Subida ao Cume

This is a short circular trail that runs, for the most part, within the Natural Monument of Caldeira da Graciosa, where the largest forest area on the island is located. It starts from the centre of the Luz parish, next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, and climbs up the Canada do Beco towards the rim of the Caldeira, a volcanic depression situated at the top of the smallest stratovolcano in the Açores.

Up there, the path circles the entire edge of the Caldeira and passes through the highest point of Graciosa, at 405 metres altitude. From here, a wide view opens up over the island’s landscape and, when the weather permits, you can make out the remaining islands of the Central Group.

The interior of the Caldeira concentrates much of the geological interest of the trail. On the surface, there are two small hydromagmatic cones and, underground, the cavities of Furna da Maria Encantada, Furna do Abel and Furna do Enxofre, the great calling card of Graciosa. The latter has a Visitor Centre and provides access to a singular volcanic cavity, with 194 metres in length and 40 metres in height, where there is a freshwater lake and a mud fumarole.

Along the walk, exotic species dominate, especially the cryptomeria forests that cover the slopes inside the caldeira and form the largest forest area on the island. Still, it is possible to find some native flora of the Açores, uncommon in this area, such as Erica azorica, Laurus azorica and Morella faya. It is also worth paying attention to the birds: in the interior of the Caldeira, waders such as the common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) and the woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) appear, though rarely, in a location with the status of Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site).

Because it crosses almost exclusively protected area, classified as a Natural Monument and recognised as a Ramsar Site, Core Zone of the Biosphere Reserve and geosite of the Caldeira and Furna do Enxofre (Geopark Açores), this is a trail to be walked with care and respect. The preservation of biodiversity depends on everyone who walks here.