Pedra Queimada – Degredo

This circular route starts at Largo de Santo António, in the parish of Maia. From here you head south along a dirt path known as Pedra Queimada, always keeping an eye on the signage, until you reach the Regional Road.

From there the trail follows the road along a parallel path, with the northern coast opening up to view, including the parish of Maia itself, Ponta Formosa and Ponta do Cintrão. The descent then begins along the Lajinha path, between agricultural fields, which brings the walker back to the road, now on Rua do Rosário, where you’ll find Fonte Velha on the right, a natural spring water fountain.

Continuing towards the centre, you arrive at the bathing area of Calhau da Areia, a connection point to PR 27 SMI Praia da Viola. Following the signage, you pass by Miradouro de Melo Nunes, from which you can descend to the pebble beach area, and the route stays close to the coast until Miradouro do Frade. Along the way you’ll pass the wastewater treatment plant and the bridge over Ribeira da Cruz, and a little further on, a right turn gives access to the natural pools.

The dirt path continues to the Regional Road, where you turn left towards the interior of the parish. Along this route there are several points of interest, such as the Maia Tobacco Museum and Solar de Lalém, before the circuit closes again at the starting point.