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Faro de Arenas Blancas

Camino Pista La Salemera

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Faro de Arenas Blancas

The Faro de Arenas Blancas is a historic lighthouse located on the island of La Palma, Spain.

History

  • The construction began in 1901 and was completed in 1904.

Architecture and Construction

The tower stands at a height of 46 meters (151 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 63 meters (207 feet). The lighthouse is built using traditional materials, including stone and iron, with a distinctive cylindrical shape. Its architectural style is characteristic of the late 19th-century era.

Light Characteristics

The Faro de Arenas Blancas emits a white light with a range of 20 nautical miles. The light's pattern consists of three flashes separated by one second, followed by two flashes separated by one second, and then another sequence of three flashes separated by one second.

Current Status

The Faro de Arenas Blancas is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its installation. The lighthouse remains a vital part of the island's maritime infrastructure, guiding mariners safely into the port of Villa de Mazo.

Location and Accessibility

The Faro de Arenas Blancas is situated on the Camino Pista La Salemera in Villa de Mazo, La Palma. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the nearby parking area. The location provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean.

Heritage Status

The Faro de Arenas Blancas is listed as a protected historical monument by the Spanish government. Its designation recognizes the lighthouse's architectural and cultural significance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Notable Historical Events

The Faro de Arenas Blancas played a crucial role in the island's maritime history, serving as a vital aid to navigation during World War II. The lighthouse's beam was used to guide Allied ships safely into La Palma's ports, providing a critical lifeline for the island's residents and visitors.

Architecture

The tower stands at a height of 46 meters (151 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 63 meters (207 feet). The lighthouse is built using traditional materials, including stone and iron, with a distinctive cylindrical shape.

Light Characteristics

The Faro de Arenas Blancas emits a white light with a range of 20 nautical miles. The light's pattern consists of three flashes separated by one second, followed by two flashes separated by one second, and then another sequence of three flashes separated by one second.

Light Characteristics

The Faro de Arenas Blancas emits a white light with a range of 20 nautical miles. The light's pattern consists of three flashes separated by one second, followed by two flashes separated by one second, and then another sequence of three flashes separated by one second.

Heritage Status

The Faro de Arenas Blancas is listed as a protected historical monument by the Spanish government. Its designation recognizes the lighthouse's architectural and cultural significance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Notable Historical Events

The Faro de Arenas Blancas played a crucial role in the island's maritime history, serving as a vital aid to navigation during World War II. The lighthouse's beam was used to guide Allied ships safely into La Palma's ports, providing a critical lifeline for the island's residents and visitors.

Details

NameFaro de Arenas Blancas
CityVilla de Mazo
CountrySpain
Coordinates28.569918, -17.760454
Current useactive aid to navigation
Accessibletrue