Name and Location

Faro de San Cristóbal is a historic lighthouse located on the western coast of La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, Spain.

2. Construction and History

The Faro de San Cristóbal was built in 1912 to replace an earlier structure damaged by storms and erosion. Its construction was motivated by the need to improve maritime safety in the area, particularly around the Punta de San Cristóbal, a notorious rocky outcropping that posed a significant threat to ships.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Faro de San Cristóbal is a cylindrical tower with a distinctive white color and a height of 84 meters. Its striking architecture blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse has a range of 21 nautical miles (39 kilometers) and exhibits a characteristic sequence of lights: two red flashes every 10 seconds, followed by a period of darkness lasting 2.3 minutes, then another two red flashes for 7.3 minutes. This unique pattern allows vessels to easily identify the lighthouse from afar.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

No information available.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Faro de San Cristóbal is notable for its location on the western coast of La Gomera, making it a key beacon for vessels traveling between Europe and the Americas.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The lighthouse has been featured in various nautical publications and has been recognized as an important aid to navigation.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The light is powered by electricity, which is generated by a diesel-powered generator. Maintenance and upkeep are performed regularly to ensure the lighthouse remains operational.

9. Further Information

United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Publication 113. 2011-10-20. Wikipedia: "Faro de San Cristóbal" (Spanish). Wikimedia Commons: File:La Gomera Lighthouse (8554747687).jpg