Furna-Abrigo is a cave on the slopes of the monumental Pico Mountain. The cave is located just off the marked trail to the top of Portugal's highest mountain, about 30-40 minutes from the trailhead at Casa da Montanha.
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The cave is therefore a welcome stop on the way up, but it can also be a destination for less fit hikers who don't venture to the top of Pico.
Indeed, on the way to Furna-Abrigo, located at an altitude of 1,400 metres, you will already experience a unique alpine environment with no trees and only low scrub.
The Abrigo cave has the unique shape of a small volcanic crater and you can climb to the bottom. With a completely covered area, it has historically served as a shelter against bad weather for residents travelling on foot across Pico Island.
The cave offers breathtaking views of the entire west coast of Pico Island and nearby Faial Island.
Ascent to the cave and entrance fee
The hike to Furna Abrigo is quite challenging and steep, but short and takes the average fit hiker around 40 minutes from Casa da Montanha.
In wet weather, care must be taken, especially on the way down, when some of the rocks can be very slippery.
Unlike the climb to the top of Pico, there is no need to book the entrance to Furna-Abrigo in advance.
Just arrive at any time that Casa da Montanha is open and pay the entrance fee of 5 eur.
Similar to the way to the top of Pico, you will be given a GPS-locator and therefore it is not possible to proceed further from Furna-Abrigo to the top without penalty.
The opening hours of Casa da Montanha can be found on the official website: montanhapico.azores.gov.pt.
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