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Grande Rota de Santa Maria

Name: Grande Rota de Santa Maria
Brand: Bookatrekking
Price: 465.00 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (1611 reviews)

Duration: 5 days

Trails: T2 trails

Distance: 10 - 15 km per day

Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day

Long distance

Island

Hiking Holidays

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ

> The only long-distance hiking route in the Azores

> In 5 days from hut to hut around Santa Maria

> Dramatic sea views of the Atlantic Ocean

The Grande Rota de Santa Maria is a spectacular long-distance hike on the island of Santa Maria, part of the Azores archipelago. This sub-tropical group of islands is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and is part of Portugal's territory. The unique thing about this trek is that you sleep each night in a converted stone barn, that are scattered around the island in beautiful locations.

The route follows the dramatic coastline full of geological wonders, due to its volcanic activity. Each day will be different: you hike through sleepy villages, along steep cliffs and through some of the island's evergreen forests. The cherry on the cake is the climb up the highest point on the island, Pico Alto. From the summit you'll have otherworldly views of Santa Maria and beyond. And it's a true delight to spend each day in one of the cozy huts. Come and join us on this magical trek!

Itinerary

Day

Vila do Porto - Malbusca

Duration: 04:00 h

Distance: 10.4 km

Ascent: 450 m

Descent: 220 m

The trek starts in the “capital” of Santa Maria, Vila do Porto. It’s a stunning day with views of the dramatic coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Heading east, you quickly reach the first highlight, the Regional Natural Monument of Pedreira do Campo. This sandstone field plays a key role in the geological history of the island and is known for its oceanic fossils that are found here. Halfway through today's stage you pass another interesting feature, the Gruta do Figueiral, a man-made limestone cave. The trail descends briefly to the spectacular shoreline, where you can take a dip in the ocean. After a very satisfying first day you stay in the Malbusca shelter, that looks out across the Atlantic.

Important: Before you begin your trek, make sure to pick up your hut keys and hiking map at the main office of our local partner in Vila do Porto.

Malbusca

Info

Day

Malbusca - Lapa

Duration: 05:30 h

Distance: 13.6 km

Ascent: 620 m

Descent: 610 m

From the hamlet of Malbusca you follow the country road for roughly a kilometer. You then hit the trail that winds its way around the coastline. You pass a wall of basalt columns with a waterfall plunging off it. Via another hamlet, Panasco, you go inland briefly. The route eventually heads towards the southeasterly tip of the island, which has a spectacular view of the lighthouse and the Atlantic. After that, the route descends to the shore and via the Aveiro Waterfall you climb to the second shelter on the trek at Lapa.

Lapa

Info

Day

Lapa-Norte

Duration: 05:30 h

Distance: 14.3 km

Ascent: 510 m

Descent: 540 m

This stage takes you to the northern shores of Santa Maria. It’s a diverse day, alternating walking through the fields and villages on the east coast. The second half of this stage skims the coastline, passing the pretty coastal village of São Lourenço, surrounded by steep lush cliffs. After a little loop around the northern cape (with a hidden black sand beach) you’ll spend the night in the Norte shelter.

Norte

Info

Day

Norte - Baia do Ropaso

Duration: 04:40 h

Distance: 12.2 km

Ascent: 460 m

Descent: 530 m

Although it’s a short stage, you’ll be climbing the highest point on Santa Maria, Pico Alto. It’s located at the heart of the island and is the best spot to oversee most of the Grande Rota de Santa Maria. The normal route follows the small country road to the 588 meter high top. We have chosen a more exciting shortcut via the trail along the eastern ridgeline. Regardless, it's a fabulous hike up. The descent to Baia do Ropaso runs through a wonderful woodland. Once you arrive at the shelter you can go for a stroll to one of the black sand beaches closeby.

Baia do Ropaso

Info

Day

Baia do Ropaso - Vila do Porto

Duration: 07:00 h

Distance: 20.8 km

Ascent: 270 m

Descent: 420 m

The final day is the biggest walking day in distance. It covers the rather barren western side of the island. After passing the small airport, Vila do Porto is within reach and you completed the longest hike in the Azores!

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Included

Booking the huts

We will take care of arranging accommodation on the Grande Rota de Santa Maria for you. We will also provide you with a detailed itinerary for every stage and instructions on how to get to the trailhead.
Full travel guide

You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Grande Rota de Santa Maria. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.
Accommodation

During your Grande Rota de Santa Maria, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we automatically book a bed in dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this.
Half-board in Huts

Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.
Navigation support

Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

Traveling to and from

You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.
Transfers

Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.
Lunch

Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.
Travel Insurance

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Personal expenses

Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

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Getting to and from
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If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?
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Packing List for the Grande Rota de Santa Maria

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