Great Route - Stage 1: Santa Cruz das Flores - Ponta Delgada

Crossing a large part of the island's littoral between Santa Cruz and Lajedo parishes, the Great Route of Flores presents a high difficulty level trail. 

This walking trail is divided into two stages: the first from Santa Cruz to Ponta Delgada, and the second from Ponta Delgada to Lajedo. Along the two stages stand out the beauty of the landscapes over the sea and the ground cover plants, including many altitude and coastal species. Stage 1 of the Great Route of Flores covers the Costa Nordeste Protected Area for the Management of Habitat or Species, and Stage 2 the Costa Sul e Sudoeste Protected Area for the Management of Habitat or Species, the Costa Nordeste Protected Area for the Management of Habitat or Species and the Zona Central e Falésias da Costa Oeste Protected Landscape Area.

Start the first stage on a beautiful viewpoint over the Baixa Vermelha and Baixa do Moinho islets, with Corvo in the background, take the path on your left and go up the staircase you will find, and then follow the road until an elevated area called Beija Mão. From here, descend the path and pass through the Recreational Forest Reserve of Luís Paulo Camacho and the dam that feeds the Hydroelectric Power Plant. After crossing the dam, follow near a levada (irrigation channel) leading to the regional road. 

From here, continue on the road until you find the entrance to the Caimbros Trail, which leads to the Alagoa Bay zone. Crossing the picnic area, start a climb to the Cedros parish, cross it and continue towards the Ponta Ruiva place and, from here, walk near the coast until the Ponta Delgada parish, close to Casa do Povo (local support house for the people).