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Faial Island

Viewpoints and nature on Faial Island

Volcanic Views & Nature Reserve

This collection highlights Faial’s volcanic landforms and coastal viewpoints: the Capelinhos 1957–58 eruption site and lighthouse area, high caldera rims and peaks like Cabeço Gordo, marine cliffs and whale lookouts, plus protected conservation zones and lava caves in the Capelo parish. Coordinates and accessibility notes included where available.

Volcanic Views & Nature Reserve — Map
A

Capelinhos Volcano

Site of the 1957–58 Capelinhos eruption with volcanic ash fields, a museum detailing the eruption and a stark lunar landscape extending to the sea.
B

Miradouro para o Morro de Castelo Branco

Clifftop viewpoint overlooking the Morro de Castelo Branco area; accessible viewpoint with paved areas and panoramic sea views.
C

Miradouro do Escorregadouro

Coastal viewpoint offering views across recent lava flows and the basalt shoreline.
D

Miradouro do Farol do Vale Formoso

Viewpoint near the Vale Formoso lighthouse area with coastal vistas and nearby walking routes.
E

Miradouro do Cabeço Gordo

High-elevation viewpoint adjacent to the central ridge, providing expansive views toward the caldera and surrounding peaks.
F

Cabeço Gordo

Cabeço Gordo is the highest point in the island of Faial, measuring 1,043 metres above sea level.
G

Miradouro da Caldeira

Lookout on the caldera rim with paved access and designated spaces for wheelchair users.
H

Alto do Cabouco Viewpoint

Elevated roadside viewpoint on Alto do Cabouco offering clear views into the central caldera and across Faial.
I

Morro de Castelo Branco Special Area of Conservation

Protected conservation zone around Morro de Castelo Branco; open 24/7 and managed for habitat preservation.
J

Ponta do Varadouro Special Area of Conservation

Coastal protected area at Ponta do Varadouro, designated for conservation and accessible at all hours.
K

Morro do Castelo Branco

Extinct volcanic cone forming part of the Morro de Castelo Branco complex.
L

Costado da Nau

Sea cliff formation composed of layered basalt known locally as Costado da Nau, offering vertical coastal exposures.
M

Gruta do Cruzeiro

Lava tube cave located in the Capelo parish on Faial, formed by past volcanic flows.
N

Gruta do Parque do Capelo

Lava cave within the Capelo park area; unrestricted access and no entrance fee.
O

Gruta do Cabeço do Canto

Lava cave on the slopes of Cabeço do Canto in the Capelo freguesia.
P

Cabeço do Canto

Volcanic cone feature forming part of the Cabeço do Canto complex.
Q

Cabeço do Canto

Peak situated on the caldera rim, marking the edge of the central depression.
R

whale lookout

Former whale-spotting lookout positioned on coastal cliffs for cetacean observation.
S

Miradouro do Vulcão

Clifftop viewpoint named for its proximity to volcanic formations and lava fields.
Capelinhos Volcano
Drive
Miradouro para o Morro de Castelo Branco
Drive
Miradouro do Escorregadouro

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