Caldeirão Corvo
Explore Caldeirão, a stunning volcanic crater on Corvo Island, Azores. Experience a remote paradise with dramatic landscapes and unique charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for clear skies
Caldeirão Corvo
Best Time
Best chance for clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Caldeirão, a stunning volcanic crater on Corvo Island, Azores. Experience a remote paradise with dramatic landscapes and unique charm.
"This collapsed green caldera of an extinct volcano with two lagoons on the bottom is simply beautiful."
Boat Trip Essentials
Wear waterproofs & warm layers for the 1-hour boat ride from Flores. It's windy and wet! :umbrella:
Crater Access
Minivans are available on Corvo to take you to the Caldeirão rim. Hiking up can be tough. :minibus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Caldeirão Crater
Corvo Island
Hike the rim of this immense volcanic crater, gazing down at a surreal lagoon and lush green walls.
Island Cows
Corvo Island
Encounter friendly, photogenic cows roaming freely, adding a unique charm to the dramatic volcanic landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Island Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Trip Essentials
Wear waterproofs & warm layers for the 1-hour boat ride from Flores. It's windy and wet! :umbrella:
Crater Access
Minivans are available on Corvo to take you to the Caldeirão rim. Hiking up can be tough. :minibus:
Cow Photography
The local cows are friendly models! They add a unique touch to the volcanic landscape photos. :camerawithflash:
Embrace the Silence
On a clear day, the beauty of the collapsed caldera is breathtaking. Enjoy the quiet. :ear:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Trip Essentials
Wear waterproofs & warm layers for the 1-hour boat ride from Flores. It's windy and wet! :umbrella:
Crater Access
Minivans are available on Corvo to take you to the Caldeirão rim. Hiking up can be tough. :minibus:
Cow Photography
The local cows are friendly models! They add a unique touch to the volcanic landscape photos. :camerawithflash:
Embrace the Silence
On a clear day, the beauty of the collapsed caldera is breathtaking. Enjoy the quiet. :ear:
Weather is Key
Good weather is crucial for enjoying the Caldeirão. Be flexible with your plans. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Caldeirão for its breathtaking, almost surreal volcanic beauty and the unique charm of the island's free-roaming cows. The remoteness and untouched nature are major highlights, offering a peaceful escape. However, the experience is heavily dependent on good weather, and the journey to Corvo can be challenging.
"This place is really incredible. There are cows all over the place, almost asking for a picture to be taken. There are many flavors of cows to choose from: white, brown or dark chocolate, some are a bit mokka while others might even be marshmallow-ish. No spotted cows though, but enough to choose from. They really finish the picture with the background of the landscape. Beautiful creatures, perfect models, could run as a Versace model without any doubt! Tried to have them say “cheese” before taking the shots but I guess that was a bridge too far.
Definitely one of my favorite cow-spots of the Portuguese islands, however Madeira’s fanal forest was also a nice one.
Oh yeah and the volcano is also pretty nice!"
Ewoud Van Looy
"When you are lucky enough to have a good weather, then you can just stare, and remember the words of Depeche mode iconic song, Enjoy the silence - "Words are very unnecessary..."
Yes its simply beautiful to see this collapsed green caldera of extinct volcano with two lagoons on the bottom.
Pictures can tell the all story. No needs more words.
Its absolutely worth is the way you'll make to reach this island and specially this point.
You'll not be disappointed - only weather is a key factor."
Tomi Valny
"So awesome. Go see. Cows don't want your pets but they be friendly. No need to panik."
Sara Tkacova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Corvo Island is by boat from Flores Island. The ferry trip takes about an hour and can be quite rough, so be prepared with waterproof clothing and warm layers. It's essential to check schedules and book in advance, especially during peak season.
There are no direct flights to Corvo Island. The primary access is via ferry from Flores Island.
Corvo is a very small island. Once you arrive, you can explore the main village on foot. For reaching the Caldeirão crater, minivans are available and recommended, as the hike up can be challenging.
Yes, many visitors take a day trip to Corvo from Flores. The boat ride is about an hour each way, leaving you several hours to explore the island and the Caldeirão crater.
Pack waterproof clothing, a windbreaker, and warm layers. The sea spray and wind can make the journey cold and wet, even on a sunny day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't typically a specific entrance fee for the Caldeirão crater itself. However, you will likely pay for transportation to get there, such as a minivan tour on the island.
Caldeirão is a natural site and is accessible during daylight hours. The best time to visit is when the weather is clear to appreciate the views.
There is no general admission fee to enter Corvo Island. The costs are primarily associated with travel to the island (ferry) and any local transport or tours you opt for.
While it's possible to go down into the crater, the hike is described as difficult, especially the ascent. Most visitors view the crater from the rim.
It's highly recommended to book your ferry tickets from Flores to Corvo in advance, especially during the summer months. Minivan tours on Corvo can often be arranged upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The rim of the Caldeirão crater offers stunning panoramic views. Look for vantage points that capture the lagoon below and the dramatic green slopes. The roaming cows also make for unique photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the crater. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing the cows from a distance. Don't forget a waterproof bag for your gear, given the potential for sea spray and rain.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone. Some videos show drone footage, suggesting it's possible, but always verify current restrictions.
Morning light can be beautiful, especially if there's a bit of mist adding to the mystical atmosphere. However, clear weather is paramount for good visibility.
Include elements like people or the cows in your shots to give a sense of scale. Shooting from different angles along the rim can also help convey its immense size.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Corvo is known for its unique volcanic landscape and the charming village of Vila Nova. You can explore the village, enjoy the tranquility, and appreciate the remoteness of this tiny island.
The primary activity is hiking along the rim of the Caldeirão crater. While there are paths, the terrain can be uneven and exposed.
The terrain around the Caldeirão crater is rugged and volcanic. The rim path is exposed, and the slopes are steep.
Swimming in the lagoon at the bottom of the crater is generally not recommended or feasible due to accessibility and safety. The main attraction is viewing it from above.
The most notable wildlife are the numerous cows that roam freely around the island and near the crater rim. They are generally friendly and accustomed to people.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
While the hike up can be challenging, the panoramic views are unparalleled. Beyond the crater, Corvo offers a chance to explore a truly wild and untouched environment. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The island's isolation means you can often find solitude to truly immerse yourself in nature.📸 Photographers
+1 The photogenic cows grazing near the crater rim add a charming, unique element to your portfolio. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Caldeirão
+1Reaching the rim is the primary goal for most visitors. While hiking up is possible, it can be strenuous. Many opt for local minivan tours, which provide a more accessible way to experience the breathtaking views. The contrast between the rugged volcanic slopes and the tranquil lagoon below creates a truly unique and unforgettable spectacle.
The geological significance of Caldeirão is immense, representing the island's volcanic origins. It's a place where you can truly feel the raw power of nature and appreciate the isolation and wild beauty of the Azores archipelago. The experience is often described as stepping into a fantasy movie scene.
+1Corvo Island: A Remote Gem
+1The island's main settlement, Vila Nova, is a picturesque village where life moves at a slower pace. Visitors often remark on the tranquility and the friendly nature of the locals. The island is also famous for its abundant, photogenic cows that graze freely, adding a whimsical element to the dramatic scenery.
Getting to Corvo requires a commitment, typically involving a ferry from the larger island of Flores. This journey itself is an adventure, often accompanied by strong winds and sea spray, underscoring the island's remote character. Despite the travel effort, the reward is an experience of pristine nature and a sense of stepping back in time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit