Category: Nature > Beach
District: Açores > Horta > Castelo Branco
Morro do Castelo Branco is located on Faial Island, more specifically in the parish of Castelo Branco, municipality of Horta. This unique landscape feature is situated on the island's southwest coast, connected to the main landmass by a narrow strip of land that makes it particularly distinctive. Its coastal position offers expansive views over the Atlantic, contributing to its natural and captivating beauty.
This remarkable formation is the result of a coastal volcanic eruption that occurred approximately 30,000 years ago, giving rise to a prominent volcanic dome. Its composition, rich in trachytic rock, gives its walls a whitish coloration, visible from a distance. It is this characteristic, combined with its lofty shape that evokes the image of a medieval castle, that gave rise to its name: "Castelo Branco" (White Castle). Over millennia, the constant action of the sea has sculpted its silhouette, making it a living testament to the geological dynamics of the Azores.
Morro do Castelo Branco is recognized as an important wildlife site, serving as a crucial refuge for various species of seabirds that find a safe nesting place there. Species such as the Cory's shearwater and the common tern are regular visitors, taking advantage of the area's isolation. Local vegetation also includes endemic species, such as heather. This is a site of great tranquility, ideal for nature observation and enjoying a serene environment. It is important to note that, in order to preserve this sensitive ecosystem and for safety reasons, climbing the hill is not permitted.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.5252947,-28.7474996
Coordinates DMS: 38°31'31.1"N 28°44'51.0"W
Weather Castelo Branco
On-duty Pharmacy Castelo Branco
