Imagine that you could visit the inside of a volcano. ‘Impossible!’ you might think. Well, in the Azores, everything is possible. Indeed, Algar do Carvão in Terceira island provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience with its open crater. In this post, we will learn everything you need to know about the fascinating cave. Lace your walking shoes, and let’s go on this unique adventure!
What is Algar do Carvão
Algar do Carvão is a 90-meter-deep volcanic chimney in the central group of islands in the Azores archipelago. It was formed about 3,200 years ago due to several eruptions. Nowadays, Algar do Carvão is a touristic highlight not to be missed when visiting Terceira. All year round, many travelers from all over the world venture inside the earth’s depths from this cave, recognized as a Regional Natural Monument.
Geology & Volcanology
The cave was created after the magma drained from the chimney and flowed back into the chamber. The first big eruption leading to Algar do Carvão is known as Pico Alto. It occurred North of the Guilherme Moniz volcanic complex and spread lava far away. However, later, a basaltic eruption created the strombolian volcano Pico do Carvão and the current Algar as we know it today, including the lake area.
Algar do Carvão is a true geological wonder. Thanks to its uniqueness, it gained international scientific fame and is now a significant Geosite of the Azores Geopark.
→ Similar Travel Articles: Caldeira Velha | Ilhéu de Vila Franca | Lagoa do Congro | Lagoa do Fogo | Monte Palace Hotel | Ponta da Ferraria | Ribeira dos Caldeirões | Vista do Rei Viewpoint
History & Geography
The first explorers, Cândido Corvelo and José Luís Sequeira, entered the cave in 1893. In 1934, Didier Couto created the profile of Algar do Carvão. At that time, the only way to explore it was to use a rope.
Organized descents to the cave only began in 1963, thanks to the association still in charge of this place: Os Montanheiros (the Mountaineers). This group of local enthusiasts revealed the beauty of Algar do Carvão to the world and began construction to make access easier and thoroughly explore the cave.
As visiting the cave would have taken a whole day at that time, they decided to open a 44-meter-long tunnel in 1966 and build the current 300-meter-long staircase in 1977. This natural monument is located in the central area of Terceira, inside the great volcanoes that formed the island. The total area of Algar do Carvão is 40,5 acres.
Culture & Festivities
Representing a tremendous natural stage perfect for echoing music, Algar do Carvão has already hosted several live concerts by popular national bands. For instance, in 2017, the group Fado Preto Fado Branco performed beautiful traditional Fado songs. Algar do Carvão hasn’t only hosted musicals but also cultural and religious events like the celebration of the Eucharist. This place also attracts many TV reporters for documentaries.
Fauna & Flora
Algar do Carvão looks a bit hostile for any life to be possible there, but you can actually see many birds if you look closely. Mostly at night, it is possible to spot sparrows, common blackbirds, and chaffinches. Occasionally, you can also see rabbits that fell off the crater edge, and of course, many arthropods (insects).
In terms of flora, the cave shows an abundance of vegetation in the green crater walls. Between the plants, you can find Macaronesian holly, Erica azorica, Azores laurel, Azores blueberry, and ferns. There is also ivy, carex, brown wort, and many types of mosses and liverworts. Deeper down, only some ferns, Bryophyta, and diatoms are surviving the darkness.
What to Do at Algar do Carvão
You can visit Algar do Carvão all year round for about 30 minutes of exploration. It is definitely something to add to your must-sees on Terceira Island. Nowadays, there is light and an indicated path for a safe visit. There is a maximum of 150 people at a time inside the cave, but there is no need to book in advance. You can go to the entrance and buy your ticket there.
Enter the Cave
When you enter the visitor center, you will go down the stairs and cross the tunnel to the inside of Algar do Carvão. There are 338 steps in total connecting the different balconies. The floor is concrete, so it is an easy walk. The chimney offers the only natural light inside the cave. It is the perfect spot to take beautiful pictures of the famous crater covered by vegetation.
Explore the Inside of Algar do Carvão
Welcome to the underground wonderland! Inside Algar do Carvão, it is like walking on another planet. Nothing looks similar to our world. There are impressive stalactites, which are evidence of the eruption that gave birth to the cave.
