Gruta do Natal
Gruta do Natal
4
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The Gruta do Natal, a cave consisting of a lava tube, is a wonder for its extensive, straight, long passages. The walls, ground and ceiling have different colours and shapes, transforming the cave into a mystic place.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
157 reviews
Excellent
62
Very good
58
Average
26
Poor
7
Terrible
4
donaldjohn4
Simcoe, Canada123 contributions
Jan 2020
I love caves and have seen 100s and we made a special trip to see this one but this was a disappointment. I know this “cave” was made by lava but there really isn’t much to see for you 8 euros. It’s poorly lit and you have very little access to the entire area. I would not recommend.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ivanh453
Saskatoon, Canada98 contributions
Feb 2020
Did a cave tour booked with Expedia. Awesome time. It was with Pro Island tours, excellent guide, Antonio. He first took us to a lava tube that was not on any maps, off the grid, then to Gruta do Natal, again very cool. Then to Algar do Carvao inside the volcano, which was totally amazing, a must see.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
Paris, Canada85 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
The tubes are amazing to walk through. They give you a hard hat for a reason. At one point the tube is less than 4 feet high. There is a railing that assists you getting through this spot.
Buy the combined ticket to save money and then go visit the caves. Two totally different experiences.
Buy the combined ticket to save money and then go visit the caves. Two totally different experiences.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
monaHungary
Piliscsaba, Hungary951 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
My feelings are rather mixed on this visit.
On the one hand it is a unique and exciting experience. On the other I've learned from our knowledgeable tour guide Juca (TRILHAS Outdoor Adventure Tours) that letting light into the home of darkness changes the natural flora. Though opening hours are limited one can still discover the impact of the artificial lighting inside (see green vegetation around light sources).
Please also be aware that touching any surface in the caves might cause serious consequences. It might take even 50 years to recover....
Be a good tourist and help to preserve our planet's natural treasures :)
On the one hand it is a unique and exciting experience. On the other I've learned from our knowledgeable tour guide Juca (TRILHAS Outdoor Adventure Tours) that letting light into the home of darkness changes the natural flora. Though opening hours are limited one can still discover the impact of the artificial lighting inside (see green vegetation around light sources).
Please also be aware that touching any surface in the caves might cause serious consequences. It might take even 50 years to recover....
Be a good tourist and help to preserve our planet's natural treasures :)
Written June 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
djglobetrotting
New York City, NY79 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
We knew we wanted to visit the famous sister, Algar do Carvao, but when we learnt about Gruta do Natal, we were interested to visit it before going to A d Carvao, this turned out to be the right decision. The Christmas Cave provided a basic understanding of the cave system in the Azores, and gave us time to walk/crawl/stare our way around without the presence of many people. By the time we left (after 20-30 mins of exploring), we felt a new sense of appreciate of the power of nature. Which, of course, continued to escalate when we proceeded to A d Carvao later that afternoon.
In summary, visit Gruta do Natal after going up to Serra de Santa Barbara and before going to A d Carvao. Gruta do Natal is a good in-between stop.
Mind the short opening hours!
In summary, visit Gruta do Natal after going up to Serra de Santa Barbara and before going to A d Carvao. Gruta do Natal is a good in-between stop.
Mind the short opening hours!
Written September 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika
Caracas, Venezuela9,918 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Small cave that can be visited in 15 minutes. The naturalness of the cave has been maintained without building too much inside.
Written October 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
perakash
New Jersey405 contributions
Oct 2021
This is a lava tube with some interesting exhibits but it is very dark inside. Only light comes from the backlit exhibits and its very wet and the ground uneven...I slipped and fell luckily you have to wear a a hard hat or I could have been seriously hurt. So if you go watch your step
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chickandbeast
Southgate, Canada8,694 contributions
Dec 2019
Craggy natural lava tubes of Gruta do Natal are not recommended for anyone with mobility problems or small children. Hard hats and hairnets were provided on entry.
Uneven surfaces of natural cooled lava coupled, with an area where you almost had to crawl thru the rock. Did bang my hardhat several times despite being careful. Both the floors and the ceilings naturally uneven with rapid changes means you are always off balance.
Feels like another world damp, mysterious and the lights causing the growth of plants in its direct beam. Highly recommend.
Uneven surfaces of natural cooled lava coupled, with an area where you almost had to crawl thru the rock. Did bang my hardhat several times despite being careful. Both the floors and the ceilings naturally uneven with rapid changes means you are always off balance.
Feels like another world damp, mysterious and the lights causing the growth of plants in its direct beam. Highly recommend.
Written December 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ogg12
Newburyport, MA65 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
But not in a good way. The lighting is poor and the path is jagged and treacherous--you must watch your every step.
They give you a hair net and a crash helmet which you need because you WILL hit your head.
This has the potential to be a "must see", because you are walking thru a lava tube--not an everyday opportunity. I hope someone in charge reads this cause they really need path lights.
They give you a hair net and a crash helmet which you need because you WILL hit your head.
This has the potential to be a "must see", because you are walking thru a lava tube--not an everyday opportunity. I hope someone in charge reads this cause they really need path lights.
Written April 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeavenlyRN
Boston, MA117 contributions
Dec 2017
It doesn't look like much from the outside or even when the receptionist gives you a map and instructions but once you are down in the lava tunnels it's beautiful. You need to have on good footwear because the floor of the caves is rough with lots of ridges and grooves and rigid. There are signs to educate you on the lava formations and good lighting. What they don't tell you is that you have to navigate up and down through some tiny grooves and ultimately almost squat crawl through the narrow tube at the end of the tunnel. Anyone with mobility issues should stay clear of what they call the "more natural" terrain of one of the two trails. With that said, I found the trail invigorating . Buy the combo pass and see both Alvar do Carvao and Gruta do Natal.
Written December 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
La entrada de niños pequeños (3años) está permitida/recomendada??
Written March 9, 2020
Infelizmente não posso responder isso. Por favor, pergunte através do escritório do Tourismo (+351914218008) sobre o google.
Written April 10, 2020
Hola
Marcho mañana para terceira.
La entrada se compra allí mismo? Hay guia? Se llega bien en coche?
gracias
Written August 6, 2018
Hola
La entrada se compra allí.
Se llega perfectamente en coche.
Cuando yo fui no havia visita guiada.
El recorrido no es muy largo pero es importante llevar un buen calzado.
Muy cerca esta el bosque de Misteriós negros q vale mucho la pena.
Written April 20, 2019
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