Official trailPRC02SMA
HIKING · MIGUEL™ PREMIUM
Pico Alto
Pico Alto is the highest point of Santa Maria at 587 m, with a forest circuit and a panorama that depends strongly on visibility.
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Photo informationPhoto: Jules Verne Times Two / julesvernex2.com · CC BY-SA 4.0 · SourceSource
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Photo informationPhoto: Jules Verne Times Two (Antoine Hubert) · CC BY-SA 4.0Source
Distance6,2 km
Duration2h
Difficultymoderee
Trail typeLoop
PREMIUM HIKING MIGUEL™
Technical reading of the trail
A technical reading of the trail based on Miguel™ Hiking criteria: route, terrain, exposure, relief, effort and decision conditions.
Technical profile
Elevation gain/loss+250 m / -250 m
Altitude335–587 m
TerrainForest, Volcanic terrain
ExposureMixed
PanoramaHigh
Access from the area~20 min from Vila do Porto
Expert reading
How to read the trail
leading to the highest point of Santa Maria (587 m), with a panoramic view over the whole island on clear days, from the south coast vineyards to the north cliffs.
Best for
For hikers comfortable on moderate terrain, seeking the most complete panorama over the island of Santa Maria.
When to pass
Dense fog forecast (the summit is often caught in clouds) or looking for quick access by car only.
When Miguel recommends it
Miguel recommends this hike on clear-sky or high-cloud days: the summit is frequently shrouded in fog, which removes the walk's main appeal, the panorama. Miguel recommends this spot rather than Areia Branca (PR06SMA) for a short outing limited to the summit, without the full crossing to the coast.
Trail logistics
6.2 km, about 2h, medium circular route. Hiking shoes recommended.
PLACE · LANDSCAPE · EXPERIENCE
Why go
The PRC02SMA circuit takes about two hours according to the available itinerary information, with roughly twenty minutes of access from Vila do Porto.
The route moves through forest and endemic vegetation and reaches several viewpoints, including the detour towards the Caldeira viewpoint. Its moderate difficulty gives the walk a different rhythm from a quick roadside panorama, while the quality of the experience depends strongly on visibility.
When cloud or poor visibility dominates, the forested route remains the main interest.
ON SITE
What you will really discover
The PRC02SMA circuit takes about two hours according to the available itinerary information, with roughly twenty minutes of access from Vila do Porto.
Santa Maria’s highest point
The route moves through forest and endemic vegetation and reaches several viewpoints, including the detour towards the Caldeira viewpoint.
Viewpoints that depend on visibility
Its official circuit crosses a protected forest area and reaches several viewpoints, whose value depends directly on visibility.
A 6.2 km circuit
Its moderate difficulty gives the walk a different rhythm from a quick roadside panorama.
A summit to choose according to conditions
When cloud or poor visibility dominates, the forested route remains the main interest. Its official circuit crosses a protected forest area and reaches several viewpoints, whose value depends directly on visibility.
CHOOSE HOW TO VISIT
Choose how to visit: Pico Alto
At 587 m, Pico Alto is Santa Maria’s highest point. Its official circuit crosses a protected forest area and reaches several viewpoints, whose value depends directly on visibility.
MARIA™
Plan your trip with Maria™
Plan your trip with Maria™This place can be integrated into your trip with Maria™ while taking the overall pace of your stay into account.
MIGUEL™
Decide on site with Miguel™
Decide on site with Miguel™Miguel™ can compare this hike with the available conditions and the place-specific parameters when you decide.
WHEN CONDITIONS MATTER
Decide with Miguel™
Miguel™ can compare this place with your available time, preferences and local conditions when deciding what to do.