Canadas da Ribeirinha

In the nordeste of the Pico, this trail connects Terra Alta and Calhau. It starts near the regional road (ER1), along an earth track called Caminho da Atalhada, where you can still see the relheiras marked on the ground, the ancient furrows left by the wheels of ox carts.

The descent winds through the island’s typical vegetation: pittosporums (Pittosporum undulatum), faias-da-terra (Morella faya), laurel (Laurus azorica) and hollies (Ilex azorica). You cross the road and continue until you reach the asphalt again. Here it’s worth taking the left turn, which leads to the Alto dos Cedros viewpoint, with São Jorge in sight.

Back on the main path, you pass a water fountain and turn left, crossing the Rocha Alta area. When you reach the road again, you cross the Ribeirinha and, at the end of the parish, descend to the left along Canada do Mar to the Baixa port. It’s a good spot to stop, take a dip and discover the typical wine cellars and vineyard production areas, the viticultural landscape classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The trail continues along the coast, following the markers that lead you back to the road, now passing through heather (Erica azorica). You leave the asphalt again, turning left towards Ponta das Trombetas and the Calhau area, where the trail ends, near the leisure port. From this point you can continue to other parts of the island via PR 03 PIC Porto Calhau/Manhenha/Ponta da Ilha.