Ponta dos Capelinhos – Faial Island
Located on Faial Island, in the parish of Capelo, the Ponta dos Capelinhos is yet another beautiful tourist attraction that only the Azores archipelago can offer its visitors.
The site gained fame right after the eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano, leaving the area with a unique characteristic, a recent formation, and a stunning landscape.
See also: 10 things to do on Faial Island
Fotografia de Carla Dias
Visitors will also have the privilege of seeing the Capelinhos Lighthouse, a symbolic monument of the region, which ceased operations after the volcanic eruption of 1957 due to the land expansion caused by the volcanic activity.
The path to the lighthouse is unique and interesting, covered with soil that resembles a lunar landscape.
Make sure to add this incredible spot to your travel itinerary to the Azores, especially because of its recent development and its beautiful scenery.
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History of Ponta dos Capelinhos
The history of Ponta dos Capelinhos became world-renowned due to the underwater volcanic eruption that occurred from September 27, 1957, to October 24, 1958, lasting a total of 13 months. Many residents had to abandon the area, both due to fear and the lack of safety. This was because several volcanic vents opened in the sea, spewing ash and steam in all directions.
Fotografia de Rui Simas
Over 60 years ago, locals witnessed the Capelinhos Volcano emerging from the ocean, marking a historic event in Portugal.
By the end of this phenomenon, Faial Island saw its territory expand with new land formed from volcanic activity. The event took place about a hundred meters from the Capelinhos islets and one kilometer from the coast, where the sea began to boil.
As a result, Portugal gained 2.50 km² of land and later became a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.
Fotografia de Silvia Freitas
Capelinhos Lighthouse
The construction of the Capelinhos Lighthouse began in the early 20th century, built with masonry and stonework. Once completed, the lighthouse became an important landmark on Ponta dos Capelinhos, emitting a light with alternating white and red flashes, and it was the only lighthouse in the Azores that emitted a sound signal.
Fotografia de Rui Simas
However, in 1957, the Capelinhos Lighthouse had to be decommissioned due to the volcanic phenomenon in the region, leaving it in ruins and parts of its structure buried.
Today, its tower remains, serving as both a viewpoint and an interpretation center, which can be visited by those interested in learning more about its history.
One of the most attractive points of the building is the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center, where part of its construction remains buried, preserving the original landscape from the volcanic eruption.
The space features an auditorium, permanent and temporary exhibitions, and a video session explaining the origin of planet Earth.
To reach the Capelinhos Lighthouse, you will need to walk and climb many steps, but the effort is well worth it, as the final destination is magnificent.
The visiting hours for the Interpretation Center during summer are daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
During winter, it operates from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
Fotografia de Renata Monteiro
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