Renovations | Replacement of the historic masonry structure with the current cylindrical fiberglass-reinforced concrete tower and fully automated lantern in 1985 |
| Access description | Reachable by tarmac road from Palau town center (≈ 3 km). Parking available at a small pull-off below the lighthouse; short footpath over uneven granite terrain (≈ 200 m). |
| Accessible | true |
| Parking | true |
| Landscape type | Granite outcrops, Mediterranean scrub (mastic, juniper, rockrose), cliffs plunging into emerald-green waters |
| View description | Panoramic vistas over Isola Buddelli, Isola Tavolara, and the Corsican coastline on clear days. |
| Guided tours | false |
| Facilities | No on-site restrooms or visitor center |
| Opening hours | Grounds open daily, sunrise–sunset |
| Nearby attractions | ["Capo d’Orso (Bear Rock)","Isola dei Gabbiani","Beach of Porto Pollo","La Maddalena Archipelago National Park"] |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | "Fl (3) W 15 s" |
| Light range | 11 |
| Automated | true |