Name and Location

Sant Sebastià Lighthouse is a beacon located in Catalonia, Spain, on the Costa Brava coast. Its official address is Carrer de l’Uruguai, 87, 17211 Llafranc, Girona, Spain, and its coordinates are 41.8960617 N, 3.2024473 E.

Construction and History

The Sant Sebastià Lighthouse was officially constructed in the mid-19th century, although local tradition suggests it may have been built around the 1860s. The exact construction date is not recorded in public sources. It is possible that the lighthouse was modernized in the mid-20th century with electric lamps and automated mechanisms.

Architecture and Materials

The Sant Sebastià Lighthouse is a small masonry tower set atop a natural cliff outcrop, with a white paint finish. The exact construction materials are not verified, but it is likely that local stone and concrete were used. The tower height is 167 meters above mean sea level, with a light range of 32 nautical miles.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse serves as a major coastal light, guiding vessels along the western Mediterranean. It has a flashing white light every 5 seconds, covering a sector from 197�� to 165° (the main approach lanes). The Admiralty List of Lights reference is E0470.

Accessibility and Visiting

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse commands panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the bay of Llafranc, and, on clear days, the Illes Medes archipelago to the north. Adjacent is the small, historic hermitage of Sant Sebastià (dating from medieval times). The shoreline below features rocky coves and scenic overlooks popular with hikers and photographers.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, the hermit saint Sebastià once lived in a cave beneath the cliffs. Fisherfolk tell of a "guiding light" seen on stormy nights even before the official beacon existed (an unverified tale).

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is still active and maintained by the Spanish maritime safety authority (likely under the Port Authority of Barcelona). It has no AIS transponder or radar installation. The site is charted on Spanish Navy and international nautical charts.

Further Information

For further information, please refer to Wikidata (Q11921569), Catalan Wikipedia ("ca:Far de Sant Sebastià"), Admiralty List of Lights, volume for western Mediterranean (E0470), Local tourist office: Ajuntament de Palafrugell website.