Pedra Queimada - Degredo - São Miguel PRC36SMI closed trail

This circular route of approximately 7 km goes through the village of Maia along the shoreline and interior. The trail begins in the center of the village, at Largo de Santo António. Go up, towards South by a dirt road known as Pedra Queimada and follow the marks until you reach the Regional Road. Continue the trail parallel to the road, taking advantage of the high point to enjoy the view over the North coast, village of Maia, Ponta Formosa e Ponta do Cintrão. Follow the road, now descending through the way of Lajinha, among agricultural fields until you reach again the road – Rua do Rosário. At this point you will find a fountain Velha (spring water). Rest, refresh and keep going heading the village center, passing by the main church until you arrive to the swimming area of Calhau da Areia. Here there’s a connection to the walking trail PR 27 SMI - Praia da Viola. Continue left through the village center; turn right after passing a small urban vegetable garden and head to the area of Degredo, going through the viewpoint of Melo Nunes where it is possible to access the pebble area. In here, it is frequent to see fishermen on the basaltic shallows doing subsistence fishing. From here the trail continue along the coast passing by Miradouro do Frade , where it is possible to have a view of the North coast and follow towards West. This part of the walk, near the coastal cliffs, unravels some phenomenon such as lava flows that take us to the volcanic origin of the island. In this area the presence of the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) is constant, among other species of birds living in the Azores. Along the trail you will pass the ETAR and the bridge over Ribeira da Cruz, also known as Ribeira dos Calços. You will find a detour on your right that will take you to the natural swimming pools. Continue the trail, on the dirt road, until you reach the Regional Road and then turn left towards the interior of the village. Along the road you will pass some interesting points like the Tobacco Museum and Solar do Lalém. Continue the walk until you reach the starting point.