Ponta dos Capelinhos

Strongly contrasting with the rest of the island, Faial’s westernmost point is marked by the Ponta dos Capelinhos, a barren rock desert, which reminds one of a lunar landscape and is proof of the most recent volcanic activities on the archipelago. For one whole year, from 1957 to 1958, the off-shore volcano Capelinhos spewed more than 30 million tons of ash and lava more than 1,000 m into the sky. The results of this long-lasting natural event were more than 2 km of newly formed land, and a thick layer of ash covering the western part of the island. More than 2,000 inhabitants lost their homes and land.

A new visitors center on the site close to the now landlocked lighthouse is worth a visit to experience the changes this island has undergone in the recent past.