Pinhal da Paz – São Miguel Island

The Pinhal da Paz, located in Fajã de Cima, within the municipality of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, spans 50 hectares. In addition to numerous leisure areas, it also serves as an important center for environmental education, particularly through a thematic collection of camellias, ferns, palms, and cacti of significant botanical value.

Its proximity to the urban centers of Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa makes this recreational forest reserve one of the island’s most emblematic and sought-after green spaces.

History

The park spans an area of 49 hectares and is situated 240 meters above sea level. It was established by the Regional Legislative Decree n.º 15/2000, on June 21, with the aim of creating a leisure area, featuring picnic zones with tables, benches, and barbecue facilities.

In 1998, with the goal of offering a place that reflects the beauty of the past within a natural relaxation and observation area, significant investments were made to restore the degraded property. This restoration respected both nature and the environment.

Since the new Forest Service revitalized the park, not only has it retained its traditional structure and famous species, but vitality has become one of the primary factors in Pinhal da Paz’s restoration. New endemic plant species and support facilities were introduced, including a large parking area at the park’s entrance.

Change of Names

Antonio do Canto initially developed the current park for his personal use. Gradually opening to the public, it became a part of the tourist circuit, and he named it Pinhal da Paz. In the 1970s, his heirs developed a plan to protect the natural environment of Pinhal da Paz. However, due to cost constraints, the park began to lose some of its charm and organization, nearly reverting to its original forested state.

In the early 1980s, according to Regional Decree n.º 12/82 by the Regional Government of the Azores on June 1, “Pinhal da Paz Recreational Reserve” aimed to maintain the abundant flora across its nearly 15 kilometers of trails and provide tourists with a destination for relaxation and sightseeing.

The reserve was overseen by a committee, but never fully implemented, leading to deteriorated park conditions. With respect for nature and environmental care, this park allows visitors to appreciate aspects of the past. The establishment of the New Forest Service of Ponta Delgada revitalized the park, preserving both its traditional structure and landscape.

Activities

Enjoy comfortable facilities for outdoor dining. One of the park’s main features is that all materials used today are traditional building materials to enhance the natural landscape.

The park includes a forest dissemination center, a set of thematic plants, a visitor service project, and a panoramic observation platform.

Strategically located near the cities of Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, and Lagoa, the park has been expanded to include an observation platform with views over Pico do Cascalho, part of Ponta Delgada, and the northern and southern coasts of São Miguel.

The park’s flora includes exotic Macaronesian plants and a variety of hydrangeas. Geologically, the area’s volcanic nature leads to frequent rock outcrops and pyroclastic materials, which are highly susceptible to erosion.

Opening Hours

The park operates as follows:

Winter Schedule (October 16 to April 14)

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Weekends and Holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Summer Schedule (April 15 to October 15)

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Weekends and Holidays: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Recreational Experiences for All

A 1,700-meter fitness area with six workout stations has been set up in a large pine forest dedicated to sports. A replica of a ranger’s house has been built for children, a true playhouse where they can play; nearby is a playground with slides, seesaws, and climbing ropes.

For those looking to spend the day or have a picnic, tables, benches, and barbecue facilities are available, allowing visitors to enjoy a comfortable meal outdoors. Several bathrooms, including accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility, have been constructed to ensure added comfort and hygiene.

Diverse Fauna and Flora

The flora of Pinhal da Paz includes bamboo, acacia, pine trees, as well as cacti, palm trees, ferns, camellias, and endemic plants, all in a themed area spanning over a hectare of beautiful lawns. Wildlife includes peacocks, chickens, and Indian pheasants, along with the notable Swan Lake that draws tourists.

Map

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