The archipelago of the Azores shelters a rich and diverse speleological patrimony due to its volcanic nature and the presence of basaltic magma. The Gruta das Torres is one of the main caves on the islands.
Vulcanic Caves in the Azores
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There are two principal types of volcanic caves: lava tunnels and volcanic “algares”.
Lava tubes:
Lava tubes are natural pipes through which the lava reaches the surface in a fluid, expelled by an erupting volcano. They can be active when the lava still flows towards the surface, or extinct, which means that the lava fluid ceased and the rock cooled off, leaving a long channel, similar to a cavern. Once those tubes are formed simultaneously to the rock evolving them, they’re called primary caves.
Wikipedia
Vulcanic “algares”:
Vulcanic “algares” are caves with a subvertical development.
Source
The Gruta das Torres (Cave of Towers) is a volcanic cave.
A tunnel of lava is formed when the lava cools down more quickly at its edges than at its center, forming banks of solidified lava that unite. The volcanic lava then flows for long distances because it’s protected from cooling.
Pico Island has the highest number of caves (129), representing about 48% of the total caves in the Azores, followed by Terceira Island with 26% of the caves in the archipelago.
The vast majority of the caves in the archipelago are closed to visitors, as the Gruta das Torres is the only one open to the public on the island of Pico.
Gruta das Torres in Pico
The Gruta das Torres, located in the parish of Criação Velha, is the only one that can be visited on Pico Island, the Azores.
The cave is part of the geological formation of Lajidos – Gruta das Torres, and it’s embedded in the volcanic complex of the Pico mountain.
The Gruta das Torres is classified as a Regional Natural Monument by the DLR No. 6/2004/A, of 18th March 2004, of the Azores Regional Government.
The cave is found registered in the Parque Natural do Pico (Pico’s Natural Park).
Discovered in 1990, it is the biggest lava tunnel known in the Azores and in Portugal (about 5.150 meters in length) and one of the ten biggest in the world.
It’s estimated to have formed around 1500 years ago, during an eruption originating in Cabeço Bravo.
The main tunnel of the cave is developed over 4,480 meters and is for the most part of large dimensions, reaching heights of the order of 15 meters.
There exists a whole medley of secondary tunnels, sides, and upper levels, whose dimensions are more reduced and which present very diverse and distinct geological structures amongst themselves.
Along its extension, this cave presents a total unevenness of around 200 meters, with a rather softer inclination in the SE section, in contrast to the NW sectors, where the greatest inclinations occur.
How to visit?
The project to requalify the Gruta das Torres began in 2000. The Regional Secretary of the Environment created new infrastructure that provides better access to the place and greater security. This project improved accessibility within the cave, created a Visitor’s Center, and built additional annex buildings.
The Center offers guided tours, movie projections, and documentaries, and also a parking lot.
In 2004, a cooperation protocol was signed between the Azores’ Regional Government and the association “Os montanheiros” with the goal of streamlining, exploring, and maintaining the cave.
To be able to visit the Gruta das Torres, you will have to make a reservation. Please use the contacts listed at the end of this post to book Gruta das Torres.
The number of daily visitors is very limited, so in the high season (July and August) it’s advised to make the reservation with some advance notice (two weeks).
Equipped with a helmet and a torch, you will explore around 500 meters – the rest is reserved for scientists.
Guided by a guide’s valuable explanations, you’ll observe beautiful lava stalagmites and stalactites, striated walls, and lava structures very different from each other, all in profound darkness and comforting silence. To not distort the places, no human artifice was brought there.
The Gruta das Torres is an example of the sustainable use of a natural resource for tourist purposes, but above all to sensitize people to the protection of the environment. The activity is ideal for families.
It is advised to wear adequate footwear and a waterproof jacket, as the paving is uneven and water droplets are constantly falling throughout the cave.
What can be observed?
The entrance of the Gruta das Torres is made by the Algar da Ponte.
During the visit, it is possible to observe the transition of the very wooded natural landscape into a different green environment, with moss and lichens on the walls and floors of the cave openings.
The around 500 meters of visit last on average one hour and it can be observed different types of lava and geological formations, where it stands out the stalactites, lava stalagmites, side benches and lava balls.
This cave exhibits several structures characteristic of volcanic cavities.
Along the lava tube, there are sections where water drops emerge from the ceiling, although there is a weak circulation of water in the majority of the cave.
You will observe the presence of a fauna and flora specific to the cave.
Possibly due to its dimension and depth, the temperature in its interior is sensibly constant throughout the year, varying more sharply near the opening.
Schedules and Prices of the Visits
1st November to 31st March
From Tuesday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
Saturdays and holidays: 2 pm to 5:30 pm
Closed: Sundays | Mondays | 1st January | Tuesday Carnival | Sunday Easter | 25th December
1st April to 31st October
Opened every day: 10 am to 6 pm
Closed: Sunday Easter
Guided tours
1st November to 31st March
From Tuesday to Friday: 10:30 am | midday | 2 pm | 3:30 pm
Saturdays and holidays: 2:30 pm | 4 pm
1st April to 31st May | 1st to 31st October
Everyday: 10:30 am | midday | 1:30 pm | 3 pm | 4:30 pm
1st June to 30th September
Everyday: 10:30 am | 11 am | midday | 1:30 pm | 3 pm | 4:30 pm
Duration of the tour: 60 to 90 minutes
Number of people per visit: 4 – 15
The prices might change.
Child (0 – 6 years): Free
Junior (7 – 14 years): 4,00 €
Adult (15 – 64 years): 8,00 €
Senior (+ 65 years): 4,00 €
Family (2 adults and kids up to 14 years): 16,00 €
Resident in The Azores: Free (*Through presentation of the Citizenship Card.)
The ticket includes Personal Accident Insurance, individual security equipment (helmet with respective hygienic cap), and individual lighting equipment (hand flashlight).
Children up to 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Contact to Book a visit to Gruta das Torres
Caminho da Gruta das Torres,
Criação Velha, 9950 Madalena
Phone: + 351 924 403 921
E-mail: pnpico.grutadastorres@azores.gov.pt
The visit to the cave is one of the main points of interest on the island, but due to limited access, it’s not among the most common tourist activities, such as whale watching or the climb to Pico Mountain.
But if you want to relax and enjoy the island without spending money, you can simply go to the Natural Swimming Pools and try one of the several Walking Trails available.
