Atalho dos Vermelhos - São Miguel PRC33 SMI

This circular route northwest of the island, in João Bom (Pilar da Bretanha), begins at the Regional Road, on a resting place. Go down along the road and follow the marks on your left, passing by a minimarket. Further ahead you will find a little Chapel on your left side and finally the street Rua da Relvinha on your right, where you should follow.

At this stage of the trail, you will walk towards the coast on a dirt road that accesses agricultural fields and herding. Follow the marks until a gate, which should remain closed, giving access to a viewpoint towards the Northwest part of the island. Continue through the woods, passing by a detour to another lookout point with a view over the village of Mosteiros. Go down along the road where you can see some endemic species of flora such as Azorean Heather (Erica azorica), Malfurada (Hypericum foliosum), Erva-leiteira (Euphorbia azorica) and White wood (Picconia azorica). Classified as “Important Bird Area (IBA’s), it is also possible to observe the Buzzard (Buteo buteo rothschildi), Rock Dove (Columba livia), Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs moreletti), among others.

The trail continues until an area of water collection, where you can profit to rest. From here, go up along a dirt road towards João Bom, taking advantage of the altitude to enjoy the view over the villages of Bretanha and Mosteiros. Along the climb, you will go round Pico de Mafra, on your left. When you arrive to the crossing, you will find a fountain where you should follow left towards the starting point of the trail, along a dirt road.