PLACE · LANDSCAPE · EXPERIENCE
Why this place matters
The geosite features basalt columns around 15-20 metres high extending for roughly 220 metres. Their prismatic jointing is linked to an older basaltic lava flow from the Pico Alto Volcanic Complex, with polygonal forms visible on the top of the outcrop. Maloás reveals another side of the island: spectacular geology that can be read directly in the shapes of the basalt. A waterfall drops over a vast basalt-column outcrop here, creating a landscape where water exposes the structure of the lava itself.
The relationship between waterfall, columns and coastal relief explains why the site has genuine geological value, not just scenic appeal. After rain, suitable footwear matters and the viewpoint should never be approached at the expense of safety. Natural sites in the Azores work best when chosen around weather rather than a fixed checklist. Keep a town or coastal fallback when visibility drops, and save the major viewpoints for clearer windows.
Yes, although a short stop may not give enough time to understand the landscape. Suitable footwear, water and rain protection are sensible basics where terrain is uneven. This is a place to read as much as to photograph. The geosite is near Malbusca, in the Santo Espírito area.
