The Interpretation Center of Capelinhos Volcano was inaugurated in August 2008. It was designed to preserve the existing landscape of the area affected by the eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano in 1957/58, at the most western point of Faial Island. The building, designed by the architect Mr. Nuno Ribeiro Lopes, was conceived to be built hidden under the volcanic sands, buried by the land level that was above ground before the eruption. The audacious and nearly invisible building, shares the area between the old ground floor of the Capelinhos Lighthouse and the respective support houses.

Here it is possible to start a journey that is virtual and interactive which describes the geological phenomenon of the Capelinhos volcano in all its phases, thus opening an important chapter in the scientific understanding of submarine volcanoes.

Thevicinity of this unique landscape associated to one of the most recent eruptions in the archipelago, are factors that integrate an environmental and nature tourism as well as a cultural and scientific tourism.

Through the several descriptive and interpretative tools, the Interpretation Center of Capelinhos Volcano constitutes a diffuser vehicle of scientific knowledge, to be recognized as a scientific centre and also an area of excellence for tourism. Its mission is to develop actions providing exploration activities that might enrich the visitors experience.

Services

Ticket office, gift shop, bar, guided tours, WC.

Opening time

Low season: January 1 to June 14 | September 14 to December 31

Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am to 04:30pm

Guided tours: 11:00am and 03:00pm

Sat | Sun | Holidays: 02:00pm to 05:30pm

Guided tours: 02:30am and 04:00pm

Closed on: Mondays; Carnival Tuesday; Easter Sunday; December 24, 25 and 31; January 1

High Season: June 15 to September 15

Mon to Sun: 10:00am to 06:00pm

Guided tours: 11:00am | 01:00pm | 03:00pm | 04:30pm

Prices

Full ticket: 10,00 €

Family ticket (Full ticket for 2 adults with children up to 17 years): 17,00 €

Interpretative exhibition: 6,00 €

Temporary exhibition: 3,00 €

Stereoscopic film: 3,00 €

Ascent to the Lighthouse: 1,00 €

Discounts

Children (up to 12 years): Free

Junior (13 to 17 years): 50%

Senior (+ 65 years): 50%

Youth and student card holders: 20%

Contacts

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: (+351) 292 200 470

Adress: Farol dos Capelinhos, 9900 Horta

How to get there

From Horta city to the Interpretation Center are approximately 25 km, a trip that lasts around 30 minutes. You can rent a car at any of the Rent-a-Car agencies in the city or take a Taxi.

If you come directly from the Airport you can also rent a car or find a taxi, and you will travel for about 18 Km in a 15 minutes trip.

GPS Coordinates  
38^o35´48.20’’N
28^o49’31.44’’W