This hiking trail on the island's north coast leads through the municipality of Santo António, known for its numerous streams that flow from the steep slopes to the coast. These streams once powered several watermills, such as the Cruz Mill and the Rocha Mill, and today they serve the public water supply.
The trail begins at the road and leads down a concrete path to the Fonte Grande picnic area. From here, you can take a detour (round trip) to the recently restored stone troughs that were once used by the local population for washing laundry (photo 1). The return journey offers a beautiful view of the coastal landscape.
The gravel road used to lead to the watermills; today it crosses small reservoirs that serve the public water supply. The descent ends at a house containing an old hydroelectric power station (photo 2). It was acquired in 1908 by an enterprising industrialist from the Société d'Electricité Alioth (France) to supply electricity to a new mill and several houses.
After a waterfall, a short detour to the left leads to a spot above the pebble beach offering panoramic views of the north coast, particularly Capelas and the east. Follow the path along the cliff edge until you reach a pasture; caution is advised on this section due to the risk of vertigo.
Continuing along the cliffs, the descent begins (photo 3) to the old fishing port of Santo António. The path leads around Ponta de Santo António, past the port (photo 4), and on to Rosário. Here you'll find a bathing area where, weather permitting, you can take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic. A little further on, you'll find a picnic area and the chapel of Rosário. The path ends near the church of Santo António, where the settlement of Santo António began.
Length: 2,8 km
Duration: 1,5 h
Difficulty level: medium
Source: visitazores
Views: 220
