This volcanic eruption has been a very different kind. The fact that it erupted in 1958 and gradually escalated to a full blown natural disaster is amazing. We were lucky to be guided by Azores Experience they were just equipped to tell the whole story of the eruption and its impact on the people of the island what a story.

La quasi totalità dei visitatori parcheggia vicino al vecchio faro e si dirige a piedi verso la punta. Solo i più arditi affrontano la dura salita verso la cresta interna del cratere da cui la vista è più gratificante. E' molto meno faticoso parcheggiare l'auto in un piccolo slargo sterrato circa 1500 metri prima del parcheggio e su un sentiero ben tracciato attraversare il dolce avvallamento che è la zona limite dell'eruzione e raggiungere la cresta che è circa alla stessa quota e percorrerla tutta con viste mozzafiato. Opportune (ma non indispensabili) scarpe da montagna. Allegata la mappa con la posizione del parcheggio.

When in first arrive to Capelinhos site, you are overwhelmed by the abrupt landscape change, coming from Horta and the luscious green fields you are presented by the road passing to a desert like view. At first sight you can see the remaining part of the volcanic cone and a lighthouse, but is underground where you can enhance your experience by visiting the Interpretation Center. There you are able to see a 3D movie about the earth formation, several rooms dedicated to the Azores formation, others about volcanism in general. The Interpretation Center it's a must see by it self. The architecture it's extremely unusual. The best: the profound knowledge of Azores formation and volcanism. Bring windbreaker, it's very windy, especially at the top of the lighthouse you are able to visit at the end of the tour. From Horta to Capelhinhos and back three hours should be enough to slowly appreciate this attraction. If you want you can walk through the moon like landscape and explore the freshly created land, add two more hours to the trip then.