Agrião

A linear route hugging the coast, the Agrião connects the Povoação to Ribeira Quente and passes by Lomba do Cavaleiro along the way. For many years it was the route used by those working the fertile lands of the Agrião area and continues to serve as a passage for the Lenten processions that traverse the island.

Begin in the bathing area of Povoação. If the sea is calm and the beach is clear, you can follow the beach and pass under the Iron Bridge before reaching the road; this century-old structure, spanning the Ribeira dos Pelames, provides shelter for several Azores wood pigeons (Columba palumbus azorica). If the weather is poor or the tide is high, prefer the climb via the road and, once past the bridge, make a small detour to the left towards the stream.

Returning to the main path, gain elevation via the road (EN1-1A) until you find a left turn towards Lomba do Cavaleiro. On that shortcut it’s worth stopping for the view over Tronqueira/Graminhais. Near the second panel, the trail leaves the tarmac and descends via an earth path to the Ribeira do Agrião, which should be crossed carefully, especially after rainy days.

From here the route climbs, crossing a forest dominated by pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) and acacias (Acacia melanoxylon), among other species. Always parallel to the coast and heading towards Ribeira Quente, it passes by Ponta do Garajau, a private property and viewpoint from where, on clear days, you can see the island of Santa Maria and the Ermida de Santa Rita. The walk ends near the port of Ribeira Quente, a good time to explore the parish.