Português
Español
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
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.
