The Capelinhos Volcano Geosite is known for its moon-like landscape, formed by the 1957–1958 eruption. At the same time, a former whaling station and the Casa dos Botes tell the story of the Azores’ whaling tradition. Walking and cycling trails, an underground interpretation centre and bathing areas offer additional options for your stay in Capelo.

Volcanic Landscapes and Trails

The volcanic ridge of the Capelo Peninsula is a geosite with around 20 volcanic cones. The Trilho dos Capelinhos starts at Cabeço Verde, one of these volcanic cones. The Cabeço do Canto route crosses the volcanic ridge and passes Furna Ruim, a 55-metre-deep lava tunnel or lava well. It lies within the Central Zone Protected Landscape; conditions may change seasonally.

The Circuito BTT in Parque Florestal do Capelo has a specific time estimate: this easy circular route is 2 km long and takes approximately one hour. It starts and ends in Cruzeiro, within the Central Zone Protected Landscape. The trail passes through dense forest with plant species typical of the laurel forest. The approximate duration helps you plan your time; operating conditions on the route may change.

The Dez Vulcões PR06FAI walking trail also crosses the Capelo Peninsula Geosite. Along this route, you can spot plants typical of the laurel forest and some Azorean birds. The routes therefore differ in focus: the Circuito BTT has a stated distance and approximate duration, while the walking trails highlight geological formations and wildlife observation.

Forest Scenery and Picnics

Santana Picnic Park is located in Parque Florestal do Poço das Asas. There, a waterfall forms a small lake amid lush laurel forest vegetation. For a picnic, there are wooden tables, benches, barbecue areas and water points. These facilities offer a practical way to plan a break in the forest as well as time on the trails.

Whaling History, Architecture and Swimming

Porto do Comprido was a whaling station and is now a bathing area. The Casa dos Botes at Porto do Comprido houses a whaleboat and an exhibition about the Azores’ whaling tradition. At Porto Baleeiro do Comprido, you can swim in the sea; this option may be seasonal.

Igreja de Santa Ana in Capelo was built in 1680. It replaced an older temple dating from 1600, which was destroyed by the volcanic crisis of 1672. The church’s patron saint festival takes place every year on the third Sunday in July. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates in advance.

The Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre is built underground to minimise its impact on the existing landscape. The exhibitions cover the eruption of Capelinhos Volcano, the formation of the archipelago, volcanic activity around the world and the lighthouses of the Azores. A visit can end with a climb to the lighthouse and views of the volcanic landscape. Check the arrangements for this activity before your trip.

The Baleeiros walking trail ends in Varadouro, where natural swimming pools invite you to take a dip. Bathing conditions here may also be seasonal. This gives you two different options to plan for: swimming in the sea at Porto Baleeiro do Comprido and natural pools at the end of the Baleeiros trail.

Hotel Search and Travel Dates

First decide whether this date is important for your trip, then plan your visits and activities around it.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Faial Da Terra, Praia Do Norte, Portela, Granja, Cedros, Conceicao, Castelo Branco, Feteira

For the main travel overview: Faial.