Calaburras Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Calaburras Point Mijas Province of Málaga Andalusia Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°30′27″N 4°38′23″W / 36.507402°N 4.639743°W |
| Year first constructed | 1863 (first) |
| Year first lit | 1928 (current) |
| Construction | stone tower (current) masonry tower (first) |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern (current) octagonal tower with balcony and lantern (first) |
| Markings / pattern | unpainted tower, glass lantern, grey lantern roof |
| Height | 25 metres (82 ft) (current) 13.5 metres (44 ft) (first) |
| Focal height | 46 metres (151 ft) |
| Range | 18 nautical miles (33 km; 21 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 5s. |
| Spain number | ES-21280 |
The Calaburras Lighthouse (in Spanish, Faro de Calaburras) is a tall, guiding light located on the coast of Mijas, in the Province of Málaga, Spain. It stands on a point called Punta de Calaburras. This lighthouse helps ships and even planes find their way, especially when they are near the Strait of Gibraltar.
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What is a Lighthouse?
A lighthouse is like a tall tower with a powerful light at the top. Its main job is to guide ships safely, especially at night or in bad weather. Lighthouses warn sailors about dangerous coastlines or show them the way into a harbor. They are super important for sea travel!
History of Calaburras Lighthouse
The First Lighthouse
The very first Calaburras Lighthouse was built a long time ago, in 1863. It was made of stone and was about 13.5 metres (44 ft) tall. This lighthouse was special because it was the first in Spain to help both ships and airplanes! It was a big step forward for navigation.
The Current Lighthouse
The lighthouse you see today was built in 1928. It replaced the older, shorter one. This newer lighthouse is much taller, standing at about 25 metres (82 ft) high. Since 1949, its light has been automatic and electric, meaning it doesn't need someone to light it by hand anymore.
How the Lighthouse Works
The Calaburras Lighthouse is a very important beacon for the Málaga province. Its light flashes every 5 seconds. This light can be seen from far away, up to 28 nautical miles (which is about 52 kilometers or 32 miles). This makes it a crucial guide for ships and planes navigating the busy waters near the Strait of Gibraltar.
See also
