Capelinhos, Active volcano in Faial Island, Azores, Portugal
Capelinhos is a volcano on Faial Island in the Azores, rising approximately 500 meters above sea level with dark basalt rock formations. The western coast features extensive lava fields that were created during a recent eruption.
The volcano erupted between 1957 and 1958, creating new land along the island's western coast. This eruption forced many people to evacuate from nearby settlements and permanently altered the geography of the area.
The Capelinhos Interpretation Center presents scientific exhibits about volcanic activity and maintains records of local communities affected by the eruption.
Visitors can explore the volcanic landscape on marked walking trails, with an interpretation center offering information and guided tours year-round. The best time to walk is during dry weather, as the ground is uneven and rocky.
Some areas of the lava fields still display the raw geological structure from 1958, untouched by vegetation or significant erosion. These bare surfaces let visitors see the hardened lava in its natural state as it appeared shortly after cooling.
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