Serra do Topo – Caldeira de Santo Cristo – Fajã dos Cubres

A linear trail of approximately 10 km in São Jorge, which descends from the mountains to the sea. It starts at Serra do Topo Wind Park, passes through Caldeira de Santo Cristo and ends at Fajã dos Cubres.

The route begins on the regional road, next to Serra do Topo Wind Park, and follows a dirt path. Already in this first section you will encounter endemic flora of the Açores, heather (Erica azorica), myrtle-leaved holly (Juniperus brevifolia) and holly (Ilex azorica), and it is easy to see and hear some birds, such as the whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), the goldcrest (Regulus regulus azoricus) and the buzzard (Buteo buteo rothschildi).

Follow the signage towards Caldeira de Cima. After passing a shelter, the path begins to descend. You cross Tia Júlia Bridge and, being careful on the slippery ground, you can take a right turn towards Cascata Pequena. As you descend, you will pass some fountains and a point from where you can see Caldeira de Santo Cristo.

Already on the fajã, the trail passes by Santuário do Senhor Santo Cristo and the Environmental Interpretation Centre. It is worth reaching Lagoa da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, classified as a Protected Landscape and Site of Cultural and Scenic Interest: known for its clams, it is also an important refuge for resident birds and migratory species. With growing tourism, this fajã has become a reference for water sports, recognised as a sanctuary for bodyboarding and surfing.

From here, the route heads northwest, always along the coast, and passes through Fajã do Belo, which remained inhabited until the 1980 earthquake. Along the way you can still see steel cables, once used to transport firewood to populated areas. At the end appears Fajã dos Cubres, where the trail ends, next to the Church of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes. From this point it is possible to continue to other locations on the island via GR 02 SJO, to the west, or via GR 01 SJO, to the east.