Prainha do Norte - Pico PRC09 PIC

This short circular route begins in the garden at the centre of Prainha do Norte.

First climb up a lane which crosses small cultivated fields until you come to a tunnel, which leads to a path called the “Caminho da Ribeira de Nossa Senhora”, where there is a group of houses, most of which have been abandoned, lying on the opposite bank of the stream which runs alongside the path. Beautiful stone bridges have been built across the stream, giving access to the first houses built in this area, which today are part of the Non-movable Heritage of Pico Island.

The trial continues along small lanes and goes down to the Baía da Areia, the only sandy beach on the island, which gives its name to the Parish. Here you will find the “casa do fio”, the building which was used for the submarine telecommunications cable which played a key role in transatlantic communication.

Beyond this point, the trail follows the coastline and goes past the Chapel of São Pedro until it reaches a bathing spot, where a natural swimming pool is formed among the basalt rocks.

A little further on, before returning, one can see the beautiful Rocha do Galo (“Cockerel’s Rock”), shaped by sea erosion.

Now you just have to go along the final stretch within the Parish which will take you back to the point of departure.

Copyright - Gerbrand Michielsen