Água Retorta - São Miguel PRC 13 SMI

This small circular route develops through the village of Água Retorta, near the protected area for the habitats and species management. Begin the trail near the church of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, built between 1871 and 1885 taking advantage of the bell tower, a reminiscence of an old chapel from the 17th c. that existed here.

Follow the road until you go in a dirt road accessing pastures that crosses a small wood of mainly australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum). Along this leg, profit the high level to enjoy the view over the village center, Pico Bartolomeu, Pico da Vara and in days of good visibility, the island of Santa Maria. Proceed until reaching a tarmac road, giving access to the place of Fagundas.

Go down until reaching again a dirt road that crosses a wood of australian cheesewood, fayatree (Morella faya) that goes around a slope near the sea. In this road, there is a round trip detour to a base of a waterfall that flows here. Continue the walk, passing by the stream that forms the waterfall (previously described) until the trees give place to pastures and agricultural fields. Here, is common to see the traditional hedges done with boxwood (Buxus sempervirens).

Follow the marks until entering the village of Água Retorta, with ca. 500 inhabitants where people still preserve the old ways and where it is possible to enjoy beautiful natural landscapes. Passing the center of the village, visit the ruins of an old windmill formerly use to grain the corn for the bread.

From here, the walk follows the road, passing by a fountain and reaching the starting point near the church, where the trail ends.