Are you aware of the many caves and lava tubes that can be found throughout the Azores islands? I have some personal experiences and have collected some information that will be of benefit to you if you are interested in this.

First, I wanted to comment on hurricane Gordon which has reached the Azores this past week. In my experience, a hurricane is a fairly rare occurrence in the islands. Hurricane Gordon did reach the Azores Islands and did cause some damage. Thankfully the damage reported is mostly minor. Broken windows, damaged roofs, and some washed out roads. But nothing too severe and no loss of life.

Lava Tubes and Caves

My tour in Gruta do Carvao

There are over 270 known caves in the Azores, largely due to the lava tubes and lava pits formed during volcanic eruptions. But also due to very active seismic activity owing to the islands being located at the meeting point of three major tectonic plates (African, Eurasian, and North American).

I have been in two of the four best known caves and really want to go to a third. The two that I have visited are in Sao Miguel and Terceira, the third that I wish to see is in Graciosa.

Most Notable Caves

Gruta do Carvao, Sao Miguel - a lava tube in the western portion of Ponta Delgada. The lava tube is currently known as 1800 meters, but historical accounts suggest it may be as long as 5000 meters. The portion of the cave that is open for visitation has many interesting features including lava benches, lava balls, lava stalactites, lava stalagmites and various colours. It was interesting to see roots hanging through the roof of the cave from vegetation on the ground above. Another interesting feature is the vegetation that grows in the cave, even though there is no natural light!

Algar do Carvao, Terceira - of the two caves I have visited, this is my favourite. It is actually a lava pit with a big opening in the roof. There is a lot to see in this cave, from the abundant vegetation near the big opening in the roof, to a significant number of stalagmites and stalactites, and 80 metres down into the cave is a lake. The walls and areas of the roof have quite a variety of colours and textures as well.

I invite you to see some pictures I took at: Algar do Carvao.

Furna do Enxofre, Graciosa - The pictures of Furna do Enxofre have captured my imagination. I am very interested in going down into this cave. The cave is accessed by stairs down a 37metre tall tower. The tower is built to the rooftop opening of a lava pit. Once inside the cave, the most striking feature is the domed roof top that was formed by a lake of lava. Now there is a lake with water on the bottom of the cave. In May 2012, I learned that this cave is currently closed due to dangerous gases filling the cave

Gruta das Torres, Pico a lava tube in Madalena, Pico. At 5150 metres, this is the longest known lava tube in the Azores. Much like Gruta do Carvao in Sao Miguel, there are lava balls, lava stalactites, lava stalagmites and lava benches.

Do Volcanic Eruptions Happen Often?

Since the islands were settled in the 15th century, there have been 26 eruptions, 14 of which were under water. The last one was in Capelinhos, Faial, in 1958. I do recommend visiting Capelinhos.

Have any Questions About the Azores?

Thanks again for your subscription to the Magical Azores Islands e-zine. It is a pleasure to share some of my favourite spots and experiences with you. And I enjoy hearing back from you. So please feel free to share your experiences and ask questions.

See you again soon!

All the best,
Rob Belchior
www.magical-azores-islands.com