The Gruta do Natal (“Christmas Cave” literally translated) is a unique and mysterious geological formation located near the Serra de Santa Bárbara and Mistérios Negros Forest Reserve. This is a must-see for anyone looking for adventure and fun in nature.
Located in Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira Island, this cave is an extensive lava tube, formed by incandescent lava flows — the best known in the region.
It should be noted that during the Christmas season, the cave takes on a certain social importance for the community, as it is here that Christmas mass is held whenever possible.
In this article, you’ll learn about the Gruta do Natal, its historical and geological value, various curiosities and how you can enjoy unique moments in one of the most beautiful volcanic manifestations of its kind.
What is the Gruta do Natal?
The Gruta do Natal is located near Picos Gordos, part of the Serra de Santa Bárbara and Mistérios Negros Forest Nature Reserve in the parish of Altares. This geological formation is essentially an extensive lava tube.
Did you know
Gruta do Natal is located mostly underneath Lagoa do Negro.
This cave is well-prepared to receive tourists and has the best lighting and safety conditions. Inside there are two staircases, and you can walk on the original floor of the cave — it hasn’t changed over time.
Access is a little more difficult than in other caves in Terceira, but it offers a great experience near nature. Outside the cave, there are several high-altitude pastures and cryptomeria forests.
Geology and Volcanology of Gruta do Natal
The Gruta do Natal consists of an extensive magical lava tunnel, 697 metres long, 12 metres high and 7 metres wide. This magical lava tunnel can be visited with a guide all year round.
Despite the marks of human presence, this cave consists of a complementary geological structure — different types of lava, staphylites and side counters — and an Algar.
Did you know
Due to its geomorphological characteristics and biodiversity, the Gruta do Natal is part of the Natura 2000 Network.
This unique underground experience will leave you speechless with the bizarre shapes and colours that characterise the atmosphere of this place so well.
History of Gruta do Natal
The Gruta do Natal is a mystical place in Terceira, not only because of its origin but also because of its history. To this day, researchers have not been able to explain exactly how the cave came to be.
Initially, the cave was known as Galeria Negra, due to the darkness of the cave at the time it was discovered. It later became known as the Horse Cave because a horse’s bone was found near the cave entrance during one of the first explorations.
However, the current name only appeared on 25 December 1969, following the Christmas Mass celebrated inside the cave — this was the first time the site was open to the public.
This unique Christmas tradition was started by the “Os Montanheiros” association. Since then, this grotto has been the “stage” for other Christmas Masses, a baptism, and a wedding.
What To Do In Gruta do Natal?
In addition to its volcanic/geological origin and interesting history, the Gruta do Natal has various activities and experiences on offer. Take the opportunity to get in touch with nature, enjoy unique moments and come and discover this natural wonder.
Visit the Gruta do Natal Interpretation Centre
The Gruta do Natal Interpretation Centre, also known as the “Support House”, was inaugurated by the “Os Montanheiros” association on 1 December 1998, with the main objective of promoting the tourist exploitation of the cave and ensuring the maintenance of the space.
As well as serving as a reception for entering the cave, this interpretation centre allows you to learn about the origin of the cave, which comes from the lava flows left behind by fissure eruptions.
Here, visitors can follow an internal circuit full of cultural and traditional history.
Did you know
There is a permanent exhibition with photographs alluding to the volcanism of the archipelago and the social and historical activities that took place in the Gruta do Natal — such as baptisms, masses, and weddings.
It is currently possible to buy a double ticket to explore the Gruta do Natal and Algar do Carvão. This ticket costs 15 euros per adult — a price that has been in force since January 2023. Each cave is completely different and both are worth a visit.
Discover Gruta do Natal
After getting to know the Gruta do Natal Interpretation Centre, it’s time to set off and explore the interior of the Gruta do Natal. The cave’s internal circuit has a unique route, where you’ll get a closer look at the history and culture of the Azores.
Visits to the interior of the cave are made in the company of a specialised and well-informed guide, who will explain the scientific importance of the geological formations of the cave and the archipelago.
Quick Info
The internal circuit is designed so that you don’t have to travel the same route to and from the cave.
Please note that during the visit, it is recommended that you wear the safety equipment provided – in this case, a helmet.
Best Time To Visit Gruta do Natal
The best time to visit the Gruta do Natal is usually between April and September, when the cave is open to the public daily and the days are sunny and more inviting for nature walks.
However, if you’re visiting Terceira in the autumn/winter, although the temperatures outside the cave are lower and the rain is more frequent, you should know that inside the cave the climate is mild all year round. In addition, the cave is sheltered, so you can enjoy this unique experience at any time.
Note: always pay attention to the cave’s opening hours.
Plan Your Visit To Gruta do Natal
As you might expect, the Gruta do Natal plays a major role in the customs and traditions of the local inhabitants during December, more specifically during the Christmas season.
However, if you’re passing through Terceira at any other time of year, you should know that you can visit the Gruta do Natal at the following times:
- Autumn/Winter (1 October to 31 March): open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 14:30 to 17:00;
- Spring (1 April to 31 May): open to the public every day from 14:30 to 17:00;
- Summer (1st June to 30th September): open to the public every day from 14h00 to 18h00.
Therefore, if you wish to visit the Gruta do Natal, we recommend that you plan your visit according to the times shown above.
In addition, it is also advisable to book your flights and tours.
How To Get To Gruta do Natal
A Gruta do Natal está situada na freguesia dos Altares, na cidade e concelho de Angra do Heroísmo.
