PICO
The Grey Island
The extensive lava fields that dot the landscape of the island, and that locals calls lajidos or terras de biscoito (cookie land) according to their plain or irregularity, serve as the motto chosen for the color grey of the island. And also the corrals of the vineyard, the maroiços on agricultural land, the paths walls, trails and land divisions refer to this tone, interspersed with green vegetation.
The huge volcanic cone of Pico Mountain rises majestic, cutting the blue of the sky or allowing itself to be rolled in a protective blanket of clouds. To the east of this massive volcano, the island stretches in a long volcanic ridge, with lush patches of endemic flora and green pastures, where are about two hundred small basaltic scoria cones and about twenty lakes. These and other bodies of water, including ponds and bog lands more or less flooded, serve as habitat for the residents and migratory birds, like the grey heron.
Interactive Trail Map
Calheta do Nesquim
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Medium
Extension - 8.6 km
Time average - 2h30
This small circular route starts and ends in front of the church of Calheta do Nesquim, village with a rich tradition in the history of the Azorean Whale Chasing. Here, you can visit the House of the Whaling Boats, now a local museum of great interest. The trail is done counterclockwise and has a small detour to the harbor of Feiteira, a recreation area with natural swimming pools.
After enjoying this lovely place, follow the marks and you will begin a climb along a narrow road until reaching the regional road. Here, follow right and soon after, turn left continuing climbing until Rua dos Fetais. There, follow West where you can profit from a beautiful view to Pedra Aguda and to Cabeço do Silvado (geological formation).
Walking down towards the center of the village, you will pass by roads covered with Australian Cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum), and, close by the sea, you will enter a road between vineyards and also a Whale Observation Point, continuing towards the sea.
On the coastal area, you will find another bathing area, Poça das Mujas. Finally, continue alongside Moinho do Mourricão until the church, ending point of this trail.
Caminho das Lagoas
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 22 km
Time average - 7h
This trail is a journey through the island’s interior and its pure state.
The trail begins at Estrada Transversal, nearby the forest services’ house, and ends in the parish of Ribeirinha.
Along the trail, you will find the lakes of Caiado, Lagoa Seca, Lagoas do Peixinho, Lagoa do Paúl, among others. There are also some high-altitude pastures.
When taking this trail, you will also go through the Caveiro Nature Reserve.
In this area, there are mosses and rushes (Sphagnum sp., Eleocharis multicaulis and Juncus sp.), holly (Ilex perado ssp.azorica) and Azores Juniper (Juniperus brevifolia).
As regards fauna, you will find the Western Azores Goldcrest (Regulus regulus inermis), blackbirds (Turdus merula azorensis), woodcocks (Scolopax rusticola), among others.
When visibility is good it is possible to see the islands of São Jorge and Terceira.
This trail is not recommended in foggy days.
Caminho das Voltas
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 5.8 km
Time average - 2h
This short trail begins at the Terra Alta viewpoint, between the parishes of Ribeirinha and Santo Amaro and ends in the centre of Santo Amaro. It starts with a footpath which leads down through a wood, where Victorian box (Pittosporum undulatum) is the predominant species. On the way you will come across the remains of vineyard corrals and small bridges of carved stone which indicate the importance that this route once had when it was the main link to Ponta da Ilha.
After leaving the forest, you will go through an area of small fields, most of which are used for the small-scale vine growing which is typical of Pico Island. In this area, on your left, you will find an abandoned building, which was once a small local butter factory and which still houses the butter-making equipment.
As you approach the coast, turn off the main path to the Baía do Canto, a small leisure resort by the sea, surrounded by local wine cellars. Then return to the main path and follow the coast via a tarmac road leading to the centre of Santo Amaro. You will pass the Parque da Furada, a picnic area, and, in Santo Amaro (the old ship building centre of the archipelago), you can visit the Maritime Museum of Naval Construction and the Craft School.
Caminho dos Burros: Vertente Norte
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Medium
Extension - 8.9 km
Time average - 3h30m
This trail starts next to the lane of Caminho das Lagoas in the central highlands of the island.
After walking 500m along the lane turn right to along a shortcut near Cabeços do Mistério. After 1km you will descend on to a narrower path which has denser vegetation. Note the presence of an important group of the endemic Euphorbia stygiana and large stretches of Sphagnum here.
When you reach the road turn right, and shortly after turn left on to a gravel trail. A little further ahead, you have the option to head to São Miguel Arcanjo or to the Bay of Canas. The route to São Miguel Arcanjo is a dirt trail that runs for approximately 3 km.
If you choose the route to the Bay of Canas, walk for 1.7 km and then turn left at a path lined with Australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum), acacias (Acacia sp.) and Azores laurel (Laurus azorica), that will guide you to the Prainha Forest Park. From here, follow the markings and continue along dirt lane until you reach the end of the route – the Bay of Canas.
