The Capelinhos Volcano, Faial

At the western tip of Faial, the Capelinhos volcano rose from the sea in 1957–58, burying a lighthouse and creating a lunar landscape of ash and cinders. Today it’s one of the most striking places in the Azores, with an excellent underground interpretation centre.

Quick answer: Capelinhos is about 30 minutes’ drive from Horta. Entry to the interpretation centre costs about €10 for the full visit (free for under-12s), and includes climbing the old lighthouse. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours, plus time to walk across the ash landscape.

What to see

• The interpretation centre: built underground, explaining the eruption and volcanoes of the Azores.
• The lighthouse: half-buried by ash. Climb it for views over the new land.
• The landscape: bare cinder slopes and cliffs, unlike anywhere else on the green island.
• The coast: natural swimming spots nearby in summer.

The eruption

The eruption lasted about 13 months, adding land to the island and forcing many people to emigrate, especially to the United States.

Combine with

• The Caldeira: the huge central crater of Faial.
• Horta: the harbour and Peter Café Sport. See Faial.
• Pico: a ferry ride away. See Pico.

More: Azores island hopping and where to stay in the Azores.

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