Pechiguera Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Playa Blanca Lanzarote Canary Islands Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28°51′21″N 13°52′21″W / 28.8558°N 13.8726°W |
| Year first constructed | 1866 (first) |
| Year first lit | 1988 (current) |
| Deactivated | 1988 (first) |
| Construction | concrete tower (current) stone tower (first) |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern (current) cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern (first) |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, grey lantern dome (current) unpainted tower, grey lantern dome (first) |
| Height | 50 metres (160 ft) (current) 10 metres (33 ft) (first) |
| Focal height | 55 metres (180 ft) (current) |
| Range | 17 nautical miles (31 km; 20 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (3) W 30s. |
| Spain number | ES-12129 |
The Pechiguera Lighthouse (also known as Punta Pechiguera Lighthouse) is an active lighthouse on the Canary island of Lanzarote. It stands at the very south-western tip of the island. This lighthouse is actually the second one built in this important spot.
History of the Lighthouse
The first lighthouse at Pechiguera was designed by an engineer named Juan de León y Castillo. It opened in 1866. This original lighthouse had a 10-meter (about 33 feet) tall tower. It was built in front of a small house where the lighthouse keeper lived.
The first lighthouse stopped working in 1988. This happened after a new, much taller lighthouse was built nearby. In 2002, the old lighthouse was recognized as a "Bien de Interés Cultural." This means it's a special building protected for its historical importance.
The new lighthouse is made from white stone. It is one of the tallest lighthouses in the Canary Islands. It stands 50 meters (about 164 feet) high. Only the Maspalomas Lighthouse on Gran Canaria (56 meters) and the Morro Jable Lighthouse on Fuerteventura (59 meters) are taller.
The light from the new lighthouse is 55 meters (about 180 feet) above the sea. Its bright beam can be seen up to 17 nautical miles away. The light flashes white three times every thirty seconds. This unique pattern helps sailors identify it.
The Pechiguera Lighthouse works with other lighthouses, like those at Tostón and Punta Martiño. Together, they help guide ships through the narrow La Bocayna strait. This strait is the water channel that separates the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Punta Pechiguera is a rocky area made of volcanic rocks. It used to be quite isolated. Now, new buildings from the Playa Blanca resort are growing closer to it. A walking path connects the lighthouse to the center of the resort. Most of this path is a paved walkway along the seafront.
In 2008, the Pechiguera Lighthouse was featured on a special set of stamps. The Spanish postal service, Correos, included it with five other lighthouses.
See also
In Spanish: Faro de Punta Pechiguera para niños
- List of lighthouses in the Canary Islands
- List of lighthouses in Spain
