Name and Location

The Farol da Ponta do Altar is a historic lighthouse located in Ferragudo, Portugal, situated on the western coast of the Algarve region.

Construction and History

The exact date of construction for the Farol da Ponta do Altar is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the late 19th century. The lighthouse was designed to serve as a beacon for mariners navigating the rugged coastline and warning of potential dangers such as rocky outcroppings and strong currents.

Architecture and Materials

The Farol da Ponta do Altar's architecture is characteristic of traditional Portuguese lighthouses, with a white tower and a lantern room housing a powerful optic lens. The tower is topped with a distinctive red band, making it easily visible to mariners from a distance.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a flashing white light every 5 seconds, with a range of approximately 16 nautical miles (29 kilometers). This unique lighting pattern is designed to be highly visible against the dark skies and sea conditions typical of the Algarve region.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, but the tower itself is not open to the public. The surrounding area offers scenic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated in a picturesque coastal town, surrounded by limestone cliffs, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean. The area is known for its natural beauty, with many hiking trails and scenic viewpoints nearby.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No relevant anecdotes or folklore available at this time.

Technical and Operational Details

The Farol da Ponta do Altar has undergone automation in recent years, replacing its manual operation with an automated system. This upgrade ensures continuous maintenance-free operation, reducing the need for human intervention.

Further Information

For further information, please refer to the Wikipedia article on "Ponta do Altar Lighthouse".