The "Furna do Enxofre" (Sulphur Cave), the major tourist attraction of Graciosa that is also part of the Island's Natural Park, registered a total of 2471 visitors in July.

The number of visitors corresponds to an increase of approximately 41% compared to same month in 2011, which registered 1748 visitors.

Several factors have contributed to this trend, particularly the investments made in the renewal of the access trails, the enhancement of protection rails and the installation of a stainless steel access handrail. These interventions have solved several problems concerning the accessibility of older people or those with reduced mobility.

The temperature levels registered last year were not reached during this summer season and the unusually cooler nights have allowed the renewal of the air inside the cave on a regular basis. Furthermore, hinged doors were installed on the access stairs, allowing partial visits to the cave in accordance with the carbon dioxide levels that are monitored on a permanent basis. For the reasons mentioned above, it was possible to reduce the period when the cave was closed due to high levels of CO2. This situation has allowed an increasing number of visitors to one of the most remarkable volcanic caves in the Azores, unique in the world.