Official trailPRC43SMI
HIKING · MIGUEL™ PREMIUM
Pico das Camarinhas – Ponta da Ferraria
PRC43SMI links a volcanic cone, the Ferraria cliffs and a bathing area where thermal water meets the Atlantic.
PRC43SMI crosses Pico das Camarinhas, a basaltic scoria cone, then volcanic structures and the Ferraria cliff.
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Photo informationPhoto : DHT Azores · DHT interne
Distance4,9 km
Duration2h30
DifficultyEasy
Trail typeLinear
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+190 m / -190 m
Altitude9–201 m
TerrainCoast, Volcanic terrain
ExposureExposed
PanoramaHigh
Access from the area~45 min from Ponta Delgada
Expert reading
How to read the trail
linking Pico das Camarinhas to Ponta da Ferraria, on the western tip of São Miguel, where seawater is heated by an underwater volcanic source, creating a natural pool unique in the archipelago.
Best for
For hikers of all levels curious about a coastal hike combining volcanism and ocean, ending at the natural hot-water pool of Ponta da Ferraria.
When to pass
Rough seas or strong swell (the Ponta da Ferraria natural pool becomes dangerous, or even inaccessible, in heavy swell), or no way back arranged from Ponta da Ferraria (the trail is linear, not a loop).
When Miguel recommends it
Miguel recommends this hike over a high-altitude hike when the swell is low to moderate on the west coast: it's one of the rare chances to combine a coastal walk with a natural thermal swim, but the appeal disappears entirely if the sea is rough.
Trail logistics
4.9 km, about 2h30, easy, a mix of coastal trail and small roads. The trail is linear (not a loop): arrange a way back from Ponta da Ferraria. Bring swimwear for the natural pool if sea conditions allow.
PLACE · LANDSCAPE · EXPERIENCE
A very readable volcanic landscape
The trail is interesting because the landform reveals several stages of the area’s volcanic history. The tourism portal currently shows it as closed, which should be checked before setting out. Ferraria has a natural thermal bathing area, but conditions depend on tide and sea state. The official route is a 3.6 km circular walk listed at 2h30 and easy difficulty.
PRC43SMI crosses Pico das Camarinhas, a basaltic scoria cone, then volcanic structures and the Ferraria cliff. PRC43SMI links a volcanic cone, the Ferraria cliffs and a bathing area where thermal water meets the Atlantic. Ferraria combines a thermal spring with Atlantic seawater, so water comfort changes with sea conditions and tide.
Operational status should take precedence over older editorial descriptions. The official trail sheet lists 3.6 km and about 2h30. Swimming should therefore be considered separately from the hike.
ON SITE
3.6 km and 2h30
The PRC43SMI route
The trail is interesting because the landform reveals several stages of the area’s volcanic history. The tourism portal currently shows it as closed, which should be checked before setting out. Ferraria has a natural thermal bathing area, but conditions depend on tide and sea state. The official route is a 3.6 km circular walk listed at 2h30 and easy difficulty.
Current trail status
The official trail sheet lists 3.6 km and about 2h30.
Distance and duration
The time available, local conditions and the way you want to experience the place determine the best way to fit it into your day.
Thermal bathing after the hike
Ferraria has a natural thermal bathing area, but conditions depend on tide and sea state.
CHOOSING YOUR VISIT
Bathing depends on the tide
Ferraria combines a thermal spring with Atlantic seawater, so water comfort changes with sea conditions and tide.
Swimming should therefore be considered separately from the hike.
MARIA™
Plan your trip with Maria™
Plan my trip with Maria™Maria™ can integrate Pico das Camarinhas – Ponta da Ferraria into your trip while taking into account your available time, overall pace and other possible stops.
MIGUEL™
Decide on site with Miguel™
Decide today with Miguel™Miguel™ can compare this hike with the available conditions and the place-specific parameters when you decide.
CONDITIONS
Decide with Miguel™
Miguel™ can compare this place with your current context: time available, preferences, local conditions and other options on the island. It is not a fixed ranking; relevance depends on your situation when you decide.