Serreta

The small circular trail of Serreta runs through the Natural Park of Terceira, within the Natural Reserve of Serra de Santa Bárbara and the Mistérios Negros, integrated into the Protected Area for Habitat or Species Management of the Central Plateau and Northwest Coast.

The starting point is located near the junction of Canada da Fonte, where you climb along an earth path. Following the signposting, the route narrows and crosses patches of endemic vegetation of the Açores, heather (Erica azorica), myrtle cedar (Juniperus brevifolia), folhado (Viburnum treleasei), angelica (Angelica lignescens) and malfurada (Hypericum foliosum), among other species.

Further ahead, a new beaten earth path leads to a second section flanked by laurel (Laurus azorica), myrtle cedar and holly (Ilex perado). The signposting leads to Lagoinha, a small lake nestled in the caldera of the Serra de Santa Bárbara volcano, surrounded by a cedar grove typical of the Azorean Laurissilva forest.

The return is made along the same trail back to the road; from there you follow to the left and then to the right, entering a pasture until you reach Ribeira do Além. Set in a deep valley with slopes covered in natural vegetation, this watercourse runs between large lava flows and domes of the Biscoito da Fajã. You walk along it, passing a viewpoint located below the Pico of Negrão.

Upon reaching another pasture, you skirt around to the left and continue along a path lined with hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), which brings you back to the initial panel, where the trail began.