Santo Espírito – Maia

This is a short trail that connects the parish of Santo Espírito to the place of Maia, in the southeast of Santa Maria. The starting point is next to the church of Santo Espírito, where it’s worth taking time to visit the Ethnographic Museum of Santa Maria. From here, head east towards the sea, following the marked route along the road until you reach an old windmill.

After the windmill, the beaten earth path winds through a forest of incense trees (Pittosporum undulatum), leaving behind an old water fountain and, further on, some pastures. At a fork, take the right branch along an earth road known as Caminho da Lapa. Following the signage, then turn left onto a shortcut that crosses a spring area where, in times past, laundry was washed. The trail then leads towards the coast, with a stone-paved path taking you to the edge of the Aveiro stream.

The route follows the stream closely until the cliff face. Here, you’ll need to cross it carefully and, once on the other side, it’s worth pausing to look back: this is where the Aveiro stream waterfall forms, with a drop of around 80 metres, one of the highest in the country.

The descent to Maia is along the rocky cliff, used for cultivating vines in terraces or plots delimited by dry stone walls, a distinctive feature of Maia’s culture. Those hiking the trail are asked not to pick the fruits from local farmers’ crops. Once in Maia, you can make a small detour to the left to see the Aveiro waterfall from another angle and observe the two wine presses that were built there in 1579. The trail ends near the bathing area, from which it’s possible to continue along the GR 01 SMA – Grande Rota of Santa Maria towards Vila do Porto. Important note: this trail is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.