Comprido Port

Category: Nature > Swimming Zone

District: Açores > Horta > Capelo > Porto do Comprido

Location

Porto do Comprido is located on Faial Island, in the parish of Capelo, within the municipality of Horta. This site is situated in a unique area on the island's southwest coast, in close proximity to the imposing Capelinhos Volcano. Its position offers a remarkable perspective on the surrounding volcanic landscape, with the volcano and its lighthouse dominating the horizon to the west, and the Verde and Fogo hills to the east. This natural setting bestows upon Porto do Comprido an environment of great beauty and a distinctive geological character.

Whaling Heritage

This port holds a profound connection to the whaling history of the Azores. Since the 19th century, Porto do Comprido played a central role in whaling activities, serving as a departure point for whaling boats that sailed from here for the perilous task. During the golden age of whaling, especially in the 1940s, it was one of the most important whaling stations in southern Faial, hosting vessels from various islands. To explore this heritage, the Casa dos Botes do Capelo (Capelo's Boat House), a museum space adjacent to the port, offers a deeper understanding of this fascinating period of Azorean history, displaying artifacts and information about the life of whalers.

Volcanic Origin Pools

Porto do Comprido is characterized by its natural pools, formed by basaltic rocks that resulted from the solidification of lava flows into the sea. These rock formations create sheltered, charming bays, where the dark hue of the volcanic rock strikingly contrasts with the intense blue of the Atlantic. The waters are clear and of mild temperature, inviting relaxing swims. The rich marine life present makes this a popular spot for snorkeling. It is important to note that, being natural formations, the pools do not have shallow areas, making them more suitable for those who already know how to swim.

Scenic Setting

The experience of visiting Porto do Comprido is greatly enriched by its unique scenic setting. The possibility of enjoying a swim or simply contemplating the landscape with a dormant volcano nearby is truly unique. The surrounding landscape, shaped by the telluric force of the Capelinhos Volcano, offers views of great visual impact and a feeling of deep connection with nature. This is a particularly photogenic location, especially at the end of the day, when the colors of the sunset transform the landscape, creating a spectacle of rare and memorable hues.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt