Mata do Canário

The trail starts near Mata do Canário, in the eastern part of Cumeeira das Sete Cidades, and ends within the parish. Begin by descending the dirt path to the right until you reach the road, then turn left. From that point onwards, follow along the Muro das Nove Janelas, an aqueduct rebuilt in 1830 to supply water to Ponta Delgada.

From here the dirt path begins to gain elevation, with Japanese cedars (Cryptomeria japonica) on your left side. Continue climbing the slope until you reach the Pico da Cruz, the first viewpoint overlooking the lakes of Sete Cidades. The section that follows, besides providing access to pastures, is one of the most striking stages of the Azores Rallye. As you traverse the Cumeeira, you have before you the interior of the caldera, with its various lakes and volcanic formations, as well as the entire northern coast of the island.

Then skirt around Lagoa Azul, leaving behind the detours to João Bom and to the Mosteiros, and keep to the main route until you reach the junction with PR 03 SMI – Vista do Rei/Sete Cidades. At that crossing turn left and descend along the Arrebentões path, heading towards Sete Cidades. This section is quite steep and slippery, so descend carefully along the main path.

Once in the parish of Sete Cidades, it is worth visiting the lake-side rehabilitation project and stopping by the Casa do Parque. The route ends near the Igreja de São Nicolau, in the centre of the parish.