Caminhos de Santa Luzia
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Medium
Extension - 10.5 km
Time average - 3h
This trail begins at Miraguaia (Santa Luzia), ends at the Church of Santa Luzia and takes around 3h.
It begins on a descent to the sea on a path through a landscape of vineyards, part of UNESCO World Heritage, and goes as far as Lajido. On the way you will see many signs of track marks left in the lava by the ox carts that used to carry wine.
In Lajido a visit to the museum is worthwhile and there are some interesting geological formations to be seen in the area.
The path then begins to climb and goes through Forno dos Frades, another interesting place worth seeing. About 3km after beginning the climb you will come to the main regional road, which the trail then follows, on your left, for about 500 m, until you reach the church of Santa Luzia.
At the church turn right, as signposted, and the trail will continue on beaten earth between woods of wood white (Picconia azorica), heather (Erica azorica) and incense (Pittosporum undulatum), among other plant species.
As you can see from the map, this second part of the route is circular and ends at the Church of Santa Luzia, which you passed earlier.
The trail goes through a Protected Landscape Area.
Walkers are asked not to pick fruit on any part of the trail.
Ladeira dos Moinhos
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 3.4 km
Time average - 1h15m
This small circular route begins near an old bridge close to the Igreja Matriz de São Roque [São Roque Mother Church]. Start by going up the asphalt road and, after 80m, turn right onto a cobbled steep road near a stream.
During this initial climb, you will come across several old mills.
After 1.2 km, you turn right on the asphalt road and walk for 700m, enjoying the views to the village of São Roque.
Turn right once and descend along a watercourse and on narrow path, alongside a small wall, to the beginning of this route.
Lagoa do Capitão
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Medium
Extension - 9.3 km
Time average - 3h
This route begins in the central highlands of the island, next to the road of Estrada Transversal.
Start the route on the asphalt road which leads to Lagoa do Capitão [Capitan’s Lake]. Visit the lake and then take the dirt trail on the right. This path is flanked by endemic species, especially large Azores junipers (Juniperus brevifolia).
After 3 km, the trail will skirt the Piquinho Summit, with views over the north coast of the island.
Go back and continue down the gravel path for 400m, and turn right onto pasture land. Follow the markings and enter a shortcut amid endemic vegetation. A little further ahead, go down the cobbled, steep slope. As the altitude decreases, the vegetation turns into Australian cheesewood.
Upon leaving the vegetation, turn right into a picnic area. Then descend towards Cais do Pico to the Convento de São Pedro de Alcântara [St. Peter of Alcântara’s Convent], the end of this route.
Mistérios do Sul do Pico
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 8.5 km
Time average - 3h
The trail “Mistérios do Sul do Pico” begins at the Parque florestal de São João and passes the two Mysteries (São João and Silveira). Historically the name Mysteries (“Mistérios”) was applied to the lava fields created by volcanic eruptions that formed the islands. The first inhabitants had no idea how they were formed and therefore began calling them mysteries of nature.
Follow the beaten dirt track to the right of the picnic and barbecue area and then follow the dirt path to your left. This path will lead you to the tidal pool known as “Baía do Arruda” (on the left).
Continue along this path and you will find the recreation and swimming area of “Ponta do Admouro”.Go down the stone stairs to this area and return to the road though the main entrance.
Continuing to your right you will reach the tidal pool of “Verdoso”. Follow the stairs down to the tidal pool and enjoy the direct access to the ocean.
Return to the road and continue until you reach the swimming area of “Arinhas”.
Further along you will arrive at the “Casa do Pico and Pico Cheese Museum, property of “Alvião”.
Follow the road in your right until you reach the church “Igreja de São João” and the chapel of the “Império do Espírito Santo”, Empire of the Holy Ghost. Continue along the road next to the ocean, and then follow the “Caminho Velho” walking trail which will take you to the “Moinho da Ponta Rasa”, a water mill.
Continue to your right towards Lajes. Further along follow the dirt path to the right. This area is known as the Mystery of Silveira (“Mistério da Silveira”), a formation which resulted from the volcanic eruption of 1720. Follow the dirt road and enter a path that runs along the coast. Return to the road and continue along, until you reach a swimming area known as “Fonte”. This local is well known for the unique features of the spring water found here.
Continue the hike along the coastal path and you will come upon the “Rego” tidal poll as well as a small recreational area. Next you will pass a tourist resort. Detour and follow the lane “Canada Pau Rodrigues”. When you reach the regional road (Estrada Regional), turn right as the trail will end at the Chapel, “Capela do Espírito Santo”. It was built in 1723 to fulfill the promise made at the time of the eruption in 1720, so the eruption would not cover the area of “Silveira”.
