La Farola del Mar, Maritime beacon in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
La Farola del Mar is a steel lighthouse in Santa Cruz de Tenerife standing 27 meters tall with a square skeletal tower and exposed flights of steps leading to the lantern room. Its open construction design allows clear visibility from the sea.
The original structure arrived from Paris in 1862 and was designed by Henry Lepaute, beginning operations in December 1863. It served as the second illuminated navigation signal in the Canary Islands.
This beacon appears in one of the most recognized traditional isa songs of the Canary Islands and represents maritime heritage in local folklore. Its presence in the music shows how deeply it is connected to the island's identity.
The beacon emits two white light flashes every seven seconds, visible from up to 16 nautical miles away and guiding vessels along the northern coast of Tenerife. The structure is built to withstand the harsh marine environment.
This beacon and the Farola de Málaga are the only two lighthouses in Spain that carry feminine names. This rare naming choice sets them apart among Spain's maritime structures.
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