Îles Habibas Lighthouse, Maritime beacon at Habibas Islands, Oran Province, Algeria.
The lighthouse on the Habibas Islands is a white stone structure standing about 14 meters tall, featuring a gallery and lantern mounted on a single-story building below. The system relies on solar panels and emits a white light signal every five seconds that can be seen by ships across long distances under clear conditions.
The structure was built in 1879 during French colonial rule and served as a key navigation point for ships crossing the Mediterranean. It continued operating after Algeria gained independence in 1962 and remains in service guiding modern vessels.
The lighthouse marks a place where seafarers have long gathered their bearings, serving as a symbol of safe passage for those navigating these waters. It remains woven into the maritime identity of the region and connects generations of fishers and sailors who depend on these familiar routes.
The site is only accessible by boat since it sits on islands in the sea, so visitors should arrange transport beforehand. Visiting during calmer weather months makes for a safer and more comfortable journey across the water.
The islands are a designated Important Bird Area where rare species like Audouin's gulls and Eleonora's falcons breed in colonies. From a distance, visitors can observe the abundant bird life that makes these remote islands a special nature refuge.
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