If you continue straight, you will find the Boca dos Enganos, which is a dead end. There are also some restricted access areas for research and preservation purposes. Look around and find the magnificent whitish walls with some red veins. The rocks are rich in ferric and silica minerals, and you can also see some basalt layers.
Go to the Lake
At the bottom of the 90-meter-deep chimney lies a lake with crystal clear waters. The lake is mainly filled with rainwater, so the depth varies according to the seasons. It can go up to 15 meters deep and 400 square meters in diameter. During the years, with little rain, the lake can become almost dry.
Researchers once found a perfectly preserved fossil of a seabird covered in silica at the bottom of the lake. The lake in Algar do Carvão is beautiful, but you can only see it from a distance. Note that swimming in the lake is forbidden.
Back to the Visitor Center
After visiting all the parts of the cave, it is time to return to the visitor center. Look around one last time and climb the 80 meters of elevation. The center is small, but a construction project for a new center with a budget of 1.5 million euros is underway. It will be much more significant—900 square meters—and will focus on educational exhibitions to raise awareness of this vital natural treasure.
Best Time to Visit Algar do Carvão
You can visit the Algar do Carvão every month of the year. However, there are some significant differences you need to know to choose the right time to go and explore the cave.
Check all our articles about the weather in the Azores throughout the year 🌤️ ☔️: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Best Season
In the lower season, the cave is only open on some days of the week. If you are coming to Terceira for only a couple of days, make sure Algar do Carvão is open during your stay. So, summer is the best season for more flexibility. However, in the summer, the cave can get a bit crowded, as there are more tourists than in the other seasons.
Best Time of the Day
If you want to have the place to yourself or with a few people, the best thing to do is to go around the opening hour. How amazing can it be to stroll inside a volcano on your own? For the most light, around midday is probably your best bet. However, when the sun sets, the golden light creates a unique atmosphere.
Plan Your Visit to Algar do Carvão
In this part, we will provide helpful information on how to have a good time and enjoy every bit of Algar do Carvão. Keep reading for the best tips.
How to get to Algar do Carvão
The volcanic cave of Algar do Carvão, at 640m of altitude, is in the middle of Terceira island. It belongs to Porto Judeu parish, 12 km from Angra do Heroísmo city northwards. The access is relatively easy and well-indicated. However, you need a car to get there, as there is no public transportation to Algar do Carvão. So, your best bet is to rent a car, go on a guided tour, or take a cab.
Where to Eat
Click on the following link to find a place to eat near Algar do Carvão. It will take you to Tripadvisor, where you can review the 10 best restaurants.
Where to Stay
Searching for the perfect place to stay? We’ve made it easy by filtering top accommodation options from Airbnb and Booking. Here, you’ll find the ideal place to stay and enjoy your visit!
Pro Tips & What to Bring
- At the reception of Algar do Carvão, make sure you have some cash, as the mobile network is unstable and can influence card payments.
- An essential thing to remember is that the collection of geological samples is forbidden. Take nothing but pictures. Speaking about photos, tripods are not allowed inside the cave.
- According to their official website, visiting Algar do Carvão is not recommended for babies or lap children. They also don’t recommend pregnant women at an advanced stage of pregnancy to go into the cave. If you are traveling with someone with physical limitations, you should notify reception when you arrive before entering the cave.
- As the floor inside Algar do Carvão is always wet, suitable shoes like walking boots or sneakers, as well as a raincoat, are highly recommended.
- The average temperature inside the cave is 12 to 13ºC, so it is pretty cold. Bring appropriate clothing to keep you warm.
What to Do Around Algar do Carvão
Visit Gruta do Natal
When visiting Algar do Carvão, you can buy a combo ticket to explore Gruta do Natal (“Christmas Cave” if translated literally). In 2022, the double ticket costs 12 euros per adult; from January 1st, 2023, it will be 15 euros for the two caves.
Each cave is thoroughly different, and both are worth visiting. While Gruta do Natal is smaller, the visit is a bit longer. In fact, you will have a briefing at the reception and will be given a helmet to enter the cave. Inside, there are two staircases, and you can walk on the original floor, not concrete ground. Access is a bit more complicated, but it provides a great experience that is closer to nature.
