Capelinhos Volcano

Dramatic volcanic landscape featuring a buried lighthouse and an underground interpretation center. This monogenetic volcano was formed by a 13-month submarine eruption between 1957 and 1958 that expanded the landmass. Read more…

attractionvolcanonatureunesconational monumentcultural heritageeditor's choicehiking

Marcosjuniorsjr / cc-by-sa-4.0

Cappo80 / cc-by-sa-4.0

Paulo Valdivieso from Lisboa, Portugal / cc-by-sa-2.0

Unukorno / cc-by-sa-3.0

Josep M. Gracia / cc-by-sa-4.0

The Capelinhos Volcano is a monogenetic volcano characterized by its lunar-like landscape, formed during a significant submarine eruption that lasted 13 months between 1957 and 1958. This event, the last volcanic eruption in the region, significantly expanded the landmass. As a protected natural monument and part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, the site serves as a major geological landmark.

A partially ruined and buried lighthouse stands as a symbol of the eruption's impact. Built into this volcanic terrain is the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, a scientific and tourist facility. The center is located underground and within the old lighthouse structure, featuring interactive and virtual exhibits that document the geological phenomena of the eruption and its effects on the local community.

The site is open to the public and features trails that lead to the caldera summit, providing views of the terrain created by the volcanic activity. The area is recognized for its unique geological heritage and its role in documenting the human history associated with the 20th-century eruption.