Name and Location

Farol das Lajes das Flores is a prominent lighthouse located on the westernmost tip of São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago.

Construction and History

Farol das Lajes das Flores was built in 1843 to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters surrounding São Miguel Island. The lighthouse's original height was 16 meters (52 feet), with a focal plane of 99 meters (325 feet) above sea level. Its importance lies not only in its role as a beacon for mariners but also as a testament to Portugal's long history of maritime exploration and trade.

Architecture and Materials

The Farol das Lajes das Flores is an impressive structure, standing at 16 meters tall with a distinctive white coloration.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's original lighting system was characterized by a flashing sequence of 0.3+(4), 0.3+(4), 0.3+(19.1) seconds, which remains unchanged to this day. The Farol das Lajes das Flores is listed as a light_major lighthouse in the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities' (IALA) database, with reference number D 2704 and name Ponta das Lajas. Its range extends approximately 26 nautical miles (48 kilometers), with a sector span of 263 to 54 degrees.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Farol das Lajes das Flores through various tour operators that offer guided excursions to the Azores. The lighthouse is situated within the Ponta dos Danos Nature Reserve, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and nearby islands.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding ocean and nearby islands provide stunning vistas for visitors to enjoy.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore available.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse's range extends approximately 26 nautical miles (48 kilometers), with a sector span of 263 to 54 degrees. The lighthouse is listed as a light_major lighthouse in the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities' (IALA) database, with reference number D 2704 and name Ponta das Lajas.

Further Information

Sources: United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Pub. 113. 2011-10-20; Farol das Lajes - Portuguese Government's Official Website; Wikipedia: pt:Farol das Lajas