PONTA DA ILHA
[PR3PIC] Ponta da ilha //©PHSilva // siaram.azores.gov.pt
Following the road “Por Cima da Rocha”, you can see the chapel of Nossa Senhora de Cima da Rocha, raised in 1854, as well as some typical wineries. You can also see vineyards and orchards with traditional crop land. After passing by the place of Cais do Galego (pier) and continuing on the sea cliff, go through some cobblestone paths, once often passed by oxcarts, to enter an important area of Natura 2000 Network, a nesting site of Cory’s shearwater species (Calonectris borealis). We highlight the presence of species of flora such as Azorean spurge (Euphorbia azorica), Spergularia azorica, juniper (Juniperus brevifolia) and tree heath (Erica azorica). In the middle of lava fields there is an elevation by the sea, the Castelete, a small volcano that was surrounded by lava from the latest eruptions. By the south of the trail, observe numerous vineyard plots, most abandoned, now occupied by natural vegetation. This pathway is an alternative to the section along the coastline, which must be used during the nesting period of a colony of terns (Sterna hirundo and Sterna dougallii), between the months of May to July. When you finish the trail, and before reaching the Baía da Manhenha (bay), you will sight the lighthouse of Ponta da Ilha, and in the proximity, one of the richest coastal habitats regarding the diversity of species of endemic flora, mostly with protection status, highlighting the Lotus azoricus and the forget-me-not (Myosotis maritima).
Extension 10km Level of difficulty Difficult Duration 3h Max. Alt. 38m | Min. Alt. 3m GPS Starting point: Piedade - Porto do Calhau (38º26’19,97”N ; 28º3’23,01”W) Finishing point: Manhenha - Porto (38º24’38,53”N ; 28º2’14,55”W) How to get there Head towards Piedade parish, Lajes do Pico county, following the road in front of Nossa Senhora da Piedade Church, towards the Calhau.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) //©PHSilva // siaram.azores.gov.pt
Forget-me-not (Myosotis maritima) //©PHSilva // siaram.azores.gov.pt
Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii ) //©PHSilva // siaram.azores.gov.pt
Recommended equipment