Pedra Furada da Serra da Ribeirinha

This circular trail starts beside the Ethnographic Centre of Ribeirinha, a space that brings together heritage linked to the customs, traditions and ways of life of the parish. From here, the route follows almost entirely along the Serra da Ribeirinha, which corresponds to the southwest slope of the Vulcão dos Cinco Picos, the system that holds the largest caldera of the Açores, the Caldeira do Vulcão dos Cinco Picos.

Along the way you will notice the distinctive way in which the houses of Ribeirinha are distributed: instead of following the coastline, they are aligned perpendicularly to it, along the water line. This stream is an important resource for the parish and has several structures associated with it, including the springs known as A Fonte and the Poça do Adão.

The landscape is mainly agricultural and opens up to wide views over the Bay of Angra do Heroísmo and the southern coast of the island. From here you can also see three of the four major volcanic complexes of the Terceira: the Serra de Santa Bárbara, the Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz and the Vulcão dos Cinco Picos itself.

The route is organised into seven groups, marked on the map, each with rock units of their own characteristics. The stones with unusual configurations stand out, often marked by so-called “pias” and “cut marks” of unexplained origin, which are attributed both to natural phenomena and to human activity. Along the trail you will also find an old lookout post from World War II, the architectural details of the houses in the centre of the parish and several viewpoints scattered throughout.

As the route crosses private properties, it is advisable to be aware of the presence of livestock and other domestic animals and always leave gates and doors closed as you pass.