Gruta das Torres – Pico Island

The Gruta das Torres is a Regional Natural Monument located in the parish of Criação Velha, in the municipality of Madalena, on Pico Island. This volcanic cave is the largest lava tunnel in the Azores archipelago.

Gruta das Torres is situated at an altitude of 285 meters, extends approximately 5 kilometers in length, and has a maximum height of 15 meters. It features a large main tunnel and several smaller tunnels with varied structures on the upper and lateral sections.

(C) Fernando Guerra

History of Gruta das Torres

The Gruta das Torres was discovered in 1990 and is the largest known volcanic cave in the Azores. It was formed by lava from a volcanic eruption in a place known as Cabeço Bravo about 1500 years ago. The cave is part of the Montanha do Pico volcanic complex.

The interior of Gruta das Torres is rich in geological formations, featuring various structures such as stalactites, lava stalagmites, striated walls, lateral benches, and lava balls. The floor of the cave also has interesting and varied characteristics, including a rough, spiny surface that is uneven.

(C) Fernando Guerra

In some areas of the cave, you can observe drips from the ceiling, even though there is not much water circulation throughout most of the cave. The temperature inside is fairly constant throughout the year, with some variation at the openings.

Due to its significance as a natural heritage site, it was classified as a Regional Natural Monument in 2004.

What You Can Observe

Although Gruta das Torres has multiple entrances, the main one is accessed through Algar da Ponte. During the journey, visitors can witness the transition from a densely wooded natural landscape to a different vegetative environment, featuring mosses and lichens on the walls and floors at the cave openings.

The visit to Gruta das Torres spans 450 meters and lasts approximately one hour. Visitors prepare for an expedition-style experience, wearing specific equipment to explore the interior of the cave, such as helmets and individual lighting gear, which are included in the admission fee.

During the tour of Gruta das Torres, visitors have the opportunity to observe different types of lava and various geological formations, as well as the unique flora and fauna of this location.

Visitor Center of Gruta das Torres

In 2000, a project began to redevelop the space of the cave. The Regional Secretariat for the Environment created new infrastructures that improve access to the site and enhance the safety of cave visitors. This project improved accessibility within the cave and established a Visitor Center along with several other auxiliary buildings.

The Visitor Center of Gruta das Torres is focused on environmental awareness and recreational purposes. The center’s design is innovative, mimicking the architectural style of local constructions used in the island’s cattle pens. The building is painted black to represent the vitrified lava found inside the cave.

The Center offers guided tours, film and documentary screenings, and parking facilities. In 2004, a cooperation protocol was signed between the Regional Government of the Azores and the association “Os Montanheiros” to promote, explore, and maintain the cave.

Location on the Map

Contact Information

Caminho da Gruta das Torres,
Criação Velha, 9950 Madalena
Phone: +351 924 403 921
E-mail: pnpico.grutadastorres@azores.gov.pt

Opening Hours

November 1 to March 31

• Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Saturdays and Holidays: 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
• Closed: Sundays | Mondays | January 1 | Carnival Tuesday | Easter Sunday | December 25

April 1 to October 31

• Open daily: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Closed: Easter Sunday

Guided Tours

November 1 to March 31

• Tuesday to Friday: 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 3:30 PM
• Saturdays and Holidays: 2:30 PM | 4:00 PM

April 1 to May 31 | October 1 to October 31

• Every day: 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM

June 1 to September 30

• Every day: 10:30 AM | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM

Duration of visit: 60 to 90 minutes
Number of people per visit: 4 – 15

2021 Prices

• Child (0 – 6 years): Free
• Junior (7 – 14 years): €4.00
• Adult (15 – 64 years): €8.00
• Senior (+ 65 years): €4.00
• Family (2 adults and children up to 14 years): €16.00
• Resident of RAA*: Free (*With presentation of Citizen Card.)

The ticket includes personal accident insurance, individual safety equipment (helmet with a hygienic cap), and individual lighting equipment (hand torch).

Children up to 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Curiosities

The Gruta das Torres arouses many curiosities among its visitors. Here are some interesting facts about this natural phenomenon and its visit:

• The visit to Gruta das Torres is pioneering in Portugal.
• Visits must always be guided by a local guide, and tickets are purchased at the Visitor Center.
• The Visitor Center building has been nominated for several architectural and urbanism awards, and in 2009 it received 1st place in the National Tektónica Award from the Order of Architects.
• About ten thousand people visit Gruta das Torres each year.

Photos

Video

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The Gruta das Torres is a fascinating natural phenomenon that attracts the interest of many visitors.

A visit to the interior of the cave allows visitors to observe a unique creation from volcanic lava, which hosts a typical fauna and flora of the area and holds immense natural value.