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Exploring Terceira’s Caves
Posted 6/28/2012 Updated 6/28/2012
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Commentary by Eduardo Lima
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
6/28/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- Terceira Island has at least four caves that can be visited and explored by enthusiasts of Mother Nature especially during the summer months.
The two most visited caves are Algar do Carvão, the second largest cave located in the heart of the island near Cabrito area and the Gruta de Natal (Christmas cave)located near Lagoa do Negro (Black's Lake)also in the center of the island.
The two other caves are Balcões, the largest one, located near the town of Biscoitos and Agulhas in the town of Porto Judeu.
Algar do Carvão is actually an extinct Volcano chimney not totally filled with lava in the form of a cone, which are the remains of a 2,000-year-old volcanic eruption. The cave's name means "Coal pit" because its walls are formed from black lava.
The access to the cave is nowadays made through a tunnel and stairs. At its end there's a small pond formed by crystalline rainwater at a depth of approximately 328 feet. Depending on the season and the amount of rainwater, the pond can be up to 50 feet deep. The cave and surrounding area were declared a natural monument after the initiative of the local spelunking group "Os Montanheiros."
The Christmas cave, although less known, is also worth a visit. It was named Christmas because it held a live nativity scene and a Christmas cantata shortly after it was discovered. Both caves are maintained by "Os Montanheiros." They underwent renovation works a couple of years ago with the purpose of improving access to the visitors, including a reinforced electric lighting system and background music.
In addition to the caves, Os Montanheiros also maintain a volcanology museum at their office headquarters located at #8, Rua da Rocha in Angra do Heroism. Here visitors can see an exhibit of Azorean geological samples and buy souvenirs. The museum is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 5:30 p.m. However, I recommend that visitors call 295-21-2992 to make sure it is open.
The spelunking group also organizes special visits to the caves between Oct. 15 and March 24 for groups with more than 10 people. Interested parties should call the telephone number listed above to make reservations.
The Algar do Carvão and Christmas caves are open daily March 24 to May 31 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., June 1 to 30 from 2:30 to 5:45 p.m., July 1 to Aug. 31 from 2 to 6 p.m., Sept. 1 to 30 from 2:30 to 5:45 p.m. and Oct. 1 to 14 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The admission cost to visit the Algar do Carvão and Christmas caves is 5 Euros per person.
The Balcões and Agulhas caves are unattended and not lighted, so be careful going inside because of slippery floors and low ceilings. Flashlights and appropriate clothing will also be needed for exploration of these two caves. Also located near the Algar do Carvão is the sulphur pits area that is definitely worth a visit. These are not caves, but just spots where one can see steam coming out of the ground, a demonstration of the volcanic activity in the area.
For more information on the caves visit the Os Montanheiros website at www.montanheiros.com.
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