Frequently Asked Questions
IMPORTANT ALERT:
ALGAR DO CARVÃO AND ITS VISITORS CENTRE ARE CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, SINCE OCTOBER 20th, 2024.
the construction OF “CAVE – azorean voLCANO sPELEOLOGICAL CENTER” OF ALGAR DO CARVÃO will take place until june 2026.
We kindly request that everyone refrain from going to the location due to safety concerns.
VISITS TO ALGAR DO CARVÃO AND GRUTA DO NATAL
Where are the caves located?
Both caves are located in the central part of Terceira Island:
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Algar do Carvão: on the border of the Porto Judeu parish, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, about 12 km from the city of Angra.
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Gruta do Natal: on the border of the Biscoitos parish, in the municipality of Praia da Vitória.
The distance between the caves is approximately 6 km (10–15 minutes by car).
Is it possible to visit the caves all year round?
Yes. Visits take place in two seasons:
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High season (daily openings): April to September – every day.
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Low season (weekly openings): October to March – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
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Exceptional openings: Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays (see specific conditions).
The caves are closed on local or national holidays, or on special tolerance days.
For updated information:
http://www.montanheiros.com/en/algarCarvao/
http://www.montanheiros.com/en/gruta-do-natal/
Is there any public transportation to the caves?
No.
Does Montanheiros Association organize transfers to the caves?
No. However, there are local tourist companies that organize visits to the caves.
Why does Algar do Carvao and Natal Cave have such a short visitation schedule?
The caves management is the exclusive responsibility of the Montanheiros Association, an environmental NGO, which implements reduced visiting hours to minimize ecological impact:
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It limits exposure to artificial light, protecting cave-dwelling species and geological formations.
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Prolonged artificial light can promote the growth of algae and unwanted plants.
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The goal is to preserve the natural integrity of the caves, even if this limits visitor comfort.
Are reservations required?
- For individual visitors, no reservation is required.
- For organized groups (e.g., travel agencies), prior contact is recommended.
- Advance reservations are mandatory only for exceptional openings (see specific section).
Where are tickets purchased?
Tickets and Combo tickets are sold exclusively at the caves.
What is Combo Ticket?
A single ticket that allows visiting both caves with a lower fee, either on the same day or on different days.
- Validity: throughout the season (January 1 to December 31), except for exceptional openings.
Do children pay tickets?
Free entry for children under 12 years old, when accompanied by a paying adult.
Which payment methods are there?
Cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted (except American Express).
How long does the visit last?
- Each cave: approximately 30 minutes.
- In Natal Cave may take longer due to the introductory explanation at the reception and the provision of helmets.
Is the cave accessible to everyone?
No. There are no elevators or access ramps for visitors with reduced mobility.
What are the caves visitation dificulties?
Algar do Carvão: access via a narrow tunnel with 36 steps; a total of 338. Cemented floor, constantly wet.
Gruta do Natal: access via two short staircases, uneven floor; the more adventurous path is recommended only for visitors without physical limitations.
Not recommended for: people with mobility difficulties, balance issues, claustrophobia, infants, or women in late-stage pregnanc
Are visits guided?
Algar do Carvão: staff provides explanations about the volcanic pit genesis (no additional cost).
Gruta do Natal: brief explanation at the reception and provision of a helmet.
Is proper clothing and footwear required?
Non-slip footwear and a waterproof jacket are recommended, as the floor is constantly wet and the temperature is lower.
Photographs and videos are permitted?
- Photography and video recording are allowed without a tripod.
- Tripods: only with prior authorization from the Association’s management (montanheiros@montanheiros.com).
- Staff may only be photographed with their permission.
What’s an extra opening and how it works?
An extra opening is the opening of one of the caves exclusively for a group at a pre-scheduled time.
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They take place between October 1 and March 31, only for organized groups that are unavailable during regular visiting hours.
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Scheduling: Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, except on holidays such as January 1, Carnival, Easter, December 1, December 24, 25, and 31.
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The Association does not organize the groups
Why are extra openings expensive?
- Designed for large groups (≥30 people) with limited time on the island.
- Higher cost is due to the use of fuel-powered generators to provide lighting for the caves and visitor centers.

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