The Complete List of Volcanoes in Portugal

Portugal’s volcanic story is mostly told by its islands: the Azores and Madeira host most of the vents, with a few volcanic remnants on the mainland. These landforms have shaped coastlines, soils and local history, and they make for a compact but varied list of sites worth checking on a map or in a field guide.

There are 26 Volcanoes in Portugal, ranging from Caldeira da Graciosa to Água de Pau. For each entry you’ll find below the key details organized as Region/Island,Type,Last eruption (year) so you can quickly compare where each volcano sits, what kind it is, and when it last erupted.

Where are most of Portugal’s volcanoes located?

Most are in the Azores archipelago, with a smaller number on Madeira and a few isolated volcanic features on the mainland; consult the Region/Island column below to see the full geographic spread and island-by-island counts.

How current is the “Last eruption (year)” information?

The dates reflect the best-available historical and geological records and major databases; for the latest activity or monitoring updates check national geological services and global resources like the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program.

Volcanoes in Portugal

Images and Descriptions

Sete Cidades

Large twin-lake caldera on São Miguel known for dramatic rim viewpoints and hiking. Historically active in the late medieval period; currently dormant but hydrothermally active. Easily visitable with trails and scenic overlooks near Ponta Delgada.

Água de Pau

Caldera hosting Lagoa do Fogo, a scenic crater lake and protected natural reserve. Last known historic activity in the 16th century; fumaroles and hot springs signal lingering heat. Popular for hiking, viewpoints, and guided nature walks.

Furnas

Active hydrothermal caldera with boiling fumaroles, hot springs and the famous cozido stew cooked in thermal ground. Last eruption recorded 1630; frequent geothermal activity makes it a top visitor destination with parks, baths and scientific interest.

Fogo (São Miguel)

Prominent volcanic cone east of Sete Cidades with rugged topography and craters. No well-documented historical eruptions; considered dormant to restless. Accessible by regional roads and trails; valued for geology and panoramic views.

Santa Bárbara

Highest stratovolcano on Terceira with large cones and extensive lava fields. Last historical activity in the 18th century; area includes pastureland and hiking routes. Visible from Angra do Heroísmo and popular for volcanic landscape walks.

Guilherme Moniz (Caldeira)

A large caldera complex occupying the island’s interior with hot springs and volcanic soils. No recent historical eruptions but Quaternary activity shaped the landscape. Roads and trails give access; important for natural history and farming.

Monte Brasil

Prominent coastal tuff cone forming a natural fortress by Angra do Heroísmo. Formed by explosive eruptions; no recent activity. Fortresses, walking trails and viewpoints make it an easy, informative visit within the city.

Caldeira do Faial

Large central caldera dominating Faial’s interior with steep walls and a panoramic rim trail. No historical eruptions inside the caldera; nearby Capelinhos shows modern activity. Popular for trekking, birdwatching and geology tours.

Capelinhos

Iconic 1957–58 eruption that extended Faial’s coastline and created a lunar ash landscape and new cone. The site features a visitor center explaining the eruption; highly visitable and scientifically significant.

Pico

Portugal’s highest peak, a classic stratovolcano rising to the island summit. Last historical eruption in the early 18th century. Popular but strenuous hikes lead to the crater rim; excellent for sunrise climbs and volcanic scenery.

São Jorge fissural system

Long volcanic ridge producing linear eruptions that created the island’s fajãs (coastal plateaus). Last historical activity in the early 19th century. The dramatic cliffs and fajãs are accessible by trails and local roads for nature-minded visitors.

Caldeira da Graciosa

Central caldera with green pastures and the famous Furna do Enxofre lava cave and fumarolic vents. No recent eruptions; strong geothermal features make it geologically interesting and easy to visit by short drives and guided walks.

Furna do Enxofre

Large sulfurous cave within Graciosa’s caldera featuring an intact volcanic cavity and fumaroles. No recent eruptions; the site is protected and visitable with boardwalks and interpretive signage, popular for education and photography.

Caldeira do Corvo

Compact island caldera that defines tiny Corvo island; no historical eruptions and largely prehistoric activity. Quiet and remote, the caldera is a scenic hiking destination with seabird colonies and panoramic viewpoints.

Santa Maria volcanic complex

Oldest Azorean island with red volcanic rocks and eroded volcanic centers. Activity is prehistoric but the island’s beaches, cliffs and trails showcase ancient eruptions; easy access and popular for quiet coastal scenery.

Flores volcanic complex

Western Azores island formed by multiple calderas and cones with lush valleys and waterfalls. No historical eruptions; dramatic scenery and trails make it a favorite for hikers and nature tourists seeking remote volcanic landscapes.

D. João de Castro Bank

Submarine volcanic seamount between Terceira and São Miguel with hydrothermal vents and rare marine habitats. No recent confirmed surface eruption; notable for diving, fishing and scientific research into underwater volcanism and ecosystems.

Formigas Islets

Small rocky islets and submerged volcanic pinnacles east of Santa Maria formed by volcanic activity. No historical eruptions; protected marine area popular for boat trips, seabird watching and diving over volcanic foundations.

Princess Alice Bank

Underwater bank near Faial–Pico channel with seamount origins and rich fisheries. Not known for historic eruptions; valued for deep-sea biodiversity and seasonal fishing trips. Access limited to boats and research vessels.

Madeira volcanic complex

Madeira is an eroded shield volcano island with Miocene–Pliocene volcanism; activity is prehistoric. Rugged peaks and lava-formed cliffs are highly visitable via roads and trails, prized for viewpoints and cultural sites on volcanic terrain.

Porto Santo volcano

Small, older shield volcano forming Porto Santo island with sandy beaches and eroded volcanic cones. No historical eruptions; island is a popular tourist destination with easy access to volcanic viewpoints and geological interpretation.

Selvagens Islands complex

Remote volcanic islets south of Madeira made of ancient eruptions and rugged cliffs. Activity is prehistoric; strict protection limits visits—attractions include seabird colonies, dramatic volcanic geology, and restricted scientific access.

Monchique volcanic complex

Ancient Miocene volcanic massif in western Algarve with intrusive bodies, hot springs and distinctive landscapes. No historic eruptions; valued for hiking, thermal springs and studies of Portugal’s deep volcanic past.

Graciosa Pico do Facho

Prominent peak on Graciosa offering sweeping island views and evidence of past stratovolcanic construction. No recorded historical eruptions; accessible by short walks and informative panels about local volcanism.

Terceira, Caldeiras das Cinco Pistas

Cluster of nested calderas and eruptive centers across Terceira illustrating complex island building. No recent eruptions recorded at these centers; accessible by country roads and trails, showcasing volcanic soils and diverse landscapes.

Faial Monte da Guia

Coastal tuff cone guarding Horta harbor formed by explosive surtseyan activity. No historic eruptions; a short walk provides great coastal views and interpretation of the island’s volcanic coastal processes.

Volcanoes in Other Countries