Nove Canadas da Ribeirinha
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 8.7 km
Time average - 4h 00m
This trail begins on the regional road in Terra Alta in the village of Ribeirinha.
Start by going down a path lined with Australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum), fire trees (Morella faya), Azores laurel (Laurus azorica) and holly (Ilex azorica subsp. azorica). After 1km you will reach an asphalt road which leads to the Alto dos Cedros Viewpoint, from where you will see part of the north coast of Pico and the island of São Jorge.
The route includes several paths in this village and passes through the centre of Ribeirinha to the quay of Baixa. Take the road along the sea for 1 km and, near a house, turn left onto a footpath and, immediately afterwards, turn right onto a narrow path lined with Azores heather (Erica azorica) that will lead you up to a road.
Keep left for 400m and turn left onto the path leading down to Ponta das Trombetas. Turn right and walk the last metres of this route over rock until you reach the Quay of Calhau.
Porto Calhau - Manhenha
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Hard
Extension - 6 km
Time average - 3h
This route starts at the Quay of Calhau in the village of Piedade in the east of the island.
Start by climbing the asphalt road for 200m and turn left on to the lane that passes through the 1854 Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Cima da Rocha [Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock]. Then follow the markings on the ground for about 2 km which will lead you through vineyards and past old houses.
Continue along the path by the sea over basaltic rock - note the uneven surface. After walking for approximately 1.5 km, climb a stairway and take a gravel path to the houses of Engrade. Here you can proceed directly to Manhenha or continue on this route by turning left.If you choose to go directly to Manhenha, take the asphalt road to the lighthouse.
Otherwise, turn left on the trail which passes by a few bays on the left to the Manhenha Lighthouse. Upon reaching the asphalt road, continue for 700m to the Quay of Manhenha, where this route ends.
Prainha do Norte
Category - Circular
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 7.8 km
Time average - 2h30
This short circular route begins in the garden at the centre of Prainha do Norte.
First climb up a lane which crosses small cultivated fields until you come to a tunnel, which leads to a path called the “Caminho da Ribeira de Nossa Senhora”, where there is a group of houses, most of which have been abandoned, lying on the opposite bank of the stream which runs alongside the path. Beautiful stone bridges have been built across the stream, giving access to the first houses built in this area, which today are part of the Non-movable Heritage of Pico Island.
The trial continues along small lanes and goes down to the Baía da Areia, the only sandy beach on the island, which gives its name to the Parish. Here you will find the “casa do fio”, the building which was used for the submarine telecommunications cable which played a key role in transatlantic communication.
Beyond this point, the trail follows the coastline and goes past the Chapel of São Pedro until it reaches a bathing spot, where a natural swimming pool is formed among the basalt rocks.
A little further on, before returning, one can see the beautiful Rocha do Galo (“Cockerel’s Rock”), shaped by sea erosion.
Now you just have to go along the final stretch within the Parish which will take you back to the point of departure.
Vinhas da Criação Velha
Category - Linear
Difficulty - Easy
Extension - 6.9 km
Time average - 2h
This linear route connects the village of Candelária to the place of Areia Larga, municipality of Madalena.
Distinguished in 2011 by BootsnAll, this trail stands out for its scenic and cultural diversity. It thrives in an area of Protected Landscape for the Vine Culture, one of the most emblematic of the island, including a great active vineyard area, where the walls streaking is in perfect state of preservation. Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO since 2004, this trail is rich in elements associated to the vine culture such as ´”rola-pipas” (carved slopes to enable the sliding of the wine barrels to the boats), “relheiras” (tracks left by the wheels of the ox carts), the shelter houses, the wine cellars, the tide wells, among others.
Begin the trail at Porto do Calhau and continue near the coast passing by a tide well, typical from this island, representing the adjustment of the inhabitants in the conquest of the elements and from where they remove the brackish water for domestic use or for the vineyards.
Proceed along the road passing by Porto do Pocinho, where again you will find a tide well and a picnic area. From here the trail goes round the hill by the right. Profit this high ground area of the trekking to enjoy the view over the vineyards but also the islets of Madalena.
Follow the marks again until near the coast, passing by the bathing area of Laja das Rosas, entering in the typical area of Pico’s vineyards. Along this trail pay attention to the “relheiras” but also to the windmill Moinho do Frade, rebuilt in 2003/2004, used for the grain milling. Arriving to the road, where you should follow right, do not miss a good example of a “Rola-Pipas”.
The trail proceed near the sea, passing by Solar dos Limas and by Solar dos Salemas until ending near the restaurant Ancoradouro at Porto da Areia Larga. Along the trail we ask the hikers not to collect fruit.