Mistérios do Sul do Pico

This trail starts at the Mistério de São João Forest Recreation Reserve and takes walkers through two lava fields: the Mistério de São João and the Mistério da Silveira. Both bear the mark of lava flows left by ancient eruptions, from 1718 in the first case and 1720 in the second. The word “mistérios” was born precisely from the lack of knowledge and fear that these natural phenomena provoked in the island’s populations.

Along the trail, various traces of local life are encountered. Among them are the old tidal wells, in Baía do Arruda, at Ponta do Admoiro, in Verdoso and at Maré do Rego, which once provided the water used in the daily lives of families for domestic purposes. The windmill at Ponta Rasa, built in 1949 and recognised as a Municipal Interest Property, also deserves attention. Those wishing to learn more about the history of typical Pico families and the traditional São João cheese can visit the Casa do Pico and the “o Alvião” museum nucleus.

Religious heritage is well represented along the route, with the Impérios do Espírito Santo and the churches of São João and São Bartolomeu, the latter in the parish of Silveira, the point where the trail comes to an end.

The connection to the sea accompanies much of the route. Several natural pools appear that invite a swim, such as the one at Ponta do Admoiro and the bathing areas of Arinhas and Fonte. As the path passes near the protected area for the Management of Habitats and Species of the Mistérios de São João and Silveira, it is important to walk it with care and respect, helping to preserve the biodiversity of these coastal habitats.