Pico das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria

This short coastal-volcanic route on the far western side of São Miguel packs a surprising amount into roughly 4 km / 2.5 mi, with about 200 m / 656 ft of climbing. Although the distance is modest, the terrain, exposure to wind, and uneven volcanic ground can make it feel harder than the numbers suggest, so the “difficult” rating is reasonable for anyone not used to rocky coastal trails. The walk begins near Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina, Rua Ilha Sabrina, 9555 Ginetes, Ponta Delgada, a viewpoint above Ferraria with parking and broad views over the lava coast. Official trail information for the protected route lists the walk at about 4.9 km / 3.0 mi and notes that it starts beside this viewpoint. (turismo.azores.gov.pt)

From the start, the route immediately introduces the character of the landscape: open, treeless, dark volcanic ground, low coastal vegetation, and wide Atlantic views. The path crosses a protected natural monument centered on Pico das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria, an area recognized for both scenic value and geological importance. Expect a mix of dirt path, rocky sections, and exposed stretches where sun, wind, and salt spray can be more challenging than the elevation profile alone suggests. Good footwear matters here, especially if the ground is damp or loose. (parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt)

What the route is like

The trailhead area already gives a strong sense of place. From the viewpoint, there are expansive views toward Ponta da Ferraria, the parish of Ginetes, and Pico do Cavalo. The route then heads into a volcanic landscape shaped by eruptions, lava flows, and coastal erosion. One of the defining features is Pico das Camarinhas, identified by the Azores Geopark as a basaltic scoria cone rising to about 219 m / 719 ft, formed by an eruption around 1140 AD. (parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt)

As you move along the trail, the terrain alternates between gentle walking and steeper, rougher sections where footing needs more attention. The climb is not especially long, but the surface can be irregular enough to slow progress. Hikers should expect short ups and downs rather than one single sustained ascent. Because the route is coastal and elevated above the sea in places, gusty weather can make exposed sections feel more committing than inland trails of similar length. (parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt)

The route is especially notable for its geological variety. The protected area includes Pico das Camarinhas, the lava delta of Ponta da Ferraria, and a small trachytic dome, all within a relatively compact area. Interpretive material for the trail also highlights features such as a coastal arch, littoral cone, ignimbrite and dikes, and the natural thermal pool at Ferraria. For hikers interested in volcanism, this is one of the more rewarding short walks on São Miguel. (parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt)

Landmarks, geology, and historical significance

One of the most important historical references on this hike is Ilha Sabrina. The viewpoint at the start takes its name from the famous 1811 submarine eruption off Ponta da Ferraria, which briefly created a small island about 6 km / 3.7 mi southeast of the point. That island was short-lived, but the event became one of the best-known volcanic episodes in Azorean history and remains closely tied to the identity of this coastline. (parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt)

Ponta da Ferraria itself is also significant for its geothermal activity. The area is known for seawater warmed by volcanic heat, and the nearby Termas da Ferraria, at Rua Ilha Sabrina, 9555-103 Ginetes, Ponta Delgada, are built around these thermal waters, which are described by the Azores tourism portal as reaching around 40°C / 104°F. This combination of ocean, cliffs, lava formations, and geothermal influence makes the area unusual even by Azorean standards.