This is the westernmost part of Europe, which is situated on the island of Faial. The eruption of Capelinhos took place in 1957 and it lasted for 13 months. While the eruption enlarged the island by 2.4km (you can see the new piece of land below in the photos), it destroyed 300 houses and caused the evacuation of 4000 people. Most of them moved to the USA or Canada.

The lighthouse is an iconic symbol on the island – it is all that remains from volcanic eruption of 1957.

You can see the volcanic effect upon the land. It feels like walking on the moon…

We decided to see the place from further up, which meant that we had to climb these steps. There were precisely 160 steps!!!

But it was worth it…

And we were treated to some other magnificent views…

Published by natalyadrian

I am a writer, a teacher, a translator and a digital nomad. View all posts by natalyadrian