Name and Location

Farol da Guia, often simply called Guia Lighthouse, is an active coastal light station marking the western approach to the bay of Cascais–Lisbon. The lighthouse stands on Ponta da Guia, a rocky promontory just west of Cascais town centre in Portugal.

Address: Farol da Guia, 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal Coordinates: 38°41′44″ N, 9°26′47″ W (decimal 38.695611, –9.446410)

Construction and History

A light station in this location is believed to date back to the 16th century, serving ships bound for Lisbon. The current stone tower dates from the late 19th century, with a single gallery and lantern. The lighthouse has been fully automated for many decades, with keepers withdrawn in the mid-20th century.

Architecture and Materials

The cylindrical masonry tower is painted white, with a height of 28 m above its base. The lantern room is topped by a grey metallic dome. Local stone and cement render were used in the construction.

Light and Navigation

The focal height is 58 m above mean sea level. The optical apparatus consists of fixed rotating prisms or equivalent modern optics. The characteristic is Iso (2 s). Primary sectors flash every 2 s, visible to 19 nautical miles, covering bearings 326°–092°. Red warning sectors also flash every 2 s, with a range of 16 nautical miles, over narrow bearings 278°–292°.

Accessibility and Visiting

The tower itself is closed to visitors. However, the site can be reached by car or on foot via Avenida da República (N247) and local coastal paths. Nearby viewpoints include the coastal promenade west of Cascais or the nearby Fort of Nossa Senhora da Guia.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse stands adjacent to the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Guia, a 16th-century military battery. The dramatic cliff-sea grotto, Boca do Inferno (“Mouth of Hell”), is located 1 km east. Cascais historic centre, including beaches, marina, Citadel, and Paula Rego Museum, is within 2 km.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is managed by Direção de Faróis, Portuguese Navy (Administração do Porto de Lisboa). It is not individually classified but part of the broader historic coastal defences of Cascais. There are no known AIS or radar installations on-site; communications are via coastal station.

Further Information

Direção de Faróis: https://www.amn.pt/DF/Paginas/FaroldaGuia.aspx
Wikipedia (En): en:Guia Lighthouse (Portugal)
Wikidata: Q10280113
Wikimedia Commons: Category:Guia Lighthouse