Faro de Alborán
Alboran Island heliport, Isla de Alborán, Almería, Spain
Name and Location
The Faro de Alborán is a lighthouse located on the remote Alboran Island in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 50 kilometers off the coast of Spain.
Construction and History
The Faro de Alborán was built during the Spanish colonial era, with construction believed to have taken place between 1824 and 1830. The exact date is unknown.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse stands at an impressive 40 meters (131 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 25 meters (82 feet). It was constructed using stone and brick, with a characteristic pyramidal shape.
Light and Navigation
The Faro de Alborán features a white light with a period of 20 seconds and a range of approximately 10 nautical miles (18 kilometers). The light characteristic is Fl (3) W.15s, indicating a flashing light every three seconds for 15 seconds.
Accessibility and Visiting
Unfortunately, the Alboran Island heliport is not open to the general public. Due to its remote location and limited access, it is only accessible by helicopter or boat with permission from the Spanish authorities. No guided tours or on-site facilities are available.
Notable Views and Landscape
The surrounding landscape of Alboran Island is characterized by rocky shores, sandy beaches, and rolling hills covered with scrubby vegetation.
Technical and Operational Details
Although the lighthouse was once operated by human keepers, it has been automated since 1985. The Spanish Ministry of Public Works and Transport is responsible for maintaining the lighthouse's operation and ensuring its continued functionality as a vital aid to navigation.
Further Information
For further reading on the Faro de Alborán and its importance in maritime history, see the Wikipedia page "Faro de la isla de Alborán" (es) or refer to the Spanish Ministry of Public Works and Transport: Faro de Alborán.
Details
Name | Faro de Alborán |
---|---|
City | |
Country | Spain |
Coordinates | 35.9381913, -3.0357047 |
Historic significance | A beacon of navigation on the Mediterranean |
Architectural style | pyramidal shape |
Construction material | "stone and brick" |
Focal height | 25 |
Tower height | 40 |
Heritage status | true |
Access description | Only accessible by helicopter or boat with permission from the Spanish authorities. |
Accessible | false |
Landscape type | rocky coast |
View description | Rocky shores, sandy beaches, and rolling hills covered with scrubby vegetation. |
Guided tours | false |
Light characteristic | "Fl (3) W.15s" |
Light range | 10 |
Automated | true |