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PR07PIC

Caminho das Voltas

Pico

Open

Acores9 currently marks this trail as open.

Status checked 25 July 2026

Type
Walking trail
Route
Point to point
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5.8 km
Duration
2 h
Elevation
3–410 m

The trail

Caminho das Voltas descends from Terra Alta viewpoint to Santo Amaro on an old route that negotiates the hillside through a succession of bends. The first section drops into woodland dominated by Australian cheesewood, on ground that can retain moisture for long periods. Remains of vineyard plots and small carved-stone bridges appear among the vegetation, evidence of this lane's importance when it formed one of the main links toward Ponta da Ilha.

Leaving the woods, the route crosses small fields and vineyard parcels typical of Pico. Beside the path stands a building formerly used as a local butter factory, preserving part of the area's rural memory. Lower down, a detour reaches Baía do Canto, a small coastal leisure area surrounded by wine cellars. Returning to the main itinerary, the walk follows the coast by road toward Santo Amaro.

Before the parish centre it passes Parque da Furada and its picnic area. Santo Amaro was an important shipbuilding centre in the archipelago, so the finish brings the walker into a distinctly maritime setting. The trail is short and graded easy, but its continuous descent, damp woodland and linear logistics give it more character than the distance alone suggests.

Directions

Begin at Terra Alta viewpoint between Ribeirinha and Santo Amaro and enter the marked descending path. Follow its bends through woodland, passing remains of vineyard plots and small stone bridges. When the route leaves the trees, continue through fields and vines, staying with the markings near the former butter-factory building. Closer to the coast, take the marked detour to Baía do Canto if desired and return by the same access. Back on the main route, follow the coastal road, pass Parque da Furada and finish in central Santo Amaro. As the walk is linear and loses height, arrange collection at the finish or transport back to Terra Alta.

Safety

The trail is open. The wooded descent can contain mud, roots and wet stone, so wear footwear with good grip and control your pace. Do not turn it into an out-and-back without allowing for the sustained climb. On road sections, use the verge and watch for vehicles. Carry water and protection from wind and rain; at Baía do Canto, approach the water only when sea conditions allow.

Official coordinates

Start
38.445249, -28.119654
End
38.455955, -28.166458
Elevation profile3–410 m
0 km5.8 km
GPSgpxGoogle Earthkmz
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