SANTO AMARO TO MIRADOURO TERRA ALTA + A MAGICAL SWIMMING SPOT
The Santo Amaro to Miradouro Terra Alta trail is the perfect adventure for anyone looking for a bit of everything: coastal beauty, jungle paths, a killer viewpoint, and the best swimming spot on the island. Honestly, it’s pretty wild that most people come to Pico Island just for the famous climb to Portugal’s highest peak, while they’re missing out on this one. This trail takes you through lush forests, a short but fun jungle climb, and hides the real magic: a natural pool, a true hidden gem – perfect for a refreshing dip after the hike.
SANTO AMARO TO MIRADOURO TERRA ALTA FACTS
Distance: This trail is 13km long out and back.
Duration: This hike shouldn´t take more than 3-4h including swimming in the natural pool.
Elevation Gain: 520m.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. There aren´t any dangers on the trail, but perhaps the elevation can be challenging for some. If you’re not used to forest climbs, allow a bit more time for this one.
Terrain: Coastal paths on empty roads, jungle climbs and forest trails.
Gear Needed: Comfortable shoes, water, snacks and definitely sunscreen 🙂
Strava: SANTO AMARO – MIRADOURO TERRA ALTA, need a gpx file for navigation? Check out my STRAVA GPX DOWNLOAD instruction.
GETTING TO SANTO AMARO – MIRADOURO TERRA ALTA
By car: The trail starts from the coastal village of Santo Amaro. There are plenty of parking opportunities everywhere. Just be mindful it might be a bit busier on the weekends.
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.
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING SANTO AMARO – MIRADOURO TERRA ALTA
The Santo Amaro to Miradouro Terra Alta hike kicks off in a quiet village and takes you along the coast with awesome views of São Jorge Island. The first stop? a little boat looking like its abandoned, adding to the chill vibe of the place. As you keep going, the views just get better, and you’ll eventually reach a serene swimming spot that I decided to leave for after the hike so I could cool off once I finished.
Zona Balnear do Caisinho – a true hidden gem of Pico Island!
This was probably the highlight of my 5-day stay on Pico Island. When I arrived at Zona Balnear do Caisinho, there was just one local person there, making it feel like I had the place to myself. The calm, clear water and beautiful surroundings were the perfect reward after the hike. I saved the swim for the end so I could fully cool off and unwind. With showers nearby, it was the ideal way to relax and enjoy the quiet beauty of the island.
The path continues, leading you to Canto de Santo Amaro Bay. This picturesque bay is another highlight of the trail, offering awesome views and a peaceful atmosphere with its calm waters and surrounding beauty making it an ideal place to pause and take it all in.
Into the Jungle
From here, the adventure begins with a jungle climb: rocky, overgrown stairs covered in leaves. It’s a short but steep section that’ll get your heart pumping. Once you hit the main road, you’ll walk through the village, enjoying incredible views of the valley and Pico Island.
After the jungle climb, the path takes you through a quiet village, passing by a few houses with views that just keep getting better. It’s a nice break before the next stretch. Nothing too challenging, just a peaceful stroll through the village with Pico Island in the distance.
Then, it’s back into the forest where you’re surrounded by the sounds of birds singing and the cool shade of the trees. Just when you think it can’t get any better, you reach another killer view of São Jorge Island, and trust me, it’s worth taking a minute to just stop and inhale it all.
Miradouro Terra Alta
After the forest and village walk, you’ll reach Miradouro Terra Alta, a viewpoint that delivers panoramic views of São Jorge Island and the beautiful coastline. The view here is absolutely worth the short detour, with the island’s rugged beauty on full display. The peaceful surroundings make it the perfect place to take a breather and soak in the natural beauty before continuing the hike. I actually took my lunch here. Guess what, there was nobody beside me.
The return
After enjoying the viewpoint, the trail continues with a beautiful descent back toward the village. The return journey gives a fresh perspective on the stunning scenery. As you walk back, you pass through lush landscapes, taking in the peacefulness of the area one last time before arriving at the village. It’s a nice, calming end to an adventure that’s filled with nature, unreal views, and a hidden swimming spot.
PS If you’re looking to mix things up a bit on your return journey, there’s a cool alternative route you can take after your swim at Zona Balnear do Caisinho. Instead of heading back the same way, I spotted a path along the coast that seemed to lead to something interesting. Always up for a bit of adventure, I decided to follow it. What I found was a cool section of coastline with beautiful lava rocks scattered along the shore. The rugged landscape was a perfect contrast to the lush greenery of the trail, and I had the place all to myself, again.
Conclusion
If you’re after a trail that combines stunning coastal views, peaceful forests, and hidden treasures, the Santo Amaro – Miradouro Terra Alta trail is a perfect pick. The hike starts in a coastal village with easy, breezy walking along the shore, offering incredible views of São Jorge Island. After this relaxed start, the real magic happens as you get deeper into the trail.
And if you’re itching for more trails, 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!
