Gruta do Cabeço do Canto

Gruta do Cabeço do Canto is a small lava cave in Capelo, at the north-western end of Faial island in the Azores. It opens on the slope of the Cabeço do Canto scoria cone, one of the volcanoes of the Capelo peninsula.

What is this cave?

It is a lava tube: a hollow left behind when a molten lava stream drained away beneath a hardened crust. Hiking and tourism sources give its size as roughly 18.7 m long, 7.5 m wide and up to 5.1 m high. Small lava stalactites hang from the ceiling, formed by still-liquid rock dripping as it cooled.

The cave lies in an area protected under the Natura 2000 network. A small cave-dwelling planthopper, Cixius cavazoricus, a species tied to Azorean underground voids, is recorded here. Keep your hands off the walls and take your rubbish with you.

Where is it and how do you get there?

Cabeço do Canto rises near Capelo, close to the Capelo Forest Park (Parque Florestal do Capelo), which also has a picnic area. A side path leaves the climb to the Cabeço do Canto summit and leads to the cave. Trail descriptions mention that an ordinary car can reach the vicinity, followed by a short walk. Bring a torch and shoes with a solid grip, because lava rock is uneven and can be slippery.

What else is nearby?

The Capelo peninsula is a regional-level geosite of the Azores Geopark. It consists of a ridge of about 20 volcanic cones lined up from Cabeço dos Trinta to Capelinhos, where the well-known eruption of 1957–1958 took place. Walking routes cross the area, including Capelo–Capelinhos, the Ten Volcanoes trail and the PRC01FAI Cabeço do Canto loop. The cave pairs easily with a short forest walk and views over the cones.

When should you visit?

Late spring to early autumn is best, when trails are less muddy. Azorean weather turns quickly, so check the forecast in the morning. Inside, the cave is cool and damp all year.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? The available descriptions mention no charge; visitors explore on their own.

Do I need a torch? Yes, it helps you see the ceiling and its lava stalactites.

How long does a visit take? The cave itself is small, so a quarter of an hour is enough; with the path from Cabeço do Canto, plan about an hour.

Is it a good stop on the way to Capelinhos? Yes. It lies in the same volcanic area and complements a visit to Capelinhos and a walk on the Ten Volcanoes trail.