Name and Location

The Farol da Ponta da Barca is a historic lighthouse located on the island of Graciosa in the Azores, Portugal. The official name of this beacon is "Ponta da Barca", but it is also known locally as the "Farol da Ponta da Barca".

2. Construction and History

The Farol da Ponta da Barca was built in 1894 and has been guiding mariners since its construction. This historic lighthouse has played a crucial role in navigation, helping to guide ships through the treacherous waters surrounding Graciosa and its neighboring islands.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Farol da Ponta da Barca was built in traditional Portuguese architectural style, with a white-painted stone tower standing 23 meters (75 feet) tall. The lighthouse's focal height is 71 meters (233 feet), making it an important aid to navigation for vessels approaching the island.

4. Light and Navigation

The Farol da Ponta da Barca emits a white light that flashes every 7 seconds, with a range of 20 kilometers (12 miles). This beacon serves as a major lighthouse, helping to guide ships through the surrounding waters.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the tower, but please note that this may be subject to change or restricted at certain times. The lighthouse is currently automated, eliminating the need for manual operation. Visitors can explore the tower, learn about its history, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Farol da Ponta da Barca stands proudly on the western coast of Graciosa Island, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged cliffs. The island's unique volcanic landscape and rich biodiversity make it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local lore suggests that the Farol da Ponta da Barca played a crucial role in guiding ships during World War II, when the Azores served as an important military base.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is no longer operational as a primary aid to navigation, but it has been repurposed as a museum or tourist attraction. The lighthouse's focal height is 71 meters (233 feet), making it an important aid to navigation for vessels approaching the island.

9. Further Information

For further reading on this topic, please visit our sister website https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farol_da_Ponta_da_Barca">Wikipedia. The Farol da Ponta da Barca is managed by the Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa) in collaboration with local authorities and conservation organizations.