Congratulations to the Gruta do Carvão!

May 11, 2022

This Natural Monument, which currently constitutes a protected area of the São Miguel Nature Park, celebrates its 17.º anniversary. The Gruta do Carvão (cave) is in the city of Ponta Delgada and is part of the group of natural cavities where the need for protection, preservation and sharing of biological, aesthetic, scientific and cultural values is most felt.

With about 1950 metres of extension, this is the island’s largest lava tunnel, divided into four stretches: Troço do Paim, Troço dos Secadores de Tabaco, Troço do João do Rego and Troço José Bensaúde.

This monument has numerous geological structures, typical from effusive volcanism, constituting a significant speleological monument. For example, several lava stalactites of various types can be seen on the ceiling, resulting from the rapid solidification of lava drops. When lava drops accumulate on the ground, they originate stalagmites, structures which are often globular/reniform in shape and have a wider base.

It is a geosite of the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark, with regional relevance and scientific, educational and geotouristic interest, and one of the five volcanic caves of the Azores that is open to the public.