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PR04GRA

Das Vinhas ao Mar

Graciosa

Open

Acores9 currently marks this trail as open.

Status checked 25 July 2026

Type
Walking trail
Route
Point to point
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
6.6 km
Duration
2 hr 30 min
Elevation
10–48 m

The trail

Das Vinhas ao Mar crosses the rural landscape of northern Graciosa before reaching the coast at Ponta da Barca. The route begins beside the former Bom Jesus school and a nineteenth-century fountain, then follows Caminho Barroso among houses. A dirt track enters vineyard plots protected by basalt walls and passes old wineries, traces of farming adapted to wind and stone.

At Achada, a windmill and reservoir precede a second group of vineyard enclosures. The walk descends to Baía do Forno and reaches the Ponta da Barca lighthouse near Whale Islet. From there it follows coves and places frequented by seabirds, passing further vineyards beside the airport. The final section crosses uneven basalt and leads to the Barro Vermelho bathing area. The route connects agricultural heritage, rural architecture and an indented shoreline, showing how stone walls organise cultivation almost to the edge of the Atlantic.

Whale Islet and the lighthouse form the principal visual landmark on the coast, while Barro Vermelho provides a low finish beside the sea. Between them, successive coves and bays keep the walk closely tied to basalt relief. This final section balances the cultivated geometry of the vineyards with a far less regular shoreline.

Directions

Start at the former Bom Jesus school, pass the fountain and follow Caminho Barroso. Enter the dirt track through vineyard enclosures and old wineries, continuing to the windmill and reservoir at Achada. Cross the second vineyard area and descend to Baía do Forno and the Ponta da Barca lighthouse. Follow the coast and plots beside the airport, cross the marked basalt and finish at Barro Vermelho. Arrange return transport. After the vineyards beside the airport, locate the waymarks across the basalt before the final road spur.

Safety

Respect vineyard plots, walls and crops, using only marked passages. The coast has uneven basalt, exposed coves and sections close to cliffs; wear sturdy footwear, keep back from edges and avoid the route in heavy swell or strong wind. Do not enter ruined wineries. Observe seabirds from a distance and never approach resting or nesting areas.

Official coordinates

Start
39.083039, -28.039120
End
39.095433, -28.029277
Elevation profile10–48 m
0 km6.6 km
GPSgpxGoogle Earthkmz
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