Algar do Carvão

Get back to nature and visit the extraordinary lava tube of Algar do Carvão inside the caldera of the Guilherme Moniz volcano, 12 kilometers from Angra do Heroísmo. Travel back in time to when a basalt eruption tore a pre-existing lava flow to begin the process that would lead to the formation of a Strombolian volcano with 2 cones. Observe different geological features, including ferrous deposits and silicate stalactites, and appreciate formations that date back to the origins of the cave. Discover a small pond of rare beauty, and gaze in awe as smoke emerges from the ground. Encounter the unique flora and fauna, including birds that seek refuge inside the cave, and diverse plant life that includes species of molds, arthropods, and other groups.

Explore the beauties of Terceira Island, visiting mountains, hills, craters, volcanoes and caves. This tour is in the afternoon, and you are going to visit all the center of Terceira island (places where the public bus does not reach). Pick-up at your accommodation is at 14:00 p.m. The first place where you are going is to the top of the biggest crater of the island. From there you can see a beautiful green landscape composed of agricultural fields. From there we will go the interior of the island, where you'll visit Gruta do Natal (Christmas Cave) a lava tube that formed as a cave. After that you will be amazed with the fumaroles field (Furnas do Enxofre), Algar do Carvão. It's the highlight of the tour, because it's an empty volcano you can go inside of, learning all about the formation of this natural wonder.

Start the tour by visiting Monte Brasil, where you can see the Fortress of São João Baptista, built by the Spanish after their arrival in 1583. Enjoy fantastic views of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Angra do Heroísmo. Proceed along the southeast of Terceira Island towards the villages of Ribeirinha, Feteira, and São Sebastião. See beautiful natural landmarks such as Ilhéus das Cabras and Baía da Salga, culminating in a visit to the island's oldest church. Next, stop at Serra do Cume, a viewpoint located in Terceira's largest "caldeira". Observe the vast expanse of agricultural fields spread out the island. Then, enjoy some free time for lunch in the charming town of Praia da Vitória. In the afternoon continue along the northern coast of the island and visit the Biscoitos Natural Swimming Pools. Have an optional visit to Algar do Carvão, an empty volcanic chimney, that should take about 30-40 minutes (ticket not included). In the return to your hotel, don't miss more outstanding beauty of the central part of the island. Among other things, you can see the brave bulls in their natural habitat.

Pickup at the accommodation at 9h00-9h15, to explore the western of Terceira island: visit the fishing port in São Mateus town (artisanal fishing art), heading to west, photo stop at baía do negrito (fort and whaling exibition), taste artisanal cheese (4 types of cheese); walk around Lagoa das Patas lake (national park surrounded by hortênsias, azáleas, and camélias); spot 3 islands of the central group from Raminho viewpoint (São Jorge, Pico and Graciosa island). Back to the accommodation at 13h00.

Atention: this tour is only made it with a minimum of 2 persons. Throughout the experience, you will discover Terceira Island and the main volcanic phenomena that have formed the island and are currently the stage for exuberant views, such as Algar do Carvão, the only volcano in the world to be visited on foot. Where the ancient eruptions passed, one of the oldest and last virgin forests of Europe remains, the Laurissilva Forest of Macaronesia, a mysterious humid forest with an abundance of endemic species. This is a search for the greatest treasure left, getting to know one of the largest natural parks in the Azores, which is part of the "Azores Geopark". This tour will be done by van with short walks.

In this tour, guided by a geologist, we will visit Gruta do Natal (Christmas Cave) and Algar do Carvão. From here in the center of the island, depending on the weather you can choose to taste our famous local cheese while learning some of the region’s history or visit a local organic farm where coffee trees grow side-by-side with tropical fruits (banana, papaya, passion-fruit...). You will be able to meet the farm owners and learn from them while trying the locally produced coffee and other delicacies according to the season. If you'd like to take a dip in one of our natural pools along the way, bring a towel and a swimsuit. The experience is a fully customizable private tour custom-made according to your personal needs and wishes. The Caves are open on afternoon (2 - 6pm summer / 2:30 - 5:30pm winter). Between October and April close on Sundays, Mondays and Thursday.

Have you ever imagined visiting the womb of the earth? Well, by opting for this tour that is precisely what you will do, discovering the most emblematic volcanic cavities on the island of Terceira. The tour starts at 2pm at Alto das Covas (meeting point) in Angra do Heroísmo and should end around 5pm passing through: Lagoa das Patas, we visit the leisure park, the lagoon and the river, in the company of the ducks; (30 min) Gruta do Natal, we visit the lava tube where it is necessary to use a helmet; (30 min) Furnas do Enxofre, a short walk through nature, admiring the breathing land; (30 min) Algar do Carvão, without a doubt, the ex-libris of Terceira Island. (45min) Glimpse, feel and experience nature in its purest state!

On this full-day tour, guided by a geologist, we will visit the most scenic points of interest, which just so happen to coincide with some of our most interesting geological features. We'll have the opportunity to explore concepts like vulcano-stratigraphy or polygenetic volcanoes. Along the way, we'll also discuss history and cultural heritage. Bring your swimsuit if you want to take a dip in one of the island’s famous natural swimming pools (weather permitting). And of course, we'll visit Gruta do Natal and Algar do Carvão. By the end of the day, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the geological history and geodiversity of Terceira Island. The experience is a fully customizable private tour, custom-made according to your personal needs and wishes

Discover the volcanos and volcanic caves of Terceira Island on this geology lover's guided tour. Visit Algar do Carvão, Furnas do Enxofre and Gruta do Natal with an expert guide. Meet your guide and driver for pick-up at your hotel and head to the first stop on the tour — the inactive Algar do Carvão. Visit it from the inside and discover its small lake and fascinating geological formations. Next head to Furnas do Enxofre, a small strip of land with 20 fumaroles expelling white vapor into the air. You'll also see native flora like the Azores juniper and the Azores blueberry. Top off your tour with a visit to Gruta do Natal (Christmas Cave), a system of caves known as a lava tube, full of spectacular volcanic formations.

This is the best way to get to know Terceira Island in one day. Embark with us on a tour of the Island in a different way. (minibus/minivan) The tour starts at 9am at Alto das Covas (meeting point) in Angra do Heroísmo and should end around 5pm passing through: - Monte Brasil (10/15min); - We go down to the city towards the East, passing through the Customs Courtyard, where we can find the statue of Vasco da Gama; - Monument to the bull and bullring (5/10min); - Parishes of Ribeirinha, Feteira and Porto Judeu; - Miradouro da Serretinha in Feteira overlooking the islet of goats (5/10min); - Salga natural pools (5/10min); - Vila de São Sebastião, we visit the oldest church on the island and a small chapel for the devotion of the Holy Spirit that we call Império (10/15min); - City of Praia da Vitória; - Serra do Facho Viewpoint (5/10min); - Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Complete menu of typical island food, with the main dish being the delicious Alcatra (beef stew) (1 hour); - Serra do Cume Viewpoint (10/15min); - (Optional) Algar do Carvão geosite, which is located in the central area of Terceira island and corresponds to a 95 m deep volcanic chimney. The visit is done on foot using stairs. (Optional, €10/pax, 30/45min); - Parish of Biscoitos to see vineyards and how grapes are produced in the Azores and of course, also the natural pools. Depending on time we can take 15 minutes for a swim (10/15min). Throughout the day, we stop whenever you want, making the experience even more pleasant. The route may be changed depending on weather conditions or traffic changes.