Description

The day starts with the drive from the meeting point, crossing the island from south to north by the narrowest part. After passing by the only city on the north coast, Ribeira Grande, a great coastline awaits you with its amazing views. On the way, it's also possible to see the vast fields with tea plants, the only ones in Europa. This 5,5 km trail begins in the center of a small place on the North side of the island called Ribeira Funda and takes around 3h to complete.

The walking starts in an opened area, turning into a path with dense vegetation, mostly composed by Australian Cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum) and Ginger Lilys (Hedychium gardnerianum). The trail then leads us to some old water mills that were once used to transform wheat and corn into flour, that was used in the confection of bread (the primary food for families all over the island) and passing by various streams until we reach a viewpoint, from where we can see our next stop: Praia da Viola beach. Praia da Viola is a small tranquil beach with rough sand, flanked by a cliff with several water springs. If the Ocean is calm, it is possible to go for a quick swim. In the middle of the hidden beach, there is a trail that takes us to the end of the tour, in the small parish of Maia. Some parts are very narrow and very steep, and might also be slippery.

On the return to Ponta Delgada, passing by the northern coast of the island, there is still time to stop at the oldest tea factory of São Miguel, Gorreana tea factory for the tea tasting and stopping in Caldeira Velha, a place up in the hills of the mountain of Lagoa do Fogo were it’s possible to have a bath in the relaxing hot waters. Back on the road, we pass by Ribeira Grande before crossing back to the south coast and after a brief drive in the south coast, the activity ends with the arrival in Ponta Delgada.

The performance of the activities is subject to weather conditions and logistics.

🕒Schedules and meeting points:
09h00 - Meeting Point
09h45– Start of the trail in Ribeira Funda
12h45 – Stop for the picnic lunch
14h00 – Visit to Gorreana tea factory
15h00 – Visit Caldeira Velha natural monument, for a thermal bath
16h00 – Return to Ponta Delgada
16h30 – Arrival at the hotel and end of the activity.

✔ INCLUDED:
- Transport
- Picnic Lunch
- Guide
- Insurance (Personal Accident and Liability)

⚠ Minimum equipment necessary:
Suitable footwear for walking (Boots), comfortable clothing, light jacket, extra t-shirt or sweatshirt, snack, water, swimsuit, towel, backpack, sunscreen, and hat.

Recommended Equipment:
Walking poles, and gaiters (Winter).