Lignano range lights

The Lignano range lights — locally known as Faro Rosso, the "Red Lighthouse" — are a pair of navigational lights standing at the easternmost tip of Lignano Sabbiadoro, a seaside resort town in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. They form one of the most recognisable and most photographed spots along this stretch of the Adriatic coast.

What exactly are range lights?

Range lights are a pair of towers positioned in line with each other so ships can use them to steer a safe course into a narrow channel. In Lignano, the two towers stand close together at Punta Faro, right where the waters of the Marano Lagoon meet the open Adriatic Sea. The older tower dates back to 1927; the newer, all-red one — extended by a wooden walkway reaching out over the water — was built in 1998. Together they guide boats safely between the lagoon and the open sea, while for visitors on land they double as an unmistakable landmark and a favourite destination for a seafront walk.

How do you get there?

Punta Faro sits at the eastern end of Lignano Sabbiadoro, exactly where the beach gives way to the lagoon mouth. The simplest way in is on foot or by bike along the seafront promenade, heading east from the town centre — the route runs the whole way along the beach, so there's no risk of losing your bearings. It's a popular stretch for both holidaymakers and locals out for an evening stroll.

What will you see once you're there?

Two towers stand at Punta Faro. The older one, restored in 2016, now carries white-and-red stripes that set it apart from its younger "twin." The newer lighthouse is painted red from top to bottom and is best known for the long wooden walkway stretching out toward the sea — that walkway has become an informal symbol of Lignano, though storm damage has at times forced its closure to pedestrians. From around the lighthouses you get a clear view of two bodies of water meeting: the calm lagoon on one side and the open Adriatic on the other. The surrounding stretch, known as Punta Faro Beach, is one of the most recognisable and well-visited parts of the Lignano coastline.

When is the best time to visit?

The site is accessible year-round, though it draws the biggest crowds in summer, when the beach right by the lighthouses fills up with swimmers. Thanks to its open exposure over the lagoon and the sea, Punta Faro is often recommended as a strong spot for sunrise and sunset photos — it's worth timing a visit outside peak hours to enjoy it with fewer people around.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the two lighthouses in Lignano? The older tower, from 1927, was given white-and-red stripes during a 2016 restoration, while the newer one, built in 1998, is fully red and features a wooden walkway extending out over the water.

Can you walk out onto the red lighthouse's wooden walkway? The walkway has been closed at times after storm damage and has undergone repairs, so it's worth checking current access on site before planning around it.

What is the purpose of range lights like these? They're a pair of aligned lights that show ships a safe course into the channel connecting the Marano Lagoon with the Adriatic Sea.

How do you walk to Punta Faro from central Lignano Sabbiadoro? The easiest way is on foot or by bike along the seafront promenade, heading east until the beach meets the lagoon mouth.