Ribeirinha Lighthouse

Ribeirinha Lighthouse (Farol da Ribeirinha) sits on Ponta da Ribeirinha, a headland at the north-eastern end of Faial in the Azores, beside the village of Ribeirinha in the municipality of Horta. Completed in 1919, it is now a half-ruined landmark that most visitors admire from a distance.

What is the Ribeirinha Lighthouse?

It is a former coastal light that guided shipping around the channel between Faial and neighbouring Pico. The building stands alone on a promontory above the sea, with no other development nearby. Its coordinates are roughly 38.596 N, 28.602 W.

What happened to the lighthouse?

A strong earthquake on 9 July 1998, of about magnitude 6.2, badly damaged Faial. The lighthouse suffered so much that it was abandoned and has stood in ruins ever since. Close by you will also find the remains of the São Mateus church, dating from 1934, which trail guides mention in the same breath: the village had to cope with the aftermath of the tremors, and some buildings were never rebuilt.

What will you see?

• the abandoned lighthouse against the Atlantic, with Pico across the water,
• the ruined 1934 church nearby,
• the raw volcanic scenery of north-eastern Faial. The Ribeirinha area is described as the island's oldest volcanic complex, roughly 800,000 years old.

How do you get there?

Drive to the village of Ribeirinha and continue towards the headland. The lighthouse is a landmark on the PRC 9 FAI (Ribeirinha) walking route and lies near the Faial Grande Rota (GR 01 FAI). Going right up to the building is not advised: official guides mention access bans, and cattle often graze around the site. View the ruin from a distance and keep to the marked path.

When should you visit?

Azorean weather changes quickly, so pick a day with good visibility if you want to see Pico across the channel. Bring a windproof layer and sturdy shoes, since the headland is exposed and the ground can be damp.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Ribeirinha Lighthouse built?

In 1919.

Is it still in use, and can you go inside?

It was abandoned after the 1998 earthquake and is in ruins. Because of access restrictions and the condition of the structure, it is best seen from outside.

Which island is it on?

Faial, in the north-east near the village of Ribeirinha. Do not confuse it with lighthouses on nearby Pico, or with Vale Formoso, which replaced the destroyed Capelinhos light.

Can you walk there?

Yes. It lies on the short PRC 9 FAI loop from Ribeirinha and close to the island-circling Grande Rota.