On 23 November 2014, Pico do Fogo erupted for the first time in nearly twenty years. Over the following weeks lava swallowed most of the two villages inside the crater, destroying homes, vineyards and the visitor centre. Remarkably, nobody died — and just as remarkably, people moved back.
What happened
The eruption began from a vent on the flank of Pico do Fogo, inside the Chã das Caldeiras crater. Lava advanced slowly but relentlessly toward the villages of Portela and Bangaeira. Residents were evacuated in time, but over the following weeks the flows buried houses, the school, the winery and hectares of vineyard. Activity continued into February 2015.
What you see today
The lava field is now the crater's defining feature: a vast expanse of black, jagged rock, in places still visibly steaming in the years after the eruption. Roofs and walls of buried buildings protrude at odd angles, and you can walk over the flow with a guide. It is a genuinely extraordinary landscape and, for many visitors, more affecting than the summit climb itself.
How the community rebuilt
The government initially discouraged resettlement, but the crater community — whose families had farmed this soil for generations — returned and rebuilt on and beside the new lava. Houses, guesthouses and a replacement winery went up, vines were replanted, and tourism resumed. Talking to residents about that decision is one of the most memorable parts of staying in the crater.
Is it safe to visit?
Fogo is an active volcano and is monitored, with previous eruptions in 1995 and 1951 among others. Visiting is considered safe under normal conditions, and guides follow official guidance. As with any active volcano, follow local advice and do not wander onto unstable ground alone.
Frequently asked questions
When did Fogo last erupt?
The most recent major eruption began on 23 November 2014 and continued into February 2015, burying much of the villages of Portela and Bangaeira.
Did anyone die in the 2014 Fogo eruption?
No. Residents were evacuated in time, though homes, the school, the winery and extensive vineyards were destroyed.
Can you visit the lava field on Fogo?
Yes — guides lead visitors across the 2014 flow in Chã das Caldeiras, where buried buildings are still visible protruding from the rock.
Is it safe to visit Fogo volcano?
Under normal conditions yes. The volcano is monitored and guides follow official guidance, but you should always follow local advice.