Corvo Island, Volcanic island in Azores, Portugal
Corvo Island is the northernmost volcanic island in the Azores, situated in Portuguese waters. A central crater called Caldeirão dominates the landscape, surrounded by steep volcanic walls and measuring roughly 3.5 kilometers across.
Portuguese navigator Diogo de Teive discovered the island in 1452 and found a mysterious equestrian statue there. The statue vanished during attempts to transport it to mainland Portugal, and its origin and fate remain unknown.
The residents of Vila do Corvo have built their homes from black lava stone and arranged them along narrow lanes they call canadas, creating a village shaped by the volcanic landscape. This building tradition reflects how islanders adapted to their harsh, windswept setting over centuries.
The island is reached by ferry from Flores or by small aircraft landing on a runway of roughly 800 meters. Visitors should prepare for changeable weather and wear sturdy shoes for the volcanic hiking trails.
The island is so small and remote that fewer than 500 people live here, creating a close-knit community where residents know one another. Aircraft approaching the airstrip often follow the rim of the crater, making the landing approach feel otherworldly.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
