Furna de Frei Matias

Useful Information

Location:	At the western slope of the Pico Alto. Take EN3. From Madalena take the road to Lajes do Pico, turn left at the hospital. After 10 km cave signposted. A few minutes walk. Pico island.
Open:	no restrictions
Fee:	none
Classification:	lava tube
Light:	none
Dimension:	L=1040 m, W=14 m, H=7 m.
Guided tours:	none
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Accessibility:
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As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

This cave is named after a hermit, Frei Mathias (brother Mathias), who lived in this cave in fear of pirates. The cave is 1,000 m long, but most of the cave is difficult and caving equipment and experience is necessary. However, the entrance area is easy to visit and because of its loacation at the Pico Alto (2,351 m asl), which is the highest mountain of Portugal, very popular.