Algar do Carvão has been closed since October 2024 due to the construction of the new visitors’ center, which will take place over a period of 18 months. During this time, Montanheiros Association hopes to ensure some form of restricted visitation, although it is currently uncertain whether this will be possible and when it might begin.
It is a disappointment for those visiting Terceira not to be able to see the Algar do Carvão, but it is all for a greater good. With the new visitors’ center, CAVE – Azorean Center for Volcano-Speleology, we will be able to offer better reception conditions for all visitors wishing to discover this Natural Monument.
Visitors always have the option to visit the other cave, which is also managed by Montanheiros Association: Natal Cave
In the links below, you can find all the information about these two volcanic caves, and you should follow them for any updates:
http://www.montanheiros.com/algarcarvao/
http://www.montanheiros.com/gruta-do-natal/
Algar do Carvão Natural Reserve
The great eruption, known as the Pico Alto, which occurred north of the existing Guilherme Moniz volcanic apparatus, poured its lavas from a great distance. Later, a new eruption, this time basaltic, tore the ground and initiated a process that would lead to the formation of a stromboliano volcano – the Peak of the Coal. In a first phase, by forcing and trying to break the existing trachytic effusion, which constituted a natural barrier of little consistency, it formed the zone of the lagoon and the two vaults on it. Later, in a new attempt of evasion, the basaltic lavas, they broke more to the side the current chimney, leaving to the outside. In its final phase the magma descended into the deepest conduits and the magma chamber, giving rise, this almost instantaneous absence of magma, to the formation of the Algar proper. Very effusive lava spills produced very flowing acidic lava rivers that charred existing vegetation. The dating of one of the fossils then formed gives the Algar do Carvão an age of 2148 (+ or-115 years).
The opening days and schedules are subject to changes. Check: http://www.montanheiros.com/algarCarvao/.
