The Caminho das Voltas makes a hike in Santo Amaro tangible through its length, estimated duration and landscape. The Miradouro da Terra Alta, the view of São Jorge and the vegetation along the initial descent give the route different points of interest. Also part of the picture are the Igreja de Santo Amaro, the maritime reminder of the region’s shipbuilding tradition and the Escola de Artesanato. When planning your visit, you can choose between different interests: exercise, history, nature and learning traditional crafts.

The Caminho das Voltas: Route and Landscape

The Caminho das Voltas is 11.2 kilometres long and takes about two hours. For planning your day, the approximate duration is the more direct guide, while the distance indicates the extent of the route. Set aside around two hours as a dedicated activity; allow additional time for breaks and other plans.

The route begins at the Miradouro da Terra Alta viewpoint. From there, it offers panoramic views of the island of São Jorge and the channel between São Jorge and Pico. This specific landscape view complements the information about the route’s distance and duration. If you are choosing an outing for its views and physical activity, both are part of this route.

Along the initial descent, the trail passes through vegetation that includes louro da terra and urze, which are endemic species, as well as the introduced plant incenso. Nature lovers can combine two interests on the same route: the panoramic view at the start and the distinction between endemic and introduced plants.

Church and Maritime History

The Igreja de Santo Amaro is dedicated to Santo Amaro the Miracle Worker and dates back to the 18th century. For visitors interested in culture, it brings together a religious dedication and a historical context. The church offers a different focus from the hike: its dedication and age take centre stage, rather than the route and scenery.

The Museu Marítimo de Santo Amaro commemorates the region’s strong and unique shipbuilding tradition. Together, the church and museum offer two distinct ways to explore history: the dedication to Santo Amaro and the regional shipbuilding tradition.

Crafts and Exchange

The Escola de Artesanato de Santo Amaro provides local residents and visitors with a place to learn, exchange ideas and create. Alzira and Conceição Neves founded the Escola Regional de Artesanato de Santo Amaro on the island of Pico in 1986. In this way, a visitor-focused offering is connected to a clearly dated founding history. Unlike the church or the Museu Marítimo, the focus here is on learning, exchange and creative work. If you are making specific plans to visit, check the current arrangements in advance, as organisational conditions may change.

The dates associated with these sites also differ: the Igreja de Santo Amaro dates back to the 18th century, while the Escola was founded in 1986. This places their stories in different historical periods for your cultural itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Sao Joao, Prainha, Arcos, Baixa, Candelaria, Cais do Mourato, Pontas Negras, Bandeiras.

For the broader travel overview: Pico.