Capelinhos Volcano
The visit to Capelinhos is a singular experience. The landscape was formed by the 1957/58 eruption and is reminiscent of a lunar landscape. In contrast with the traditional image of the green fields of the Azores, the view of the Volcano and all its surroundings is marked by aridity and the black of volcanic ash.
Part of the Capelo volcanic complex, this was the last volcano to erupt and its consequences are still very visible today, one being that Faial grew about 2.5km2 with the solidification of the lava above sea level.
This is a place that takes us back to the moment of its formation. It is possible to imagine the titanic forces involved in the eruption still so present and feel the echo of the volcano that arose from the middle of the sea 60 years ago and joined the island aggregating a new piece of land to Faial.
During the visit you may:
- Observe the landscape surrounding the volcano and the area around the lighthouse, which survived the eruption;
- Visit the region of the old whaling village that was buried by the volcano, following the Interpretive Circuit – Whalers’ Paths;
- Walk a small part of the 10 Volcanoes Trail that crosses the arid landscape of the Capelinhos Volcano;
- Visit the Interpretation Center of the Capelinhos Volcano;
- Climb the Lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views;
- Visit Porto do Comprido and conditions permitting, take a swim in the clear waters of this old whaling port.
Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center
This is the most visited interpretation center in the Azores. Besides the Center’s educational and scientific character, it has a number of volcanology exhibitions with particular emphasis on the eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano, the formation of the Azores archipelago and the various types of volcanic activity around the world. There is also an exhibition on the richness and architectural diversity of Azorean lighthouses and a large collection of rocks and minerals.
It was nominated by the European Museum Forum for the category of best museum in Europe in 2012.
This museum built underground to minimize its impact on the pre-existing landscape allowing visitors a better idea of how the area looked in the days shortly after the eruption in 1957. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Center has an auditorium and a café. At the end of the visit climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire Volcano and surrounding area.