Information
Landmark: Lander City ParkCity: Lander
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America
Lander City Park, Lander, USA Wyoming, North America
The Cabo de Ribeira Lighthouse is a navigational aid located on the northern coast of São Miguel Island, within the municipality of Ribeira Grande, Azores, Portugal.
Visual Characteristics
Constructed from reinforced concrete, the lighthouse stands as a cylindrical tower painted white with a red horizontal band encircling its upper section. It features a lantern room topped with a red conical roof. The structure rises approximately 20 meters (66 feet) above its base.
Location & Access Logistics
The lighthouse is situated approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) east of the town center of Ribeira Grande. Access is via the Regional Road EN1-1A, turning onto a smaller paved road leading directly to the site. Parking is available at the base of the lighthouse. Public transport options to Ribeira Grande are available, with local taxis or infrequent bus services potentially connecting to the lighthouse road, though walking from the town is a common alternative.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The Cabo de Ribeira Lighthouse was constructed in the mid-20th century, with its operational date recorded as 1957. Its primary purpose was to guide maritime traffic along the northern Azorean coast, a region known for its challenging sea conditions and rocky shorelines. The site is part of the volcanic landscape characteristic of the Azores archipelago.
Key Highlights & Activities
Observation of the lighthouse structure and its surrounding coastal environment. Photography of the lighthouse against the Atlantic Ocean backdrop. Walking along the coastal paths adjacent to the lighthouse.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are not available at the immediate lighthouse site. Shade is minimal, primarily provided by the lighthouse structure itself during certain times of day. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in this coastal area. No food vendors are located at the lighthouse; provisions should be made in Ribeira Grande.
Best Time to Visit
For photography, the late afternoon offers favorable lighting conditions as the sun sets towards the west, illuminating the lighthouse from the side. The months of May through September generally provide the most stable weather patterns with less rainfall and calmer seas. Tidal conditions do not significantly impact access to the lighthouse itself.
Facts & Legends
A local anecdote suggests that during particularly stormy nights, the light from Cabo de Ribeira has been mistaken by sailors for a distant ship, leading to navigational confusion before the lighthouse's official activation. The lighthouse's strategic position was chosen to cover a stretch of coastline previously lacking adequate navigational marking.
Nearby Landmarks
- Praia de Santa Bárbara (1.5km West)
- Ribeira Grande Town Center (3km West)
- Caldeira Velha Natural Monument (4km Southeast)
- Lagoa do Fogo (5km Southeast)