A coastal and island country like Greece with a rich naval past and present could not be without lighthouses. Each lighthouse in our country has its own name which is determined by its location and its geographical coordinates. Consequently, each lighthouse has its own story, based on its characteristics such as its height, its lighting source and the periodicity with which it flashes, which is measured in minutes or seconds. Of course, these are not the only features of lighthouses.

World Lighthouse Day

Lighthouses are especially important for navigation. That is why the International Association of Lighthouse Keepers has established since 2003 the World Lighthouse Day, which is celebrated every year on the third Sunday of August, usually around the 21st of the month. On this day the lighthouses are open to the public. At the same time, some events take place in order to highlight the lighthouses as cultural heritage sites.

All this initiative and celebrations are made to inform the citizens as best as possible about the importance of lighthouses and all the naval tools used for safe navigation. But they are made for another reason. It is none other than highlighting the importance of lighthouse keepers, who often work under difficult conditions.

Dana Lighthouse

It is the lighthouse that one sees while the ship is approaching the port of Poros. It holds a special place among the lighthouses of Greece.

Dana Lighthouse is built of square stone and is one of the newest monuments in the maritime history of the island. It has a total height of 9 meters and a focal length of 45 meters. It was built in 1870 by the French Company of Ottoman Lighthouses, but from 1945, when it was automated, its wear began. Fortunately, in the summer of 2011, the Navy, together with a decision of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, proceeded with restoration works of the lighthouse. The work cost a lot of money, as serious damage had to be repaired. Today the lighthouse with its red and white lighting is a real gem for Poros.

Dana Lighthouse is reachable and can be reached within 15 minutes. The path is passable and there are two roads. The first starts from the road above Gerolimano and the second from the biological treatment plant. The view of the sea from the lighthouse Dana is magnificent and the eye reaches opposite the Spa of Methana.

Tags: World Lighthouse Day, Lighouse