Thursday, 15 November 2007 02:19
Visitors to the Azores can explore lava tubes that were formed by the islands’ volcanoes. These lava tubes were formed by the lava flowing down the hillside from the volcanoes. When the lava flow cooled, it solidified into a crust on the outside but continued to flow inside. Inside, different types of lava created different formations from smooth, even edges to rough, jutted formations to the icicle-like deposits hanging from the walls. Visitors can take guided tours are available where they are given yellow hard hats and miner’s lights. The Gruta dos Torres lava tube on the island of Pico was discovered in 1990, and is now a natural monument with a museum. The 450-meter (1,476.38-foot) lava tube is located about five kilometers (3.2 miles) outside of Madalena, Pico. Terceira has a 100-meter (328.08-foot) long lava tube, which was formed 2,000 years ago when the nearby Terra Brava volcano erupted. The spacious lava tube has walls lined with dark black lava. At the end of the lava tube, there is a lake that was formed by rainwater. Graciosa’s Furno do Exnofre cavern can be reached from a 100-meter (328.08-foot) lava tube. Luckily there are stairs to get there. Prince Albert of Monaco was the first person to make the trip in 1879 and he had to use a rope ladder. At the bottom of the cavern of is a lake that is about 130 meters (426.51 feet) in diameter. The best time to visit the cavern is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. when sunlight floods the tunnel highlighting its colors. Located in the Western part of Ponta Delgada is Gruta do Carvão, the largest lava tube on São Miguel island, which is 1,650 meters (5,413.4 feet) long. It is divided into three sections, “Rua de Lisboa” (or “Secadores de Tabaco”), “Rua do Paim” and “Rua João do Rego.”
According to old documents, the lava tube may have been once been over five kilometers (3.2 miles). It has been classified as a Regional Natural Monument due its scientific, educational, and tourism relevance as well its importance in terms of natural heritage. This lava tube was refereed by 16th-century historian and writer Gaspar Frutuoso. “The Gruta da Rua do Paim” lava cave is 557 meters long (1,827.43 feet), 8 meters (26.25 feet) wide and 6.4 meters (21 feet) maximum high.
Media Kit
Portugal National Tourist Office