Chá Gorreana

A circular route that winds through tea plantations, starting from the car park at Gorreana Tea Factory. In operation since 1883, it is Europe’s oldest tea plantation. The species cultivated here, Camellia sinensis, produces green tea and black tea and arrived at São Miguel in 1750, brought by ships returning from the East.

As you leave the factory, cross the road carefully towards the gate that provides access to the tea fields. Turn left and follow an uphill dirt path, parallel to the road, which winds through the plantation and further on, through patches of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica).

After crossing a stone bridge, the tea and forests gradually give way to pastures. You will come across some cultivated fields, agricultural support buildings and the last tea plantations. This is the highest point of the trail: a good spot to stop and enjoy the view over the island’s north coast.

Following the signage, leave the main path, which continues uphill to the left, and take a narrower dirt trail, now descending. This was the path that factory workers used during harvest season, and it descends through the plantations to the Tea Factory itself, where the route closes. Inside, it’s worth taking a break, trying a cup of tea and learning more about tea culture on the island and the various stages of its production.