Faial

Capelinhos

Capelinhos is a volcano on the west coast of Faial.

Ash landscape at Capelinhos volcano on the coast of Faial
Volcanic ash at Capelinhos on Faial's west coast

Capelinhos facts

Location
Faial, west coast
Type
Monogenetic volcano
Known for
Submarine eruption
Land added
2.4 km²

Getting there: The drive from Horta takes about 28 minutes.

Horta airport · weather now

21.3°C

Observed , Azores time · IPMA

Visiting Capelinhos on your own

You can visit the interpretation centre and climb the lighthouse. Access to the volcano itself is prohibited.

Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre

An underground exhibition about the eruption, with a film and access to the lighthouse tower.

Hours
1 November to 31 March: Tuesday to Saturday and holidays 09:00 to 17:00, closed Monday, Sunday, 1 January and 25 December. 1 April to 31 October: daily 10:00 to 18:00. Last admission 60 minutes before closing
Tickets
adult (15 to 64) €10; junior (7 to 14) and senior (65 and over) €5; family (two adults and children up to 14) €20; under 7, residents of the Azores and visitors with a disability free
Booking
Guided visits last 1 hour. Book at least 72 hours ahead on +351 292 200 470.

Checked on the centre's page on the Azores natural parks site.

Capelinhos volcanic coast

The eruption began in shallow water off Faial. It added 2.4 km² of land to the coast. The old lighthouse stands half buried in ash.

Capelinhos lighthouse
Old lighthouse half buried in ash
Costado da Nau
Escarpment at Ponta dos Capelinhos
Cabeço Norte
Volcanic vent releasing water vapour
Capelo Volcanic Complex
Scoria cones and lava fields
The old lighthouse half buried in ash at Capelinhos
The old lighthouse half buried in ash at Capelinhos

Questions about Capelinhos

When did the Capelinhos volcano erupt?

The Capelinhos volcano erupted from 27 September 1957 to 24 October 1958. It stayed active for 13 months. The volcano took its name from the two islets called Ilhéus dos Capelinhos.

When did the Azores last erupt?

The Azores' most recent recorded eruption was at Serreta, off Terceira, from 1998 to 2001. It happened underwater. The Capelinhos eruption came earlier, beginning in 1957 and ending in 1958.

Can you visit the Capelinhos lighthouse?

Yes. You can climb the lighthouse during a visit to the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. I'd see the underground exhibitions first. Then go up the tower to look across the landscape around the lighthouse.

Places near Capelinhos

All places on Faial →
The rim of the Caldeira crater on Faial

The Caldeira

The Caldeira is a volcanic crater on Faial.

29 minutes by car

 Painted quay and yachts at Horta marina

Horta marina

Horta marina has yachts beside a painted quay.

28 minutes by car

Roman Antonov, editor

I live in Portugal and I love these islands. The weather and walk status update automatically. I check opening hours and tickets on official pages.