Grande Rota da Graciosa

The Great Route of Graciosa is a circular trail that loops around much of the island, covering approximately 40 km. Along the way, you’ll alternate between the coastal edge, where various islets stand out, and the volcanic landscapes of the interior. To make the route more manageable, it’s divided into two stages of approximately 20 km each.

The first stage connects the Barra area in Santa Cruz da Graciosa to the parish of Luz, following the eastern and southern coasts of the island. The section is gentler near Praia and becomes steeper with high cliffs at Ponta da Restinga, from where you can spot the Ilhéus da Praia and de Baixo, classified as Natural Reserves by the Natural Park of Graciosa. This stage also passes through Caldeira, the island’s most emblematic volcanic landscape, with the possibility of descending into its interior to visit Furna do Enxofre, a volcanic cavity approximately 40 m high and 194 m long with a lagoon inside. Caldeira and Furna do Enxofre form one of the main geosites of the Açores, of international significance.

The second stage makes the return journey from Luz to Barra. Right at the beginning lies Baía do Filipe and, on Serra Branca, Caldeirinha de Pêro Botelho, a volcanic sinkhole with 25 m depth that is a priority geosites of Geopark Açores. From this point, a natural viewpoint opens up over much of the island, including the Plataforma Noroeste, of basaltic nature, where around 55 scoria cones can be counted.

Further ahead, the trail crosses the valley between the Central Massif and the Caldeira Massif and follows paths lined by the stone walls of Serra das Fontes, where you’ll find windmills and the ruts left by ancient ox carts in the Fontes area. Near the end, the bay of Barra and Monte de Nossa Senhora da Ajuda stand out, overlooking the village of Santa Cruz da Graciosa.

It’s worth planning the route according to your fitness level, your interests, and available time. Between stages there are suitable places to stay overnight, with special mention to some old windmills restored as Rural Tourism accommodation.