Vinhas de São Caetano and Praia do Populo Loop

This short coastal loop on São Miguel is a relaxed, easy walk of about 3.4 km / 2.1 miles with essentially no meaningful climbing, so it suits families, casual walkers, and anyone looking for a gentle outing near the sea. The route begins and ends at Mata do Café in Livramento, on the south coast east of Ponta Delgada, and follows a circular line through a landscape shaped by ocean exposure, old vineyard plots, volcanic ground, and small beach areas. Official trail information lists it as an easy circular route with an average walking time of about 1 hour 30 minutes. (trails.visitazores.com)

The setting is one of the main reasons to walk it. Even though the elevation gain is around 0 m / 0 ft, the terrain is varied enough to stay interesting: sections near the coast, stretches by old stonework, and urban or roadside portions where attention is needed. This is not a mountain hike or a wilderness trek; it is more of a scenic heritage walk where the appeal comes from geology, shoreline views, and the cultural history embedded in the ground. The official start point, Mata do Café, is the green and recreational area between Praia das Milícias and Praia do Pópulo, making the nearest practical landmark the beach zone around Praia do Pópulo in Livramento, Ponta Delgada. (trails.visitazores.com)

What to expect on the route

From the start, the walk stays close to the southern coastline of São Miguel, where the Atlantic is a constant presence. Expect a mix of paved or semi-urban walking and more natural coastal sections rather than a continuously wild footpath. Because the route is short, landmarks come quickly. Within the first 1 km / 0.6 miles, the coastal character becomes clear, with dark volcanic sand, pebbly patches, and low lava formations helping define the shoreline. The geology here includes aa lava fields and coastal volcanic formations associated with the São Roque Islet, which is described as the remains of a surtseyan tuff cone formed by an underwater basaltic eruption and recognized as part of an Azores Geopark geosite. (trails.visitazores.com)

Around the middle part of the loop, the walk passes through or alongside the remains of the old vineyard corrals of São Caetano. These basalt-walled plots are one of the most distinctive features of the hike. They are evidence of a once-important local wine-growing landscape that remained significant until the 19th century. Unlike the more famous vineyard landscapes on Pico, these plots are noted for a different planting pattern, often using pits and forming a visible lattice-like arrangement on the ground. Even in abandonment, they give the route a strong sense of place and make this more than just a beach walk. (trails.visitazores.com)

Closer to Praia do Pópulo, the route reaches one of the best-known bathing areas on this side of São Miguel. Praia do Pópulo is a small beach, also known as Praia Pequena, with dark volcanic sand. It is a popular local beach and has parking and a support bar, so this section can feel livelier than the quieter vineyard and rocky stretches. If walking in warm weather, this is one of the most convenient points for a break. (visitportugal.com)

Landmarks, nature, and wildlife

One of the most important historical landmarks on the loop is the ruined Fort of São Caetano near Praia do Pópulo. The fort formed part of the coastal defense system and dates to the 17th century, built to help protect this stretch of shoreline and anchorage from pirate and corsair attacks. Later records from the 18th century still mention it, showing that this small coastal fortification had a continuing defensive role in the island’s maritime history. Its remains help connect the modern beach landscape with a period when coastal communities had to defend themselves from seaborne threats. (trails.visitazores.com)

The route also passes traditional fishing spots with names such as Ponta Grossa, Furada, and Borralho, reflecting the long-standing relationship between local communities and the sea. That fishing heritage is part of the identity of Livramento and nearby São Roque, and it adds another layer of cultural significance to what might otherwise seem like a simple shoreline stroll. (trails.visitazores.com)

Plant life along the trail is