7. Gruta do Carvão
(Carvão Cave)

The Gruta do Carvão (Carvão Cave) is another natural wonder of São Miguel Island. Located very close to Ponta Delgada, it's an ancient lava tube that creates one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the vicinity of the capital.

 

In fact, it's the longest lava tunnel on São Miguel Island, with a length of 1,912 meters, divided into 4 sections (Paim, Tobacco Dryers, João do Rego, and José Bensaúde), of which only the Paim section is open to the public for visitation.

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The Gruta do Carvão is open every day from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and guided tours are the only option, so it's advisable to book in advance as indicated on their website.

 

For visiting options, you can choose between a short route (30 to 45 minutes) and a long route (2 to 3 hours). The price for the short route is €8 for adults, €5 for seniors aged 65 and over, and free for children under 6 years old. The price for the long route is €20 per person, regardless of age.

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