SANTA LUZIA CIRCLE TRAIL + CRAZY LAVA WALK
If you’re coming to Pico Island thinking it’s all about the mountain climb, you’re seriously missing out. The Santa Luzia Circle trail is the real deal for those who want more than just the usual tourist spots. This loop takes you through the Laurisilva forest – a cool, green world where the trees practically talk to you. Then, it gets even better with some lava walks that’ll have you feeling like you’re on another planet, followed by a stretch along the hardened lava coast that’ll make you pause and appreciate nature’s power. And just when you think it can’t get any better, the lava stone church at the end ties it all together, adding a touch of history to the wild landscape. It’s the perfect way to see Pico’s true beauty, from peaceful forests to volcanic shores.
SANTA LUZIA CIRCLE TRAIL FACTS
Distance: The total distance for this hike is around 10km loop trail.
Hike duration: It took us 3 hours to slowly enjoy this trail with enough breaks for pictures and snacks.
Elevation gain: The total elevation gain for this hike is around 300m.
Difficulty: Easy, no major dangers on the way.
Gear needed: Comfy shoes and sun protection are a must. Read this guide if you’re unsure what else to bring.
My Strava map upload + GPS file: LAGOA DO FOGO
GETTING TO SANTA LUZIA CIRCLE TRAIL
By car: Start at Santa Luzia Church in Santa Luzia village. There’s plenty of parking nearby.
By bus: Renting a car or a scooter is the most reliable option to explore Pico Island. I booked my car through discovercars.com and can highly recommend it!
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING SANTA LUZIA CIRCLE TRAIL
The hike kicks off with a right turn after the Santa Luzia Church, and soon you’re on a dirt road that takes you past the cemetery. It’s a pretty easy start, but once you hit the rocky path, it’s game on.
Shortly after, you’re in the stunning laurisilva (laurel) lush forest, so green, and totally peaceful 😊. We passed some house ruins and shortly after that, things got a little more rustic. Ignore the sign and take a right down a gravel road – it leads you through fields where cows seem to be more interested in you than the hike itself.
Next, you’ll reach a place where time feels like it’s stood still. Old farm ruins, animals roaming free, and an atmosphere so calm, it almost feels like you’re in another world. It’s the kind of place where you just stop and never continue or maybe it´s just me 😛
From here, the trail continues down into the village, with more epic views of São Jorge and the coast. The vineyards here add another picturesque element to the hike, with lush green vines lining the path. The descent toward the coast brings you to a lava coastal walk, one of the most scenic parts of the hike.
LAVA COASTAL WALK AND RETURN
As you hit the coastline, the trail turns into a lava coastal walk that feels like something out of a movie. The rough lava rocks form an almost alien landscape, and the ocean is right there, crashing against the shore like it’s trying to show off. It’s raw, untamed, and impossible to ignore. The sound of the waves and the smell of salt in the air add to the atmosphere as you make your way along the shore.. and with the wind in your face, it’s impossible not to feel alive in this spot.
Conclusion
Overall, Santa Luzia Circle trail is a cool, easy hike that mixes coastal views, laurel forests and some historical ruins. It’s the perfect way to see another side of Pico Island and escape the crowds. Want more trails like this? You can find other hikes on Pico Island here or simply check out my other hiking guides for the Azores here. You can also follow me on social media below or if you enjoy my content, please consider supporting me with a coffee 😊
Wish you safe and happy hiking!
