Like all islands and coastal territories, the headlands and heights of Sardinia are dotted with lighthouses and lanterns that light the journey of sailors and animate the coasts.
Mysterious constructions that always spark interest and suggestiveness both for the remote locations in which they are often found and for their important function.
Read a few notes about lighthouses and discover our selection of the 7 photos of lighthouses in Sardinia.
1 of the 7 Wonders
There has always been a need to signal the presence of land and obstacles to sailors navigating the seas. Around 300 B.C., the Pharos of Alexandria was built, universally recognized as one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
The lighthouse was located on the Island of Pharos in front of the port of Alexandria in Egypt, on its summit burned a huge fire visible for miles and miles away.
The lighthouse was likely destroyed after an earthquake, so there isn’t much left to observe today. However, it seems that since then the name “lighthouse” – from Pharos – has been used to identify this important and useful type of signal.
How Does a Lighthouse Work Today
Lighthouses were positioned in order to signal the presence of obstacles for navigation. These markers generally consist of a tower structure that carries on its summit a lamp and a system of lenses.
The apparatus, when functioning and well-maintained, allows for the visibility of the light signal even at great distances.
Not all lights that aid navigation are lighthouses. Lanterns by definition are light signals visible at a distance of less than 10 nautical miles.
The characteristics of the lighthouse – the range, height, color of the light, and frequency of the light signal emission – can be found on nautical charts.
The service of lighthouses and signaling in Italy is under the control and responsibility of the Italian Navy.
Selection of Photos of Sardinia's Lighthouses
Before discovering our selection, here is a brief list of lighthouses in Sardinia from the most northern in a clockwise direction:
- Island of Razzoli
- Island of S. Maria
- Lighthouse of Palau
- Islet Monaci
- Capo Ferro
- Golfo Aranci Figarolo
- Olbia Island Bocca
- Island Tavolara
- Capo Comino
- Capo Bellavista
- Capo Ferrato
- Capo Carbonara
- Capo Sant’Elia
- Cagliari
- Capo Spartivento
- Sant’Antioco
- Island of San Pietro
- Capo Frasca
- Oristano
- Capo San Marco
- Capo Mannu
- Bosa Marina
- Alghero
- Capo Caccia
- Island Asinara
- Porto Torres
- Capo Testa
Photo Lighthouse Island of Cavoli
Lighthouse Island of Cavoli - Villasimius
The Lighthouse of Island of Cavoli is located on the eponymous Island of Cavoli in the area of Villasimius in the heart of the Protected Marine Area Capo Carbonara.
A very well-known lighthouse that dominates the southeastern tip of Sardinia, characterized by a tower with white and black stripes positioned on a two-story building.
The lighthouse is on an island and is therefore reachable only by boat. It was built around the mid-1800s near an ancient defensive tower.
At certain times of the year, it is possible to visit the lighthouse accompanied by qualified operators.
Photo Lighthouse Capo Ferro
Lighthouse Capo Ferro - Porto Cervo
The Lighthouse of Capo Ferro is located on the promontory of Capo Ferro, near Porto Cervo in the heart of the Costa Smeralda.
This lighthouse was built around the mid-1800s and is still fully operational and very useful today. The Lighthouse of Capo Ferro guards the eastern entrance to the Islands of the Archipelago of La Maddalena and towards the Strait of Bonifacio.
The structure is a white masonry tower that has withstood the strong northwest winds in the area for almost 200 years.
From the lighthouse, one can enjoy a lovely and privileged view of Bird Island and Caprera, and the path to reach it on foot is quite scenic.
Photo Lighthouse Capo Testa
Lighthouse Capo Testa - Santa Teresa Gallura
The Lighthouse of Capo Testa is located in northern Sardinia in Santa Teresa Gallura, near the famous Valley of the Moon of Capo Testa.
Active since the mid-1800s, it is a lighthouse that is situated in a truly unique context. The granite rocks of the promontory that houses it, shaped by water and wind, offer breathtaking landscapes.
The structure overlooks the stretch of sea known as Bocche di Bonifacio.
The Lighthouse of Capo Testa in Sardinia, together with the Lighthouse of Capo Pertusato in Corsica, welcomes sailors arriving from the western routes and guides them for much of the journey through the Gulf of Asinara.
Especially during rough seas, it is a viewpoint that offers incredible shots.
A lighthouse truly must visit!
Photo Lighthouse Capo Caccia
Lighthouse Capo Caccia - Alghero
The Lighthouse of Capo Caccia is located on the promontory of Capo Caccia, near the city of Alghero. A cliff very famous for its beauty and for hosting the Neptune's Grotto.
A lighthouse that has existed since the mid-1800s, later modernized with a tower around the mid-1900s.
An enchanting panorama that overlooks the sea characterized by cliffs and lush Mediterranean scrub.
Photo Lighthouse of Olbia
Lighthouse Island Bocca - Olbia
The Lighthouse of Island Bocca is the Lighthouse of Olbia located in the stretch of sea leading to the entrance of the Port of Olbia.
Ships entering and leaving pass by it, and at night the beam of light from this beautiful monument welcomes travelers.
The construction is about 24 meters high and the light signal is visible up to 15 miles. The lighthouse is located in an incredibly picturesque body of water, also thanks to the presence of ancient seafood farms.
Photos of Capo Sandalo Lighthouse
Capo Sandalo Lighthouse - Isle of San Pietro
The Capo Sandalo Lighthouse is located at the Isle of San Pietro Carloforte, in a magical place that overlooks the sea. It is one of the westernmost lighthouses in Italy that lights the way for routes south of Sardinia.
The lighthouse is reachable with a short walk along a rather steep path.
However, the effort is rewarded by the stunning view. The sunsets at Capo Sandalo Lighthouse are truly unforgettable experiences.
Photos of Palau Lighthouse
Palau Lighthouse - Palau
The Palau Lighthouse is located near Porto Faro, very close to the town of Palau. It is a little-known lighthouse situated in a truly enchanting place overlooking the Isle of La Maddalena, from which you can enjoy a particularly picturesque view.
The Palau Lighthouse is very easy to reach in just a few minutes on foot, surrounded by small beaches and coves that frame the sea of the National Park of the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Also discover the Map of Northern Sardinia Lighthouses and the Map of Southern Sardinia Lighthouses on the Italian Navy website.
Photo Credits Graziano Manganelli: Photo of Isle of Cavoli Lighthouse, Photo of Capo Ferro Lighthouse, Photo of Olbia Lighthouse.