Algar do Carvão – Terceira Island

Anyone visiting Terceira Island cannot miss out on the Algar do Carvão Cave, a literal dive into the depths of the earth. This unique destination attracts tourists in all seasons and offers an enchanting experience to adventurers who descend the cave’s stairs into the unknown.

The Algar do Carvão Cave complex has basic infrastructure for visitor safety, including artificial lighting and signposts.

Gruta do Algar do Carvão
Fotografia de Carla Dias

Although the environment may seem inhospitable, it is possible to observe the presence of birds and some invertebrates in the cave, especially if the visit is at night.

Algar do Carvão

If the Algar do Carvão on Terceira Island is recognized as a Regional Natural Monument and if it is possible for the site to be visited, much credit goes to a group of local explorers called “Os Montanheiros.” These enthusiasts made the first descents in 1963, with the aid of ropes and rudimentary equipment, and collectively decided that the natural beauties of the location should and deserved to be shared with the general public.

The next step was to initiate topographic studies for the construction of a tunnel and stairs that would facilitate access to the Algar do Carvão and the lagoon it houses. Once the opening work began, the path was restored and widened, assuming its current form as of 2003, making the tourist attraction accessible to thousands of visitors annually.

The silicate stalactites and stalagmites of the Algar do Carvão give the site a magical and unique spectrum, which, along with the lagoon, make the attraction indescribable.

In addition to tourist interest, the site attracts scholars of geology and speleology from all over the world, as well as numerous media outlets, who frequently film specials and documentaries about this natural wonder. With the aid of human engineering, it has become accessible to everyone.

2023 Opening Hours

• January 1 to March 31 – Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
• April 1 to May 31 – Open every day – 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
• June 1 to September 30 – Open every day – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• October 1 to December 31 – Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm

2023 Prices

Tickets are purchased on-site, no reservation is required (except for travel agencies);

Duration of the visit: average 30 minutes

• Ticket (Algar do Carvão): €10.00 **
• Combined Ticket (Algar do Carvão + Gruta do Natal): €15.00 **

** Tickets are purchased on-site; online sales are not available.

Photos

Photos (C) Câmara Municipal de Angra do Heroísmo

Video