Algar do Carvão, Terceira Island

Explore Algar do Carvão in Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal

Algar do Carvão
© José Mendes

The 640-height Algar do Carvão, classified as Natural Monument, is located inside the Caldera do Guilherme Moniz, and is 13 kilometres by road from the city of Angra do Heroísmo, capital of the Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal.

This part of the island is dominated by the craters of Guilherme Moniz and Santa Bárbara. However, the Furnas do Enxofre are also very famous, some surprising fumaroles; and the Algar, a big cave made up in the inside of the cone of a volcano.

This noticeable volcanic cavity has great geological and speleological importance, and it has been explored by numerous national and foreign specialists.

After a trachyte eruption long time ago, a new eruption, this time basalt, teared the pre-existing lava and began a process which ended up in the formation of a strombolian volcano constituted by two cones, one of them. located on its lower part and made up with very liquid lavas.

On the interior you will see vaults made by the lava’s attempts to escape, as well as some basalt covers which still resist by clinging to the primitive rock.

Because of the water erosion, the inside roofs of this notable volcanic chimney are empty, and it is possible to observe ferrous and siliceous deposits. The presence of silicon stalactites is something that attracts visitor’s attention. It is also possible to appreciate other formations made up during the Algar formation.

On the interior there is also an underground lake, feeded by rainwater, but also by the presence of sulphur.

The first descent to the inside of the Algar do Carvão dates from 1893, but it was not opened to the public until 1966.

The Montanheiros Association is responsible for the management of this surprising tourist cavity.

It is possible to visit the Algar do Carvão all year, but during the low season it is necessary to book in advance and pay a fee of 30€ per group; while in peak season it opens everyday in the afternoon and you can make individual visits.

More Information:

Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal.

Price:

Normal ticket: 5€.
Young Card Holders: 4€.

Lower Season (from october to March):

Groups up to 10 people: 50€ per group.
Groups of more than 10 people: 5€ per person.

Opening Hours:

From March to May: from 15:00 to 17:30.
June: from 14:30 to 17:45.
July and August: from 14:00 to 18:00.
September: from 14:30 to 17:45.
October: from 15:00 to 17:30.
From October to March: extra opening on weekends and bank holidays under a fee of 30€ per group. For reservations call (+351) 295 212 992 or send an email to montanheiros@montanheiros.com.

Telephone:

(+351) 295 212 992.

E-mail:

montanheiros@montanheiros.com

Mapa Interactivo:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal

Algar do Carvão, Terceira Island

Explore Algar do Carvão in Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal

Terceira Island

What to see:

Azores:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

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