OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and astonishing ramifications of a devastating volcanic eruption off Faial Island, with an enlightening visit to an underground interpretative center. Settle in for a picturesque drive to Capelinhos, where the strikingly barren terrain is rocky and hauntingly lunar-like from the volcano’s violent eruption in 1957. Experience a definitive understanding of the natural phenomenon as you stop at the interpretative center that was built beneath the stately Capelinhos lighthouse, the only building to survive the eruption. You’ll enjoy a peerless look at the year-plus following the natural phenomenon, painstakingly captured by scientists on film and in photos. Through interactive exhibits, you’ll learn about the dramatic impact on the island’s landscape and its people, half of whom were forced to emigrate after farmlands and homes were blanketed in ash. Relish your time at the interpretative center to discover more captivating exhibits that will afford you a thrilling up-close understanding of the geology and volcanic activity of the Azores.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Delve into the dramatic impact of a volcanic eruption that transformed Faial Island in 1957.
• Marvel at the stunningly lunar-like landscape of Capelinhos.
• Visit a fascinating interpretative center under a lighthouse, the only structure to survive the eruption.
• See the entrancing work of scientists who tirelessly filmed and photographed the area over 13 months.
• Explore incredible exhibits chronicling the effect of the eruption on the region and its inhabitants.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Behold the barren terrain that the last eruption of the Capelinhos volcano left in its wake and gain an understanding of how that event and others affected the island’s microclimates and marine ecosystems. That offshore eruption occurred in the late 1950s and transformed the nearby landscape into a hauntingly lunar-like surface. Although the lighthouse survived, its first floor is still covered by volcanic ash. An interpretative center was constructed underground behind the lighthouse so as not to disturb the appearance of the strange setting. Inside, you will find exhibits that clearly explain the Capelinhos eruption and the volcanic formation of the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago of nine islands. The eruption continued for more than a year and dramatically changed the lives of the local population. The Varadouro natural swimming pools are one of the few positive effects of the eruptions that have altered the island. You may have the opportunity to pause there for photos.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Browse an interpretative center that explains the 1957 eruption of a nearby volcano.
• Be awed by the bizarre lunar-like landscape that the volcano left in its wake .
• Gain an understanding of past volcanic activity that formed the Azores archipelago.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.