Gruta das Torres

The lava cave Gruta das Torres is a volcanic geological structure caused by the flow and cooling of subterranean magma rivers. This formation is located on the western flanks of the island of Pico, outside the parish of Criaço Velha, in the municipality of Madalena. The cave system was produced by a series of phoehoe lava flows that originated around 500 to 1500 years ago from the Cabeço Bravo parasitic cone. It stands between 1.1 and 15 meters (3.6–49 feet) tall and is 300 meters above sea level (980 ft). It is the longest lava cave in the Azores, with an estimated length of about 5.2 kilometers (3.2 miles). The Mountaineering Association was in charge of cave access.

The cave's distinctive feature is its amazing drainage system, as evidenced by the existence of more than seven layers on the walls, as well as lateral benches and three cornices. Gruta das Torres is one of the 30 caverns chosen for the Azores as a whole, and is one of the 17 caves (out of 28) discovered on Pico Island.

A Working Group on Azorean Volcanic Caves, with the help of the Azorean Speleological Inventory and Classifying System database, has selected 30 volcanic caves of rank A on the islands of Graciosa, Pico, So Jorge, So Miguel, and Terceira for inclusion in the UNESCO List. Pico Island features the most volcanic caves in the proposal, with 17, including Gruta das Torres, of the 30 volcanoes considered for UNESCO designation. The caverns were chosen for the list based on their scientific worth, tourism potential, approach conditions, anticipated risks, data base, and conservation standing.

Visitors accompanied by a guide can walk the first 450 meters (1,480 feet). Guided access to the cave is provided by a tourist center made in basalt rocks and attractively blending with the landscape. Since 2005, the public has been able to visit Gruta das Torres. Visitors are allowed in groups of 15 at a time, and each is given protection gear in the form of a helmet with lights to see the dark interior. Audiovisual presentations in English and Portuguese provide information about the cave at the visitor center. In 2011, the tours were scheduled at 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 13:30 p.m., 15:00 p.m., and 16:30 p.m. for the months with the most visitors.

Address: Caminho da Gruta das Torres Criação Velha, 9950-000 Madalena, Portugal