Two themes offer a useful guide to a trip to Relva: the geological coastal landscape of Rocha da Relva and the architectural and local history surrounding the Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Neves. The viewpoint, fajã and hiking trails offer different perspectives on the landscape. The short trail to an old spring provides a different focus from the PR20SMI Rocha da Relva circular trail.

Rocha da Relva: Geology and Coast

The Miradouro do Caminho Novo in Relva offers views of the south coast of São Miguel, the coastal cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. The fajã of Rocha da Relva is bordered by a pebble beach along almost its entire coastline. Together with its distinctive geological character, this makes Rocha da Relva a geosite of regional significance, offering scientific, educational and geotourism interest. The name Relva is also linked to the landscape: it is thought to derive from natural pastures and the “boa erva” found there, meaning “good grass quality”.

In 2020, numbered geological information panels with QR codes were in place along the Rocha da Relva route. The codes link to information about the trail and its geology. The panels and links may require maintenance. By 2020, toilets and a picnic area had been built at Rocha da Relva; check the condition of both facilities before visiting.

Hiking Trails and the Old Spring

The PR20SMI Rocha da Relva circular trail allows hikers to visit one of the few detrital fajãs on São Miguel. The descent to Rocha do Cascalho leads down to the sea, which is about 600 metres away. This is an approximate distance, not a walking time. Access conditions may change seasonally or after maintenance work; check the trail’s condition before descending.

The short, accessible Fonte da Rocha trail leads to an old spring built into the hillside. At the end is Fonte da Rocha, a traditional stone structure incorporated into the cliff. It formerly supplied water to local residents. The trail is short and accessible, but uneven ground and the slope typical of the area require caution. These points go together: the short distance does not mean the ground is level or that the incline can be disregarded.

Church and Local History

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Neves was built between 1472 and 1480 by Contador Martim Vaz. It was later rebuilt in two construction phases, with the reconstruction completed in 1748. Inside, the altars of the Capela-mor, the Santíssimo Sacramento and Nossa Senhora do Rosário feature Baroque carvings. Whether you can see the carvings depends on the access arrangements in place.

Local history also extends beyond the church’s construction. Diogo Gomes, who lived in Relva, was the first person from São Miguel to produce cane sugar on the island. The feast in honour of Nossa Senhora das Neves was celebrated annually on 5 August in the late 16th century. This historical date should not be taken to indicate a present-day feast date. The Grande Festival de Folclore da Relva is listed as taking place on the first Friday in August. If you wish to plan your stay around a celebration, check the current annual schedule and programme before travelling.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Achada, Capelas, Pico Da Pedra, Livramento, Lomba Da Maia, Feteiras, Faja de Cima, Porto Formoso.

For the main travel overview: S.Miguel.