Santa Luzia combines a long history of winegrowing with a volcanic landscape. The officially signposted Caminhos de Santa Luzia hiking trail is 10.5 kilometres long and takes an average of three hours. Plan the route as a separate activity: it is more than a short detour.
Winegrowing Culture and Volcanic Formations
The Caminhos de Santa Luzia crosses the Protected Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and heads towards Lajido. Along the trail, you can see wheel ruts carved into the basalt. They were made by ox carts used to transport wine. The route brings together the history of the landscape and of local work: the basalt still bears traces of the wine transport of the past.
The Lajidos de Santa Luzia are a geosite in the Azores Geopark. Their volcanic formations include rope lava, pahoehoe lava tongues, tumuli, pressure ridges and lava tubes. This variety adds a geological perspective to the story of winegrowing culture. Santa Luzia also includes the northern zone of Pico Island’s winegrowing culture zones. For many centuries, Verdelho wine was produced here and exported to continental Europe.
Churches and Local History
The Igreja de Santa Luzia brings together several historical periods. A very simple chapel originally stood here; in 1723, it was replaced by a larger parish church. The church was rebuilt again in 1800, taking on its present appearance. Its floor plan and façade towers also give the church a distinctive architectural profile: the floor plan is shaped like a false Latin cross, and two asymmetrical bell towers flank the façade.
Other religious buildings reflect different centuries. The Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Pureza and the Ermida da Rainha do Mundo date from the 17th century, while the Ermida de São Mateus da Costa dates from the 18th century. The Império do Divino Espírito Santo de Santa Luzia was founded in 1721. Taken together, these dates show that the history of the area cannot be traced back to a single church building.
Understanding the Winegrowing Landscape
The Vineyard Culture Interpretation Centre is a starting point for understanding the heritage of the winegrowing culture, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The guided tour includes a visit to lava fields, locally known as Lajidos, where endemic plant species grow. Visitors can also watch a short documentary about the winegrowing landscape there. Before your trip, check whether the tour and film are currently available.
Recreation Park and Piscina Natural dos Arcos
Parque Florestal de Santa Luzia is a wooded recreation park with toilets, picnic facilities and a children’s playground. These amenities make the park a different kind of destination from the hiking trail or historic buildings. As facilities may change, check the current situation before your visit.
At Piscina Natural dos Arcos, steps lead to a platform where you can rest. Check the situation before your visit if you plan to include this place in your itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Sao Joao, Prainha De Cima, Prainha, Madalena, Candelaria, Pontas Negras, Bandeiras, São Roque Do Pico.
For the main travel overview: Pico.
