Punta Abona Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Arico Tenerife Canary Islands Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28°08′54″N 16°25′38″W / 28.148358°N 16.427146°W |
| Year first constructed | 1902 (first) |
| Year first lit | 1976 (current) |
| Deactivated | 1976 (first) |
| Construction | concrete tower (current) masonry tower (first) |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern (current) lantern mounted non-the keeper's house roof (first) |
| Markings / pattern | tower with red and white bands (current) white keeper's house, green lantern roof (first) |
| Height | 39 metres (128 ft) |
| Focal height | 54 metres (177 ft) |
| Range | 17 nautical miles (31 km; 20 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (3) W 20s. |
| Spain number | ES-12870 |
The Punta Abona Lighthouse (which is Faro de Punta Abona in Spanish) is an active lighthouse on the southeastern coast of Tenerife. Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands in Spain. This lighthouse is located between the towns of Abades and Poris de Abona. It stands in the area known as Arico. The lighthouse helps ships navigate safely along the coast. It is built on a rocky point called Punta Abona. This point marks the southeast side of the island.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
The first lighthouse at Punta Abona was finished in 1902. It was part of a plan to add more lights for ships around the Canary Islands. This lighthouse helped guide coastal ships. These ships traveled between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and other ports.
Design of the First Lighthouse
The first lighthouse looked like other lighthouses built in the Canary Islands during the 1800s. It was a white building with one floor. Dark volcanic rock was used for its details. Inside, it had two separate living areas for the lighthouse keepers. There was also a storage room and an office. These rooms were built around a small courtyard.
The light's dome was on the flat roof of the building. It faced the Atlantic Ocean. This first lighthouse worked until the 1970s. Then, a new, more modern tower took its place.
Plans for the Old Lighthouse
In 2003, the old lighthouse building was partly fixed up. This project lasted two years. It helped young people who were looking for jobs learn skills like brick-laying and carpentry. The idea was to turn the building into a school for hotel workers. After that, it was planned to become a museum and a restaurant. However, these plans have been put on hold.
The New Lighthouse
The new lighthouse was built right next to the old one. It started working in 1976. This lighthouse is a tall, cylinder-shaped tower. It is 39 meters (about 128 feet) high. The tower is white with red bands.
Features of the New Tower
The new tower has two balconies. It also has a lantern at the top with a black roof. Its design is similar to the new tower of Fuencaliente Lighthouse on La Palma, but it is 15 meters taller. The light shines from 54 meters (about 177 feet) above sea level. This means its light can be seen from 17 nautical miles away. The light flashes white three times every twenty seconds.
The port authority of the Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes care of the lighthouse.
See also
In Spanish: Faro de Punta Abona para niños
- List of lighthouses in Spain
- List of lighthouses in the Canary Islands
