Here are the details on the Mġarr Main Breakwater Light (Gozo, Malta), built around the 1970s:
Key Facts & Description
Situated at the tip of the main (south) breakwater of Mġarr Harbour, on the island of Gozo, Malta.
The Mġarr Harbour was significantly expanded in 1969 with two new breakwaters — the south one (main) and the north one.
The light dates from the 1970s, built after the harbour expansion project.
According to the University of Malta’s “Lighthouses” document, construction of a new larger breakwater at Mġarr was completed in 1969, and then this concrete lighthouse was installed.
It is a 5 m (about 17 ft) tall round, strongly conical concrete tower mounted on a cylindrical (round) base.
Painted in red and white horizontal bands.
The focal plane of the light (i.e. height of the light above water) is about 8 m (26 ft).
It emits a red flash every 4 seconds.
Its Admiralty number is E2051 and NGA (US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) number is 10508.
According to the French Wikipedia, the original “first light” was put in service in 1970.
The light is automated (no keeper).
The site and tower are closed (i.e., not open to the public).
However, you can get a good view of it from the ferries arriving from Malta.
The light marks the entrance to Mġarr Harbour, helping navigation into the port via its main breakwater.
It works in conjunction with another light at the north breakwater, which is painted green.
Broader Context
The development of Mġarr Harbour — including the breakwaters and lighthouses — was part of a major mid-20th-century harbour modernization. In 1969, the government approved the extension of the breakwaters to provide better shelter and more space for ferries and other vessels.
The enlarged harbour area after the construction was over 121,400 m².
The lighthouses (main and north) are part of Malta’s wider network of navigational lights managed by national maritime authorities.
