As part of the 5th centenary commemorations marking the birth of Henry the Navigator, in 1894 the lighthouse was inaugurated.

[2] The third navigational advisory, dated 3 March 1894, indicated that he light was a fixed red beacon, with a 5 miles (8.0 km), using a petroleum lamp.

On 28 November 1906, the 5th order diopter lamp was substituted by an optical device of greater range.

[2] The illumination source was changed to an electric incandescent lamp following the installation of power generators.

The building consists of a rectangular tower of white masonry, with a single-story annex for the residence of the lighthouse-keeper and storage of material, measuring 5.5 metres (18 ft) to the cornices.