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PRC33SMI

Atalho dos Vermelhos

São Miguel

Closed

Temporarily closed.

Status checked 25 July 2026

Type
Walking trail
Route
Circular
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
5.4 km
Duration
2 h
Elevation
106–289 m

The trail

Atalho dos Vermelhos is a 5.4-kilometre circuit from João Bom and is temporarily closed. The closure prevents use of every access and removes the route from current walking plans. When available, it descends from the rest area along Rua da Relvinha, leaving the small settlement for a landscape of farms, pasture and walled tracks.

Beyond a gate, the line approaches the cliff and opens views towards Mosteiros, its islets and São Miguel’s north-west coast. Native vegetation occupies some banks, and the area is important for seabirds. A water-collection point adds another sensitive use of the land. The route turns around Pico de Mafra, alternating woodland with exposed ground before orienting inland again.

A fountain precedes the return to João Bom and the completion of a medium circuit normally estimated at two hours. Its identity comes from the combination of agricultural slope, Atlantic panorama and a small volcanic height. Rain and ground instability have affected paths on this coast, but no cause is assigned here to the present closure. A future visit should be considered only after an explicit reopening and a new condition check.

Directions

Do not enter Atalho dos Vermelhos while it is closed. The circuit leaves the João Bom rest area along Rua da Relvinha, passes through a gate into agricultural ground and descends towards coastal viewpoints. It goes by the water-collection area, circles Pico de Mafra and turns inland on forest paths, passing a fountain before finishing in the village. If reopened, confirm that the full route is signed, close gates and stay on the marked line. The full 5.4-kilometre route remains closed; choose another open trail and reconsider this itinerary only after reopening has been expressly confirmed.

Safety

The route is temporarily closed; do not cross gates, fencing or notices to reach its viewpoints. Wait for reopening and check the condition on the day. On any future walk, rain may make soil and slopes slippery. Respect the water-collection point, livestock, native vegetation and the area sensitive for seabirds. Even after reopening, carry a charged phone and, in an emergency, call 112 with PRC33SMI and the number of the last route post seen.

Official coordinates

Start
37.893337, -25.790702
End
37.893337, -25.790702
Elevation profile106–289 m
0 km5.4 km
GPSgpxGoogle Earthkmz
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