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Furna do Enxofre, Graciosa Island
Be surprised by Furna do Enxofre, one of the main attractions of Graciosa Island, Azores, Portugal.
Furna do Enxofre
© Maurício de Abreu DRT
Furna do Enxofre (Sulphur Grotto) is a large cavern located in the southeast of Graciosa island, Azores, Portugal. It is accessible by a 200 m. tunnel that crosses the crater.
Furna do Enxofre, Azores
© Turismo Azores
Unlike the rest of the island, inside you will find an idyllic place completely covered with vegetation mainly composed of cedars, pines, acacias, oaks, eucalyptus, frankincense and laurel. This is one of the most impressive natural heritage spots in the entire archipelago.
In this fantastic place, covered by leafy vegetation, you will find a stone tower, ashlars well squared and shaped like a lighthouse. Its wet spiral staircase allows you descend into the bowels of the volcano always accompanied by the smell of sulphur. Everything together gives the impression of descending into hell. But there is no need to worry for anything, because the level of sulphur is constantly measured by a series of devices that trigger an alarm if it exceeds the safe level.
Once in the depths, you will find a large lounge with a dome of 130 m. in diameter and 80 m. high, and a lake fed by a waterfall of rainwater in winter. The dome has the aspect of a coral formation and cubic blocks that are highlighted by lighting. Some experts claim that this is the largest volcanic cave in the world.
There is a hiking trail of approximately 5 km., that circles the flowery edges of the crater, which can be comfortably performed in an hour and a half.
This route starts on the right side of the road and rises to the southeast up to highest point of the whole Caldeira (402 m.). From here you can admire the beautiful panoramic view of Carapacho's hot springs, Ponta da Restinga, Ilhéu de Baixo in foreground; and the islands of São Jorge , Pico, Faial and Terceira in background.
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