The Mangiabarche Lighthouse stands on the rock of the same name, about 400 m off the coast of the Isola di Sant’Antioco. Built around 1935, the lighthouse warned sailors coming from the Spanish coasts and the Isola di San Pietro about a particularly tricky stretch of sea. There are rocks sticking out of the sea and shallows between the Isola di Sant’Antioco and the lighthouse rock which still pose a danger to this day. In addition to this is the strong Mistral wind which blows in off the Atlantic in winter and pushes boats towards the rocks, further aided by the currents in the narrow stretch of sea.
According to legend, the name Mangiabarche (boat eater) derives from the appearance of the shallows and rocks which resemble the teeth of a marine monster.
The lighthouse was powered using propane up until 1970 when the decision was taken to replace this with solar panels. It underwent considerable restoration work in 2000.
