Atalho dos Vermelhos

Circular and situated in the northwest of São Miguel, this trail develops in the place of João Bom, in the parish of Pilar da Bretanha. The starting point is a rest area next to the Regional Road. Begin by descending the street and, paying attention to the signage, turn left when passing a small shop. Shortly after you will find a small chapel on the left side and, on the right, Rua da Relvinha, which is where you should continue.

From here the path points towards the coast, along an earth track that serves the cultivated fields and pastures. Following the marks, you reach a gate that you should open and close again as you pass through; on the other side opens up a viewpoint facing the northwest of the island. The trail continues through a forest, where a detour appears to a second viewpoint, this one with a view over the parish of Mosteiros.

On the descent it is worth noting the endemic vegetation that accompanies the path, such as heather (Erica azorica), St. John’s wort (Hypericum foliosum), spurge (Euphorbia azorica) and whitewood (Picconia azorica). Because it is an Important Bird Area, it is also possible to spot buzzards (Buteo buteo rothschildi), rock doves (Columba livia) and chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs moreletti), among other species.

Further ahead, a water catchment area serves as a good excuse for a break. Then you resume the climb along the earth path towards João Bom, taking advantage of the higher elevation to contemplate the parishes of Bretanha and Mosteiros. Along this section you skirt around the Pico of Mafra, which is on the left. When you reach the crossroads you will find a fountain; from there follow to the left, again along an earth path, until you return to the point where you started.