Lava fields, historic wine routes and chapels give a trip to Prainha De Cima a clear focus: the island’s history is reflected both in the landscape and in named buildings and routes. There are also routes with distinct features that are easy to tell apart—for example, the significant elevation change on the Caminho dos Burros and the circular route of the Trilho da Prainha.
Lava and the history of winegrowing
The Ponta do Mistério protected area covers about 77 hectares and consists of a lava field formed during the Mistério da Prainha volcanic eruption of 1562 to 1564. The viewpoint in Parque Florestal da Prainha offers a view of the large lava field shaped by the lava flow from Cabeços do Mistério down to the sea, as well as Baía de Canas. This bay is part of the protected landscape of wine culture in Pico Island Natural Park.
Ponta do Mistério is a geosite in the UNESCO Global Geopark Azores and part of BirdLife International’s Mistério da Prainha Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. These designations refer to different aspects of the area: its geological classification and its inclusion in a bird and biodiversity area.
Wine production has also left its mark on the landscape. Old paths through the vineyards of Ponta do Mistério connected the area with São Roque do Pico and Prainha de Cima. Stone buildings with wine presses and rest areas bear witness to the work involved in winegrowing. At Baía de Canas, the Convento dos Frades comprises the Ermida da Boa Viagem, also known as the Ermida das Dores, and an adjoining residential complex.
Routes and natural features
On the Caminho dos Burros, the elevation profile takes centre stage: the route descends from Pico Island’s central plateau to the sea, covering an elevation change of 800 metres down to sea level. The nearby Trilho da Prainha offers a different kind of route. It is a circular trail that starts and ends at the central garden of Prainha do Norte. Along the way, the route passes the Ermida de São Pedro and then leads to a coastal bathing area with a natural pool among basalt rocks. Check route conditions before setting out.
Other natural features add to the options: the nearby coastal rock Rocha do Galo has an opening formed by marine erosion. Nearby Baía da Areia is considered the only sandy beach on Pico Island. Parque Florestal da Prainha has a viewpoint, a picnic area, a leisure area, a multipurpose sports field and a camping area. If you are travelling by road bike, you can also take note of the Pico Granfondo route: it passes through Prainha de Cima as well as São Roque, S. Miguel Arcanjo, Piedade and Altamora.
Chapels, houses and local history
The chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Prainha de Cima was built in 1765, after an earlier chapel dating from the 16th century was destroyed in the 1562 volcanic eruption. The chapel is associated with liturgical celebrations for the people of Prainha de Cima, including the celebration on the Monday of the Holy Spirit. The Festa de Nossa Senhora da Piedade is linked to 8 September and the Ermida in Prainha de Cima. If this date matters for your trip, check in advance whether the celebration has been announced for your travel dates.
Nearby Casa do Fio preserves the memory of a traditional practice: combed wool fibres were spun into yarn by the fireplace and used to make clothing. The house also served as the terminus of a submarine cable connecting Prainha with São Jorge. On a nearby local walking trail, stone bridges cross a stream leading to the first houses built in this area. These are now considered immovable cultural heritage of Pico Island.
Where to stay in Prainha de Cima
One specifically named accommodation is Quinta da Ribeira da Urze, located on Rua Ribeira da Urze in Prainha de Cima, 9940 São Roque. Check availability for your travel dates if you include this address in your search. The landscape offers a clear theme to guide your choice of hotel: lava, historic wine routes and buildings give you different ways to experience a stay on Pico, without every outing needing to be the same.
Discover more destinations: Canto da Areia, Bandeiras, Arcos, Piedade, São Roque Do Pico, Cais do Mourato, Santo Amaro, Baixa.
For the broader travel overview: Pico.