Walk Around Angra do Heroísmo
Angra do Heroísmo is the largest city in Terceira, with 10,000 inhabitants. It is characterized by the famous green peninsula of Monte Brasil, which is right behind the town, as well as its lovely narrow streets and colorful houses.
Angra was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1983. It is so lovely to stroll around and learn more about its rich history through monuments and museums. Among the museums, if you wish to learn more about the geology and volcanology of the island, don’t forget to visit the Volcano Speleological Museum, owned by the Montanheiros Association.
Relax at Biscoitos Natural Pools
The natural pools at Biscoitos, on the north coast of Terceira island, are the perfect place to lay your towel and enjoy the sun. Locals and travelers love it there. There are several pools to swim, snorkel, and even some spots to jump from the volcanic rocks. The crystal clear water is good to swim in all year round, the warmer months being August and September.
Stop at Serra do Cume Viewpoint
Serra do Cume is probably the most famous viewpoint in Terceira and one of the most famous in the Azores archipelago. From there, you can see a good part of the island and the ocean. Don’t forget to take pictures from the wooden platform with the view of the green fields, typical of the Azores.
Check all our articles about each one of the most relevant points of interest on Terceira Island: Algar do Carvão | Biscoitos | Furnas do Enxofre | Gruta do Natal | Jardim Duque da Terceira | Lagoa das Patas | Miradouro Serra do Cume | Miradouro da Serra de Santa Bárbara | Monte Brasil | Ponta das Contendas | Praia da Vitória
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Complementary Information
Best Season to Visit the Azores
The Azores Archipelago enjoys a unique climate that shapes its lush landscapes and makes it a splendid year-round destination. With mild temperatures and minimal fluctuations, every season has something unique to offer. Spring averages 16 °C, summer reaches 21 °C, autumn cools to 18 °C, and winter remains mild at 14 °C.
→ For a detailed breakdown of the weather by month, check the following links: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
How to Get to the Azores
The Azorean Archipelago is easily accessible through numerous flight routes. Lisbon and Porto are the main entry points to the continent, with direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), Faial (HOR), Pico (PIX), and Santa Maria (SMA) available. To find the best flight, use search engines like eDreams or Skyscanner. These platforms allow you to compare prices and schedules from different airlines in one place.
For more details on how to get to the Azores, take a look at our complete guide. But what if you want to explore beyond your arrival island? We’ve got you covered!
- Azores airports 🛬
- Flights between islands ✈️
- Ferries between islands ⛴️
- Which island to choose? 🏝️
- What airlines fly to the Azores 🛩️
→ Once you’ve found the perfect route, book your tickets and get ready to experience one of the world’s most stunning island groups!
Azorean Travel Essentials
Essential Information for Your Azores Trip: Azorean Language & Phrases 🗣️ | Currency & Banks 💵 | Credit Cards & Traveler’s Cheques 🏧 | Driving in the Azores 🚗 | Electricity 🔌 | Experiences & Tours 🗺️ | Health & Safety 🩺 | Internet & Wi-Fi Access 🛜 | Phones & Mobile Service 📞 | Post Offices & Buying Stamps ✉️ | Public Holidays 🏖️ | Shopping 🛒 | Time & Daylight 🕒 | Whale Watching Guide 🐳 | Best Island to Visit 🏞️
Useful Tools & Apps
The weather in the Azores can be variable, so it’s helpful to use some apps before visiting the islands. Spotazores offers live camera feeds from the main tourist attractions, letting you check the weather and plan your visit. For accurate weather predictions, use Windy or Windguru — they provide the most reliable predictions.
Conclusion
Algar do Carvão, a protected reserve since 1987, receives thousands of visitors every year from all around the globe. It is actually the most visited cave in the Azores, with 60,000 entries in 2019. If this magical place was not on your list of places to visit in Terceira, you definitely need to add it now.
Authors’ Note
I’m pleased to inform you that all the recommendations in this article are based on my experience and observations. As the author, I have personally visited each attraction mentioned, ensuring that every suggestion is grounded in first-hand knowledge and genuine enthusiasm.
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