The Gruta do Natal is located in the parish of Altares, in the city and municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. If you are travelling from the city of Angra do Heroísmo towards the Gruta do Natal, you have some alternative routes and means of transport at your disposal.
Following the EN3-1A, you can choose between the following options: own/rented vehicle, bicycle or on foot, if you choose to walk to your destination.
To reach the Gruta do Natal you will have to travel around 12 kilometres. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes by car, 1 hour and 15 minutes by bicycle and 2 hours and 30 minutes on foot.
What To Do Around Gruta do Natal?
After learning about the history and exploring the Gruta do Natal, it’s time to discover other tourist attractions in Angra do Heroísmo.
In this region you can discover Algar do Carvão, Furnas do Enxofre, Monte Brasil and Lagoa das Patas, for example.
Explore Algar do Carvão
Algar do Carvão is an 80-metre-deep volcanic chimney with a crystal-clear lake inside. Admire the most beautiful opal stalactites and stalagmites.
This site is a must-visit due to its international relevance and scientific and tourist interest. To access this underground wonder, you’ll have to go down the 338 stairs and through the tunnel into Algar do Carvão.
Once inside Algar do Carvão, nothing feels like our world; it’s like walking on another planet. Impressive stalactites and evidence of the eruption gave rise to the cave.
Look inside the cave. You will find magnificent whitish walls with red veins. The rocks are rich in iron and silica minerals, and there are also some layers of basalt.
Discover Furnas do Enxofre
Furnas do Enxofre is located in the parish of Posto Santo, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, in Terceira. This fumarolic field is classified as a natural monument and has a total area of approximately 14 hectares.
Did you know
The monument is part of the Central Plateau of Terceira and is a geosite in the Azores UNESCO World Geopark.
It should be noted that Furnas do Enxofre is a large fumarolic field — considered the most important in Terceira — located in the heart of the island. Created from geological processes related to the volcanic activity of the region.
This natural tourist attraction is characterised by the various manifestations of volcanic and geothermal activity coming from the volcanic gases emitted at high temperatures — 95. °C at the surface and 130. °C at a depth of half a metre.
Furnas do Enxofre is a popular tourist destination due to its unique landscape. However, it is essential to take some precautions, as prolonged exposure to sulphurous gases can be harmful to your health.
Explore Monte Brasil
Monte Brasil is located on the Azores archipelago’s south coast of Terceira Island. This masterpiece of nature is located in the parish of Sé, in the city and municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, and is another of the island’s unique corners.
This natural monument is a volcanic cone formed by an underwater basaltic eruption. In other words, it formed in the sea and created a sheltered island — the origin of the city of Angra do Heroísmo.
Here, you can enjoy the view from various viewpoints with unique landscapes over the species of trees and shrubs. In addition, you can explore the submerged and semi-submerged caves, which have a high biodiversity of marine fauna.
Get To Know Lagoa das Patas
Lagoa das Patas, also known as Lagoa da Falca, is located in the Lagoa das Patas Recreational Forest Reserve, in the parish of Doze Ribeiras, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira Island, in the Azores.
This lagoon is close to a stream, at a fairly high altitude. It is fed by water flowing down from the mountains through Ribeira Brava and is home to many ducks that waddle among the water lilies, which is why it is known as Lagoa das Patas.
Surrounded by azaleas, hydrangeas, other shrubs and trees, the lagoon, surrounded by the cryptomeria forest, conveys the calm and silence of this wonder of nature — the calm waters of the small lake are reminiscent of a natural mirror.
Where To Eat Near Gruta do Natal
If you need somewhere to eat near Gruta do Natal, click here. In this link, you’ll find the 10 best restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Where To Stay Near Gruta do Natal
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Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores is quite unpredictable. For this reason, there is a very useful App that you can install on your mobile phone before visiting any of the 9 islands: Spotazores. Thanks to the cameras installed in many of the biggest points of tourist interest, you can see the weather in real time and decide where to go.
To check the weather forecast for the next few days, use Windy or Windguru, they are the most accurate.
How to Get to Terceira Island
There are many routes to get to the island of Terceira by plane. The main points of entry are via Lisbon, Porto (on the mainland) and Lajes (Terceira island), but there are already many direct routes.
The best way to find a flight that works for you is to use a flight search engine like eDreams or Skyscanner. As you may already know, these sites allow you to compare prices and schedules of various airlines in one place.
Once you find a flight you like, all you need to do is book! And in a few hours, you’ll be on your way to one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of Terceira
The island of Terceira has many cultural events to offer all year round. You can see the full list of events at the following link.
Video – Gruta do Natal, Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira Island, Azores)
Conclusion
The Gruta do Natal is a natural monument full of enigmas and stories. Here you can appreciate the singularity of this unique volcanic manifestation that has important scientific value in Terceira’s geological formations.
When you visit Angra do Heroísmo, take the opportunity to discover this and many other wonders that nature has to offer.
Here you can visit other impressive natural attractions in the region, such as Algar do Carvão, Furnas do Enxofre, Monte Brasil and Lagoa das Patas. You can also enjoy the magnificent views from the belvederes and savour the island’s local cuisine.
References
- Mendonça, L. (2017). Questions and Answers on the History of the Azores. 2nd Edition, Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
- Forjaz, V., Ribeiro, L., Almeida, L., Pereira, N. and Rodrigues, J. (2019). Volcanoes of the Azores (4th Edition). Letras Lavadas. Ponta Delgada.
