Corvo: Caldeirão, Birdlife and Windmills

On Corvo, the Caldeirão, natural pastures, dark stone walls and a coastline with the island’s only sandy beach shape the landscape. Since 2007, Corvo has been classified as a biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s MAB Programme. There are several ways to plan your trip, with a focus on volcanic landscapes, birdwatching, traditional architecture or the coast.

Caldeirão: crater, lagoons and island landscape

Corvo is a volcanic island with a caldera at its summit, the Caldeirão. The crater is 300 metres deep and 2.3 kilometres in diameter. From the Caldeirão viewpoint, you can look down into the crater. It contains a wetland system and two lagoons.

The landscape beyond this geological feature is also distinctive: natural pastures and dark stone walls characterise Corvo. The walls separate the properties. Together, the pastures and stonework give the landscape a clear structure.

Routes and getting around

Two routes can be distinguished by their layout and destinations. The linear PR01COR Cara do Índio route connects the important geosites of Caldeirão and Vila do Corvo. It ends at Praia da Areia, where visitors can swim in the Atlantic. Swimming conditions may vary by season. The circular PRC02COR Caldeirão route leads to a collapse caldera on Corvo’s central volcano.

Another geographic landmark is the port of Casa, on the island’s south coast. From the historic centre of Vila do Corvo, you can reach the Corvo Wild Birds Interpretation Centre via Largo do Outeiro, Rua do Outeiro and the path known as Canada do Graciosa. If you plan to use this access route, check local route information before your visit, as details may change.

Birdlife and experiences around Corvo

The Corvo Wild Birds Interpretation Centre presents Corvo as a place of major international importance for birdwatching. Several multimedia devices provide information about the nature park and the birdlife of the Azores. The centre is also home to Corvo’s last windmill.

A boat trip around Corvo reveals areas of the island that are otherwise inaccessible. Visitors may spot seabirds and marine animals such as dolphins or whales. Sightings vary by season and are not guaranteed; the trip’s availability depends on local operators and conditions.

Traditional architecture and island culture

The domes and triangular sails of Corvo’s windmills continually turn to face the wind. The mills are made of black stone and show influences from Mediterranean architectural styles. The basalt-built palheiros were used to store farm tools and livestock fodder.

The feast of the island’s patron saint is celebrated at Nossa Sr.ª dos Milagres Church on 15 August. The church houses a 16th-century statue of the saint. The picnic area includes Corvo’s largest orchard, with orange, guava, plum, pear and banana trees. The composition of the orchard may change over time.

Praia da Areia and its distinctive sand

Praia da Areia is the only sandy beach on Corvo. Its fine grains of sand come from the decomposition of volcanic rocks and ash, as well as from the many small shells of marine animals. Along with the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic, this makes the beach a distinctive feature of the island’s coastline.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Vila do Corvo, Pico, Flores, Graciosa, Faja De Baixo, S.Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira.

For the main travel overview: Azores.