Add dates

Algar do Carvão

Algar do Carvão: Our most recommended tours and activities

Terceira: Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour

1. Terceira: Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour

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.

Terceira: Half-Day Island Tour with Cheese Tasting

2. Terceira: Half-Day Island Tour with Cheese Tasting

Meet your driver at your accommodation in Angra do Heroísmo, Praia da Vitoria, or Lajes, and start your half-day tour in an air-conditioned minivan. Explore Algar do Carvão, an empty volcano and its caves with remarkable unique mineralogical characteristics. The 90-meter-deep volcanic chimney formed approximately 3,200 years ago after the magma drained from the main chimney receding to the magma chamber. Next up is Furnas do Enxofre. Walk around a fumaroles field and see sulfur gas coming out from the ground. Contemplate the beautiful natural swimming pool at Biscoitos, surrounded by black lava and with a few colorful fishing boats anchored alongside. Stop for a photo opportunity in Miradouro do Raminho and see 3 islands. Finish a wonderful day with a handmade delicious cheese tasting.

From Angra: 3-Hour Volcano Tour

3. From Angra: 3-Hour Volcano Tour

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.

From Angra do Heroísmo: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

4. From Angra do Heroísmo: Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

Start the tour by visiting Monte Brasil, where you can see the Fortress of São João Baptista, built by the Spanish during their conquest of the Azores. 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 Serra da Ribeirinha and the Ilhéus das Cabras, 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. Enjoy some free time in the charming town of Praia da Vitória. 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, and Gruta do Natal (lava tube) which take about 30-40 minutes each. The tour is concluded by visiting the Queijo Vaquinha Cheese Factory and São Mateus Fishing Port with drop-off back at your accommodation.

Half-Day Van Tour on the Center of the Terceira Island

5. Half-Day Van Tour on the Center of the Terceira Island

The Tour starts by the Afternoon where you´ll be Picked up from your hotel and then you´ll go to the center of Terceira Island. On this tour you´re going to see a lot of secret spots known by the locals. You´ll visit an inside of a Lava Tube with 700m of extention. The Tour ends at Algar do Carvão, wich is Vulcano that you can actualy visit the inside.

Terceira - Private Group - Full Day Guided Bus Tour

6. Terceira - Private Group - Full Day Guided Bus Tour

Discover the most famous and fascinating sights of the island of Terceira on a full-day bus tour. Sit back and travel comfortably with your group and travel the interior of the island with a professional guide. Get picked up from your accommodation and embark on an adventure towards the first spot of the tour. Visit the famous Monte Brasil, an inactive volcano close to the city. Enjoy fantastic views of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Angra do Heroísmo.  Head towards the southeast coast of the island towards some famous villages. See beautiful natural landmarks like the churches, holy spirit chapels, and other natural formations.  Next, stop at Serra do Cume, a viewpoint located in Terceira's largest caldera. Observe the vast expanse of agricultural fields spread out the island. Get mesmerized by the most breathtaking panoramic views of Terceira Island.  The final stop in the morning is the city of Praia da Vitória. Spend some time on this spot and explore the sandy beaches and many viewpoints. Take a short lunch break before leaving for the next stop.  Continue along the northern coast to visit the Algar do Carvão, an empty volcanic chimney, and the Gruta do Natal a lava tube. Stroll through the interior of the area for some fantastic views. Finally, take a tour of the village of São Mateus, the main fishing port of the island. Finish a wonderful day at one of the most beautiful islands of Portugal. 

Top sights near Algar do Carvão

Other Sightseeing Options in Algar do Carvão

Want to discover all there is to do in Algar do Carvão? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Algar do Carvão

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 156 reviews

My other tour got cancelled because there weren’t other participants, i booked this one just a few hours in advance, the weather wasn’t the best and I was the only participant again so i got a private tour for the same price. Was a fantastic experience!

We practically had a private tour with Nuno over the whole island. He showed us a lot and told us about the island, but was always open to suggestions if we wanted to see anything. All in all very successful and really recommendable!

Great tour of the volcanoes! Our tour guide was knowledgeable and fun. She took her time and make sure we didn't feel rushed. She even took extra time for us to see certain sights. Thank you so much!

António is a top tour guide, who also has nice photo spots at the different locations. He has a lot of knowledge about the island and the locations. Highly recommended!

Rui was above and beyond! We had an incredible time and want to do it again! I highly recommend this tour!