Caldeira do Faial

At the centre of Faial, in the Azores, the Caldeira is a vast volcanic crater almost two kilometres across, its walls rising some 400 metres above the floor. Ringed by green slopes and often wrapped in cloud, it is one of the most impressive natural sights in the archipelago.

A crater at the centre of the island

The caldera was formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano and now holds a dense cover of native vegetation, including juniper and laurel. The rim offers views across the whole island and, on clear days, to the neighbouring islands of Pico and São Jorge. The crater is protected as a nature reserve.

What to see and do

• The viewpoint on the crater rim, with views into the caldera.
• The trail around the rim, for those prepared for mountain conditions.
• The native vegetation of the reserve.
• Views over the island and towards Pico and São Jorge.

Visiting the Caldeira

The Caldeira is in the centre of Faial, reached by road from Horta. Weather changes quickly at this altitude and access to the reserve may be controlled; check local conditions and any restrictions before your visit.

Visitor information: visitazores.com.

Image credit: Caldeira do Faial, by The Cosmonaut, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.