Name and Location

Faro da Illa da Rúa is a small coastal lighthouse marking the entrance to the port of Ribeira on the Galician Atlantic coast of north-western Spain. It stands on Insuela (also referred to locally as Illa da Rúa), a rocky islet just off the town of Ribeira in the province of A Coruña, Galicia.

Location

The lighthouse is located at Plus Code G3X6+P5 Insuela, Ribeira, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. The coordinates are 42.5492679 N, -8.9396177 W. You can view the location on Google Maps at https://www.google.com/maps?q=42.5492679,-8.9396177.

Construction and History

The construction date of Faro da Illa da Rúa is not documented in publicly available sources. It is likely that the lighthouse was built in the late 19th or early 20th century, but this has not been confirmed. The original use of the lighthouse was to guide vessels entering the ria (estuary) and the harbor of Ribeira.

Architecture and Materials

The structure of the lighthouse is a small masonry or concrete tower. However, details about its height above ground and focal plane height are unknown.

Light and Navigation

The light range of Faro da Illa da Rúa is unspecified, as it serves local harbor traffic. The light characteristic is also not published, although it is typically a flashing white or iso group light. The lighthouse is fully automated and powered by solar energy, which is standard for minor Spanish lights.

Accessibility and Visiting

The islet and tower are not open to the public, and there are no landing facilities other than small-boat access for maintenance. Visitors can view the lighthouse from the Punta de Corrubedo promontory or from small-boat excursions departing Ribeira's fishermen's quay.

Notable Views and Landscape

The landscape surrounding Faro da Illa da Rúa is characterized by a bare granite islet at the mouth of the ria, exposed to Atlantic swells. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the estuary, sandy beaches of Serra de Outes beyond, and the Corcubión promontory to the north.

Anecdotes and Folklore

There are no well-documented legends or keeper-stories about Faro da Illa da Rúa. However, it is likely that its keepers would have endured heavy Atlantic weather, provisioning themselves from Ribeira.

Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority of the lighthouse is the Port Authority of A Coruña (Autoridad Portuaria de A Coruña), under Spain's Comisión de Faros. The current use of the lighthouse is as an active navigational aid. There is no radar installation on the islet, but AIS transponder coverage is provided by nearby mainland stations.

Further Information

For further information about Faro da Illa da Rúa, you can visit the Spanish Hydrographic Institute (Instituto Hidrográfico de la Marina) nautical charts, the Port Authority of A Coruña website – lighthouse listings (Comisión de Faros), or Ribeira municipal tourist office publications on “Faro da Illa da Rúa”.