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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.
