Capelo: Volcanoes, Laurel Forest and Whaling History

Volcanic Landscapes and Special Trails

Capelo combines impressive volcanic landscapes with laurel forest, hiking trails and traces of whaling history. Those planning a trip and wishing to combine nature experiences with cultural discoveries will find various options here for planning their days. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Capelo, it may therefore be worth considering which types of excursions interest you most: volcanic formations, forest trails, the sea or historic sites.

One of the most characteristic features is the Capelinhos Volcano geosite on the volcanic Capelo Peninsula. The moonlike landscape was created by the 1957/1958 eruption and provides a clear impression of the area's geological character. The Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre complements this experience with exhibitions about the eruption, the formation of the archipelago, volcanic activity around the world and the lighthouses of the Azores. The centre was built underground so that the pre-existing landscape would be affected as little as possible. A visit can end with a climb to the lighthouse and views of the volcanic landscape.

The peninsula offers hikers several different perspectives. The Trilho dos Capelinhos begins at Cabeço Verde, one of the volcanic cones of the Capelo Peninsula. The Cabeço do Canto route crosses the peninsula's volcanic ridge, which lies within the Protected Landscape Area of the Central Zone and comprises around 20 volcanic cones as a geosite. Along the way, this route passes Furna Ruim, a 55 m deep lava tunnel or lava shaft. The Dez Vulcões PR06FAI route also runs through the geosite of the Capelo Peninsula. Along this trail, you can observe typical laurel forest plants and some birds of the Azores.

Forest, Water and Active Holiday Days

The Parque Florestal do Capelo offers a different facet. The Circuito BTT is an easy 2 km circular route with an approximate duration of one hour. The route begins and ends in Cruzeiro, within the Protected Landscape Area of the Central Zone, and runs through dense forest with plant species typical of the laurel forest. This allows you to complement a stay in Capelo with a manageable bike ride, while the longer volcanic routes offer a different focus.

The Santana Picnic Park is located in the Parque Florestal do Poço das Asas. It has wooden tables, benches, barbecue facilities and water points. A waterfall forms a small lake amid lush laurel forest vegetation. The site therefore offers a quieter option for planning your trip and can serve as a destination for a break in nature. Depending on whether you mainly want to hike, admire landscapes or combine time outdoors with a meal, different ideas for the day can arise.

Whaling History and Swimming by the Sea

At Porto do Comprido, the Casa dos Botes commemorates the Azores' whaling tradition with a whaleboat and an exhibition. Porto do Comprido itself was formerly a whaling station and is now a bathing area. Visitors can also swim in the sea at Porto Baleeiro do Comprido. The combination of historical remembrance and time by the water makes this part of Capelo another option alongside the volcanic and forest trails.

The Igreja de Santa Ana is also part of the area's history. It was built in 1680 and replaced an older temple dating from 1600, which had been destroyed by the volcanic crisis of 1672. The church's patron saint festival takes place every year on the third Sunday in July. Those interested in local traditions and historic buildings can include this date in their travel plans without losing sight of the other nature experiences.

The Baleeiros hiking trail ends in Varadouro, where natural swimming pools invite you to bathe. Capelo thus offers both trails through volcanically shaped landscapes and destinations by the water. For further travel planning, you can also get to know Praia Do Norte, Feteira, Conceicao, Valadouro, Portela, Ribeira Funda, Granja and Castelo Branco.

For the overview of the wider region: Faial.