Top 7 Caves around Campanário

The caves around Campanário primarily consist of man-made tunnels along levadas and natural formations connecting to beaches. You'll find adventurous tunnel passages, some leading to waterfalls, and coastal caves offering unique access to the sea.

The caves in this region, particularly at Calhau da Lapa, are unique due to their historical use by fishermen and sea traders, carved into gigantic volcanic cliffs. This secluded coastal area, only accessible by boat or a steep descent, offers a dramatic landscape and a glimpse into traditional island life.

Yes, the caves at Calhau da Lapa hold significant historical value. Centuries ago, these natural formations were used by sea traders as shelters and by fishermen to store tools and nets, predating modern roads when sea transport was essential for coastal movement.

Visitors often enjoy the Levada Nova Tunnel and Waterfall, which requires a headlamp for an adventurous passage to a waterfall. Another popular spot is the Poças do Gomes Tunnel, a well-lit passage connecting a restaurant to a stone beach, offering cool temperatures and sea views.

Calhau da Lapa is a secluded area not accessible by car. You can reach it either by boat or on foot via a steep descent of about 700 steps. While the site remains beautiful, it's important to note that the historic cave houses were closed for repairs and maintenance as of late 2025 due to rockfall risks, with no scheduled reopening date.

For many of the tunnel caves, a headlamp is essential, as some passages can be dark. Waterproof shoes with good soles are also highly recommended, especially for tunnels like the Tunnel and Waterfall on PR17 Levada do Paul II, which can be wet and uneven.

Some caves, like the Poças do Gomes Tunnel, are well-lit and relatively short, making them accessible for families. However, others, particularly those along levadas, may involve uneven terrain, wet conditions, or require headlamps, so check specific highlight details for suitability.

Yes, many of the caves are integrated into hiking routes, especially those along the levadas. You can find various hiking options in the area, including routes like the 'Levada do Norte – View of Campanário loop' or the 'View of Ribeira Brava Valley – Levada Bridge over the Gorge loop'. For more details, explore the Hiking around Campanário guide.

The caves can generally be visited year-round. However, for outdoor exploration and hiking to reach some of the more secluded cave areas, spring and autumn offer milder temperatures. Always check the weather forecast, especially if planning to descend to coastal caves or traverse wet tunnels.

While some specific highlights, like the Poças do Gomes Tunnel, are connected to restaurants, many cave locations are more remote. It's advisable to carry water and snacks, especially for longer explorations. For more substantial options, you'll typically need to head to nearby towns or villages.

Many of the outdoor trails and levadas in the Campanário region are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the natural surroundings with your pet. However, specific cave interiors or very narrow, wet tunnels might not be suitable for all dogs. Always keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife. Check the Hiking around Campanário guide for routes.

Visitors frequently highlight the adventurous nature of the tunnel passages, often recommending a headlamp for the darker sections. They appreciate the unique experience of discovering hidden waterfalls at tunnel exits and the refreshing coolness inside the caves, especially on warm days. The dramatic coastal scenery and historical context of places like Calhau da Lapa are also highly valued.