Tourlitis Lighthouse, Lighthouse at port entrance in Chora, Andros, Greece
Tourlitis Lighthouse rises from the sea on a rocky formation at the entrance of Chora port, standing 7 meters tall. An automated system projects its light across approximately 11 nautical miles to guide vessels approaching Andros port.
Construction began in 1887 and the beacon was first lit in 1897, yet German bombardment destroyed it during World War II in 1943. The Goulandris family funded its reconstruction in 1996, restoring the beacon to working order.
The structure appears on Greek postage stamps and embodies the seafaring legacy of Andros, which served as a major shipping hub in the Aegean region. For locals and visitors alike, it symbolizes the island's enduring connection to maritime life.
Visit on a calm day with clear weather to best appreciate the lighthouse on its rock formation from the water or shoreline. Bring a camera and wear appropriate footwear if you plan to walk along the rocks for closer views.
This is the only European maritime lighthouse built directly on a natural rock formation in open water. This uncommon construction method makes the site both technically demanding and visually distinctive.
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