description Caldeira do Faial Overview
Caldeira do Faial is a large volcanic depression on Faial Island in Portugal's Azores archipelago. The crater forms a major geological feature of the island and is surrounded by elevated terrain covered partly by vegetation. Its interior includes small areas of residual volcanic activity, including fumarolic and mud-pool features, reflecting heat that remains beneath the volcanic system.
help Caldeira do Faial FAQ
Where exactly is Caldeira do Faial and how big is it?
It is the large summit caldera on Faial Island in Portugal's Azores archipelago, a short drive from the island's capital, Horta. The crater is roughly 2 kilometers wide and about 400 meters deep, making it the island's dominant geological feature.
Can you hike down into Caldeira do Faial?
Yes, there is a trail that descends from the rim through vegetation to the crater floor, and the round trip commonly takes a couple of hours. Because the caldera is a protected nature reserve, visitors are asked to stay on the marked path and check local conditions, as fog and rain can roll in quickly.
Was the Caldeira the source of Faial's famous 1957-1958 eruption?
No. The 1957-1958 Capelinhos eruption occurred at the western tip of Faial, off the coast, and added new land to the island through months of submarine and subaerial activity. The Caldeira itself formed much earlier by collapse and has not erupted in modern times.
Is there a road or viewpoint to see the Caldeira?
Yes, a paved road runs up to the crater rim, where a viewpoint offers views over the depression and its inner cinder cones. Many visitors combine it with the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre on the island's west side.
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