Name and Location

The Far de Santa Pola, also known as El Faro, is a historic lighthouse located in Gran Alacant, Alicante, Spain.

2. Construction and History

The Far de Santa Pola was built in 1859 to serve as an aid to navigation for ships passing through the narrow entrance of the Santa Pola Bay. The lighthouse was constructed during the reign of Queen Isabella II of Spain, who was instrumental in promoting maritime safety and commerce in the region.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Far de Santa Pola is a striking example of Spanish neoclassical architecture, with a cylindrical tower made from stone and topped with a distinctive lantern room. The lighthouse stands 26 meters (85 feet) tall and has a focal height of 23 meters (75 feet).

4. Light and Navigation

The Far de Santa Pola's light characteristic is a flashing white beam every 15 seconds, with a range of approximately 14 nautical miles (25 kilometers). This beacon helps guide ships safely into the Santa Pola Bay, avoiding the rocky coastline and treacherous waters.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse's exterior, but the interior is not open to the public. The surrounding area offers scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Alicante coastline.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Far de Santa Pola is situated in a picturesque coastal setting, with rolling hills and sandy beaches nearby. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient Roman ruins and historic towns like Santa Pola.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

One notable event in the lighthouse's history was the rescue of the Spanish ship "La Estrella" in 1860, which had been caught in a storm off the coast. The Far de Santa Pola's light guided the rescuers to the stranded vessel, saving the lives of all on board.

8. Technical and Operational Details

Latitude: 38.2095109

Longitude: -0.5136762

[Map Link: https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=15/38.20951/-0.51368]

9. Further Information

• * Instituto Español de Statística (INE). "Far de Santa Pola". Retrieved [Date].
• * GeoNames. "Faro del Cabo de Santa Pola". Retrieved [Date].