The main dominant feature of Corvo Island is a huge volcanic caldera situated in the northern part of the island at an altitude of 430 to 720 metres.
At the bottom of the caldera you will find two lakes - Lagoa do Caldeirão and Lagoa do Cachimbo.
Monte Gordo volcano crater
The entire island of Corvo is practically made up of a single mountain, Monte Gorde, a former volcano whose peak collapsed in an eruption 430,000 years ago.
It formed the second largest volcanic crater in the Azores, with a diameter of over 300 metres and an elevation of almost 300 metres between the crater floor and the edge of the mountain.
How to get to Caldeirão
The top of the mountain can be reached by car, but you can also climb it on foot along a not too difficult path.
You can also descend from the rim of the caldera to the bottom of the lakes, which can only be reached on foot along a beaten path through the ubiquitous grasslands.
On foot
The walking route starts and the only village on the island, Vila do Corvo.
The route takes a shortcut through the old town, from where you climb the steps to the Miradouro Sítio do Portão viewpoint.
The red PR1COR hiking sign continues off the road to the Miradouro Cara do Índio viewpoint and onwards along a very winding path to the summit, however we do not recommend this trail for the journey to Caldeirão due to the long very muddy sections.
Instead, follow the road for a few hundred metres to the thermal power station, from where you continue along the gravel path to the summit.
The road is passable for cars at all times, so there are no challenging sections.
- Length - 5.5 km one way
- Time - approx. 2 hours up and 1.5 hours down
- Elevation - 580 metres in one direction
There is no shop along the way and no opportunity to fetch drinking water. All supplies must be bought in Vila do Corvo.
Along the way you will meet very many cows that graze literally everywhere, including all over the crater. Occasionally you may meet a herding dog, but there are always herders nearby on Corvo and the dogs are not aggressive at all.
Despite Corvo being the least visited of the Azores islands, the cows and dogs are used to tourists.
By car
It is possible to drive up to the Monte Gordo viewpoint.
If you go to Corvo as part of an organised trip from the neighbouring island of Flores, a car ride to the top is usually included.
Regular taxis do not operate on the island, but you can book transport to the top from one of the tourist agencies based on the island.
Online booking in advance is possible with agencies such as Corvo Travel.
- 10 eur - The round trip from Vila do Corvo up and back (15 minutes break for photos at the top), the total trip takes about 45 minutes
- 15 eur - return trip at Vila do Corvo, return after 2.5 hours. At the top you will have enough time to descend to the bottom of the caldera or go around the caldera
- 20 eur - tour around the whole island of Corvo, including a 15-minute stop at the top of Caldeirão
When to go
Caldeirão is the only geographic landmark on the island and therefore clouds often form around the summit.
The best chance of clear weather is usually in the morning and mid-morning.
The best weather is usually from May to September.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Corvo.
