Ilheu Ferro Lighthouse

Ilhéu de Ferro Lighthouse crowns a rocky islet off the western side of Porto Santo, the small sister island of Madeira. It belongs to the municipality of Vila Baleira, the only one on the island. The light is still an active aid to navigation, and since the islet is closed to ordinary visitors, you admire it from a distance.

Where exactly is it?

Ilhéu de Ferro is one of several islets ringing Porto Santo. It lies off the island's southwest coast, near 33.04° N, 16.41° W. Don't confuse it with the other lighthouse nearby, on Ilhéu de Cima (also called Ilhéu do Farol), which sits off the island's eastern end close to Vila Baleira. These are two separate structures at opposite ends of Porto Santo.

What should you know about the lighthouse?

• The current tower dates from 1959.
• It is cylindrical, with a keeper's dwelling attached.
• The light shows one white flash every 15 seconds.
• The focal plane is about 130 m above sea level, with a range of roughly 13 nautical miles.
• The islet itself rises around 115 m from the sea, with the lighthouse on top.

The islet forms part of the Ilhéus do Porto Santo, an Important Bird Area recognised by BirdLife. That protected status is one reason it stays free of tourist traffic.

How can you see Ilhéu de Ferro?

Landing is not offered to visitors. The best views come from boat trips along Porto Santo's southwest coast and from clifftop viewpoints on the island. On a clear night you can pick out the distinctive flash every 15 seconds. Because of the distance, binoculars or a telephoto lens help.

When should you visit?

Porto Santo is known for its long golden beach and sunny weather, so the season runs from late spring to early autumn. The sea is usually calmer then, which suits coastal boat trips. You can reach the island by plane from Funchal or by ferry from Madeira to Vila Baleira.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the Ilhéu de Ferro lighthouse? No. The islet and lighthouse are an operational site within protected nature, so visitors view them from the sea or the shore.

When was the current tower built? In 1959. It is cylindrical and has a dwelling alongside.

Is it the same lighthouse as the one on Ilhéu de Cima? No. Ilhéu de Cima has its own lighthouse, in service since the early 1900s, on the other side of the island. Ilhéu de Ferro is a separate, newer structure.

How often does the light flash? One white flash every 15 seconds, visible from about 13 nautical miles.