Farol do Arnel

The Arnel Lighthouse, located in eastern São Miguel Island, was the first in the Azores, operating since November 26, 1876. It featured a 2nd-order dioptric lens with fixed white light and flashes every 2 minutes, reaching 18 miles (fixed) and 25 miles (flashes). Initially powered by an oil lamp with four wicks, it was later upgraded. In 1929, facilities were expanded for electrification and aeromaritime conversion. In 1937, petroleum vapor incandescence replaced the original light source. In 1955, it was electrified with generators and fitted with a 3rd-order rotating Fresnel lens (375 mm), powered by a gas engine, with acetylene backup. In 1990, the lens was replaced by a hybrid system with dioptric panels and automatic rotation. Today, it emits single white flashes every 5 seconds, with a 25-mile range. The tower is 15 meters high, at an altitude of 66 meters.