Lighthouse Marvel: Discovering Faro de Buenavista in Tenerife

Faro de Buenavista del Norte is a stunning lighthouse located on the northern coast of Tenerife, in the municipality of Buenavista del Norte.

This active lighthouse is also known as Punta de Buenavista lighthouse and is situated at a distance of 4 kilometres from the town of Buenavista del Norte. The lighthouse marks the end of Tenerife and offers spectacular views of the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Buenavista del Norte is a municipality located on the north-western coast of Tenerife, one of the seven Canary Islands. The town is known for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, attracting a large number of tourists each year.

Attractions Tenerife

The town is situated at a distance of 21 kilometres from Puerto de la Cruz, another popular tourist destination on the island.

Faro de Buenavista del Norte is one of the major attractions of the town, offering tourists a chance to witness the beauty of the island from a different perspective.

The lighthouse is at a height of 57 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

Tourists can visit the lighthouse and climb up the tower to enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscapes. The lighthouse is also a popular spot for photographers, who come here to capture the beauty of the island.

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Location of the Faro de Buenavista del Norte

As I explored the beautiful island of Tenerife, I stumbled upon the Faro de Buenavista del Norte.

Geography

The Faro de Buenavista del Norte is situated on the Punta de Buenavista, which is 4 kilometres away from the town of Buenavista del Norte. The lighthouse is located on top of a cliff, which provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Punta de Buenavista is also home to the Punta de Teno, which is the westernmost point of the island.

However, visitors should be aware that access to the Punta de Teno is restricted, and they need to obtain a permit to visit the area. The permit can be obtained from the town hall of Buenavista del Norte.

The Punta de Buenavista is also known for its rugged coastline, which is home to several caves and natural pools. Visitors can explore the area by taking a boat tour or by hiking along the coastline.

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History of the Faro de Buenavista del Norte

I visited Faro de Buenavista del Norte, the most modern lighthouse in Tenerife, and learned about its history.

The construction of the lighthouse began in 1995, and it was inaugurated in 1997, a year after the Puerto de la Cruz lighthouse.

The lighthouse was built to replace the old Punta de Teno lighthouse, which was decommissioned due to its location on a dangerous cliff.

The lighthouse was designed by the architect Luis García Perea, and it has a modern and functional style. The tower is 26 meters high, and it has a focal height of 57 meters above sea level.

The lighthouse is equipped with a modern lighting system, which consists of a rotating lens and a halogen bulb. The light has a range of 17 nautical miles, and it emits a white flash every 10 seconds.

The lighthouse is powered by solar panels and batteries, which ensure its operation even in case of a power outage.

Construction

I was impressed by the modern design of Faro de Buenavista del Norte, which was built in 1997 and is the most recent lighthouse of the seven in Tenerife.

The construction of the lighthouse was carried out by the Spanish Ministry of Public Works, Transport, and Environment, and it was designed by the architect Blas Sánchez.

The site was chosen because of its strategic location, which allows it to guide ships along the coast and into the nearby port of Garachico.

The construction of the lighthouse was a complex process that involved several stages.

First, the foundation was laid, which required the excavation of a large hole in the rocky terrain. Then, the tower was erected, using reinforced concrete and steel. The tower is 25 meters high and has a cylindrical shape, with a diameter of 3.5 meters.

The tower is painted white, with a red band around the top, and it is topped by a lantern room, which houses the light and the rotating optic.

The optic is a first-order Fresnel lens, which is capable of producing a beam of light that can be seen up to 27 nautical miles away.

Architecture

As I stand in front of the Faro de Buenavista del Norte, I can’t help but admire the unique architecture of this lighthouse. The structure is a perfect example of modernist architecture, which is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and use of industrial materials.

The lighthouse is made of reinforced concrete, which gives it a sturdy and durable appearance. The tower has a cylindrical shape, and it is painted white, which makes it stand out against the blue sky.

The tower is 25 meters high, and it has a diameter of 3 meters.

One of the most striking features of the Faro de Buenavista del Norte is its lantern room. The lantern room is located at the top of the tower, and it is made of glass and metal.

The lantern room houses the light that guides the ships, and it is visible from a distance of 22 nautical miles.

Inside the tower, there is a spiral staircase that leads to the lantern room. The staircase is made of metal, and it has a modern and minimalist design.

The staircase has 91 steps, and it is not recommended for people with mobility issues.

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Function of the lighthouse

As I stand at the Faro de Buenavista del Norte, I can’t help but marvel at the beauty of the lighthouse and the surrounding area.

But this lighthouse is not just a pretty sight. It serves an important function in the safety of maritime traffic in the area.

As an active lighthouse, the Faro de Buenavista del Norte serves as a navigational aid for ships and boats in the area. It emits a bright light that can be seen from a distance, helping vessels to navigate and avoid hazards in the waters off the northern coast of Tenerife.

In addition to its main function as a navigational aid, the Faro de Buenavista del Norte also serves as a weather station. It collects and transmits weather data to the Spanish Meteorological Agency, helping to provide accurate weather forecasts for the area.

The lighthouse is also equipped with a foghorn, which emits a loud warning signal during times of reduced visibility due to fog or heavy rain.

This helps to alert ships and boats to the presence of the lighthouse and the surrounding coastline, helping to prevent accidents and keep maritime traffic safe.

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Current Status of the Faro de Buenavista del Norte

As of the current date, May 3rd, 2023, the Faro de Buenavista del Norte is an active lighthouse located on the northern coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

The lighthouse is one of the seven that marks the coastline of Tenerife, situated between the Punta de Teno lighthouse and the Punta de Anaga lighthouse.

The Faro de Buenavista del Norte is owned and operated by the Spanish Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and it is managed by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The lighthouse is equipped with modern technology and automated systems that ensure its efficient and reliable operation.

The tower emits a white light every 15 seconds, with a range of 23 nautical miles. The light is visible from all directions and is used to guide ships and boats safely along the coastline.

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Management

As I researched Faro de Buenavista del Norte, I found that it is managed by the Autoridad Portuaria de Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The Autoridad Portuaria is responsible for managing the ports and lighthouses in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which includes the Buenavista Lighthouse.

The Autoridad Portuaria is a public organization that operates under the control of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of the Government of Spain. It was created to manage the ports and maritime facilities in the Canary Islands, including Tenerife.

The management of the Buenavista Lighthouse involves ensuring that the lighthouse is operational and maintained in good condition. This includes regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades to the equipment and facilities.

The lighthouse is also responsible for providing navigational assistance to ships and boats in the area.

The management of the lighthouse is carried out by a team of professionals who are trained in the maintenance and operation of lighthouses.

The team includes engineers, technicians, and administrative staff who work together to ensure that the lighthouse is operating efficiently and effectively.

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