Ribeira Funda trail to Praia da Viola

Families

Location: São Miguel, Portugal

Activity: Walking Tours

Languages spoken: English, Portugese

Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins

Difficulty: Moderate

Meeting point:

Open map

Minimum age: 6

Sorry, we don't offer activity at this time. If you send us your e-mail, we will be happy to inform you as soon as we relaunched it.

Highlights

Ribeira Funda
Picnic lunch
Visit Gorreana tea factory
Visit Caldeira Velha natural monument, for a thermal bath

All about the trip

The day starts with the drive from the meeting point, we will cross the island from south to north by the narrowest part. After passing the only city in the north coast, Ribeira Grande, a great coastline awaits you with its amazing views. On the way, it's also possible to see the vast fields with tea plants, the only ones in Europe. This 5,5 km trail begins in the center of a small place on the North side of the island called Ribeira Funda, and takes around 3 hours to complete. The walking starts in an open area, and turns into a path with dense vegetation, mostly composed of Australian Cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum) and Ginger Lilys (Hedychium gardnerianum). Then, the trail leads us to old water mills that were once used to transform wheat and corn into flour, that was used in the making of bread. Going through passes by various streams we reach a viewpoint, from where we can see our next stop: Praia da Viola beach. Praia da Viola is a small tranquil beach with rough sand, flanked by a cliff with several water springs. If the ocean is calm, it is possible to go for a quick swim. In the middle of the hidden beach, there is a trail that takes us to the end of the tour, the small parish of Maia. Some parts are very narrow and very steep, and might also be slippery. On the way back to Ponta Delgada we will pass by the northern coast of the island, there will be still time to stop at the oldest tea factory of São Miguel, Gorreana tea factory for the tea tasting, and we will also stop in Caldeira Velha, a place up in the hill of the mountain of Lagoa do Fogo where it’s possible to have a bath in relaxing hot water. Back on the road, we pass by Ribeira Grande before crossing back to the south coast and after a short drive through the south coast, the activity ends with the arrival to Ponta Delgada.

What is included in the price

Transport
Picnic lunch
Picos de Aventura Guide
Insurance (Personal Accident and Liability)

What is not included in the price

Snacks and water

Instructions

Until 18 years must be accompanied by parents or guardians, or bring a written permission.

What to take with you?

Please bring footwear suitable for walking (Boots), comfortable clothing, light jacket, extra t-shirt or sweatshirt, snack, water, swimsuit, towel, backpack, sunscreen and hat. We recommend bringing walking poles, and gaiters (in winter).

Itinerary

	09:00 – Picos de Aventura
	09:45 – Start of the trail in Ribeira Funda
	12:45 – Stop for the picnic lunch
	14:00 – Visit to Gorreana tea factory
	15:00 – Visit to Caldeira Velha natural monument, for a thermal bath
	16:00 – Return to Ponta Delgada
	16:30 – Arrival at the hotel and end of the activity

Where do we meet and where will the trip end?

Meeting place:

Marina Pêro de Teive
Avenida João Bosco Mota Amaral
9500-771 Ponta Delgada

Open map

Final destination:

Marina Pêro de Teive
Avenida João Bosco Mota Amaral
9500-771 Ponta Delgada

Cancellation Policy - Benevolent

Cancellation more than 4 days prior to the starting date. Clients are automatically refunded the full booking price.
Cancellation within 48 to 96 hours prior to the starting date. Clients are entitled to a 50% refund of the booking price.
Cancellation less than 48 hours prior to the starting date. No refunds.

The full Terms and Conditions are available on our website.