Name and Location

The Faro das Illas Sisargas lighthouse is located on the small rocky island of Sisarga Grande off the coast of Malpica de Bergantiños, Province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. The coordinates are 43°21′35.57″ N, 8°50′40.25″ W (decimal 43.359882, −8.844514).

Construction and History

The original lighthouse was built in 1853 with a 4th-order Fresnel lens and keeper's quarters. Over the years, multiple extensions and concrete superstructures were added, giving the current building a utilitarian appearance. The most recent structure dates back to 1915, incorporating foundations of the original tower.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is constructed using local stone masonry and reinforced-concrete additions. The architectural type is a square keeper's house with an attached cylindrical lantern tower. The height of the tower above base is 11 meters.

Light and Navigation

The focal plane is 110 meters above mean sea level, and the lantern features a modern enclosed optic. The light characteristic is a group of three white flashes every 15 seconds (Fl (3) W 15 s; sequence 0.6 s flash + 2.4 s eclipse + 0.6 s + 2.4 s + 0.6 s + 8.4 s). The nominal range is 23 nautical miles.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is not open to the general public, with no visitor center or guided tours available on Sisarga Grande. The nearest embarkation point is Malpica de Bergantiños harbor (approximately 5 kilometers by sea). On-site facilities are nonexistent; there is no freshwater or visitor amenities.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Costa da Morte ("Coast of Death"), Malpica bay, and the open Atlantic. The surrounding landscape features rugged coastlines, protected seabird colonies on the islets, strong wave action, and frequent fog.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local mariners once relied on the Sisargas light to navigate safely around the jagged rocks that have caused numerous wrecks over the centuries. The original 1853 lighthouse featured a 4th-order lens and keeper's quarters; local stories remember its importance in maritime history.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is automated (date of automation not publicly documented). The managing authority is the Port Authority of A Coruña (Autoridad Portuaria de A Coruña). Nautical charts include Spanish Hydrographic Office, Admiralty D 1728, and NGA Pub. 113.

Further Information

For further information, please refer to Lighthouses of Spain: http://www.lighthousesofspain.es/en-us/FDE_DOCS_Laminas/faro%20de%20las%20islas%20sisargas.pdf; Wikidata: Q33311327; Wikipedia (Galician): gl:Faro das Illas Sisargas; US NGA (2011): Pub. 113 “List of Lights, Radio Aids and Fog Signals”; OpenStreetMap: way/179215196.