Grande Rota das Flores (Stage 2 Closed)

The Flores Grand Route links Santa Cruz with Lajedo over 47 coastal kilometres, but it is partially closed: only Stage 1, between Santa Cruz and Ponta Delgada, is open; Stage 2, from Ponta Delgada to Lajedo, is closed. The first stage covers about 21 kilometres along the northeast coast. It leaves the island's main town, crosses a succession of valleys and streams, and passes the Além Fazenda hydroelectric area before reaching cliffs, coves and islets.

The open sector combines agricultural landscape, forest reserve and endemic vegetation. Its indented coast provides nesting habitat for Cory's shearwaters, terns and other seabirds. Baía da Alagoa and the volcanic forms of the northeast mark the progression toward Ponta Delgada. This is a long, hard stage with stream crossings and frequently wet rock, requiring a full day and transport between endpoints.

Stage 2 remains only as context for the complete alignment: when open, it would continue by Ponta do Albarnaz, Fajã Grande, Fajãzinha and Lajedo beneath the great fossil cliff and its waterfalls. While closure remains in force, those 26 kilometres cannot be used as a continuation of the grand route. The available experience ends at Ponta Delgada and must be planned as a self-contained crossing.

For open Stage 1, begin in Santa Cruz das Flores and follow the grand-route markings along the northeast coast toward Ponta Delgada. The trail crosses valleys and streams around Além Fazenda, passes the hydroelectric area and continues through forest and coastal sectors, including the Baía da Alagoa surroundings. Remain with the stage markings until central Ponta Delgada, where the walk ends. Do not continue into Stage 2: the Ponta Delgada–Lajedo sector is closed, including progress toward Albarnaz and the west coast. Leave transport in Ponta Delgada, begin early and ensure everyone can complete the 21 kilometres of the open stage.