After being closed for construction, Algar do Carvão, the volcanic chimney that’s one of Terceira’s signature sights, reopened to visitors on 21 March 2026.
The reopening is provisional. Os Montanheiros (the volunteer association that runs the cave) is letting people in while work on the new visitor centre continues, so the conditions are not what they’ll eventually be.
What to expect right now
- Days: As announced, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons. Hours/days have been adjusted before, so confirm before you drive out there.
- Hours: 14:30 to 17:00 (the original announcement covered the period through end of March; check the current schedule).
- What the visit covers: ticket purchase and the descent into the cave. That’s it.
- No facilities on site: no shelter, no rest area, no bar, no toilets. Plan accordingly: go beforehand, bring water, bring a layer (it’s cool in the cave even when it’s warm outside).
- It can close at short notice. Construction needs may force closures with little or no warning, sometimes for extended periods. Don’t make this the only thing on your day’s plan.
Gruta do Natal, the other lava tube cave the same group manages, is operating on its normal schedule.
Confirming current hours
Schedules during the construction phase have shifted more than once. Before going, call ahead:
- Phone: 295 212 992 / 961 362 215
- Email: montanheiros@montanheiros.com
If you’ve been recently and the schedule has changed, let us know and we’ll update this post.