Name and Location

The Nuevo Faro de Fuencaliente is a modern active lighthouse located in La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). It stands at the southern tip of La Palma and guides vessels around the volcanic coastline of Fuencaliente. The address is Diseminado Punta Fuencalie, 3, 38740 Fuencaliente, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, with coordinates 28°27′19.02″ N, 17°50′35.15″ W.

Construction and History

The Nuevo Faro de Fuencaliente replaced an earlier lighthouse built in 1903. The new beacon entered service around 1985 to improve the range and reliability of the light for larger modern vessels. This marked a significant change from the original tower, which was decommissioned with the introduction of this new lighthouse.

Architecture and Materials

The Nuevo Faro de Fuencaliente is a cylindrical tower built using reinforced concrete and painted white. The structure stands 24 meters above base level, with an attached two-storey equipment building. The materials used in its construction reflect functional modern lighthouse design typical of late 20th-century Spanish maritime authorities.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse operates fully automated and unmanned. Although specific details about the light characteristic and nominal range are not provided, it is likely that the lighthouse has a white flashing pattern and is capable of guiding vessels for several nautical miles. The beacon may be solar-powered with battery backup, which is common in newer Canarian lighthouses.

Accessibility and Visiting

The site is reachable by car via the coastal road “Carretera la Costa el Faro.” A short footpath leads from the roadside parking to the tower. While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the exterior and surrounding viewpoint are freely accessible. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas and interpretive panels about volcanic geology in the vicinity.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Nuevo Faro de Fuencaliente offers a sweeping panorama of the Atlantic, the nearby islet Roque de Fuencaliente, and the historic Malpaís lava fields. The surrounding landscape features scenic views, making it an attractive spot for tourists.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local lore suggests that on clear summer evenings, fishermen can see the new light's beam dancing on the waves of the Malpaís. This anecdote adds a touch of romance to the lighthouse's presence in La Palma's maritime heritage.

Technical and Operational Details

• Official name: Nuevo Faro de Fuencaliente
• Structure: Cylindrical tower with attached two-storey equipment building
• Height: 24 meters above base level
• Materials: Reinforced concrete painted white

Further Information

For further information, please consult the following sources:

• Wikidata: Q5404378
• Wikimedia Commons image: “La Palma – Fuencaliente – Carretera La Costa El Faro – Faro (Carretera La Costa Malpaís)”
• Spanish Wikipedia: es:Faro de Fuencaliente
• Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Official publications on Canary lighthouses