From the mountain range on the island of São Jorge, which reaches the altitude of 1.056m in Pico da Esperança, you can enjoy a panoramic view from São Jorge and other islands of the Central Group of Azores. In the highest areas of this mountain range, Pico da Esperança, Pico do Areeiro, Pico do Pinheiro, Pico Alto, Pico das Pedras and Pico das Brenhas, you’ll find, above all, the presence of a large endemic vegetation of botanical and scientific value worthy of all the protection which led to the creation of three nature reserves.
This trail begins on Pico das Caldeirinhas and ends by the sea (North Coast – Fajã do Ouvidor). This route takes us through some of the highest points of this mountain range, where we found craters of extinct volcanoes with beautiful lakes populated with reddish fish. We will still find endemic typical flora of these islands. Noteworthy is the rarest European orchid, Platanthera azorica, that can be found in Pico da Esperança and a few places around you, in the central mountain range of volcanic origin. The entire route goes by hills and valleys “painted” by nature: a strong green, softened by the blue sea surrounding the “Sleeping Dragon” Island – the São Jorge Island.
This walking tour ends in Fajã do Ouvidor, by the sea. This Fajã stands out for its geological formations along the coast, commonly referred to as “Pools”. These volcanic formations originated pools which formed lovely swimming areas. The largest and best known is the Pool of Simão Dias.
Before leaving the Fajã, you can refresh yourselves in the beautiful Poça de Simão Dias- which is a natural pool- and observe the prismatic formations surrounding the pools.
Hotel pick-up outside the city center;
Personal expenses;
Expected duration: 05H00
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance: 17,0 KM
Minimum age: 12 years
This hike is not recommended for people with knee/joint or ankle problems.
Subject to weather conditions.
| Everyday | |
|---|---|
| From / To | 09.00 - 15.00 |