Malha Grande - Biscoitos

Malha Grande–Biscoitos is a crossing from Terceira’s mountainous interior to the north coast. From Rocha do Chambre, the route crosses pasture and climbs to a viewpoint over the Pico Alto caldera, reaching roughly 704 metres. Vale do Azinhal and the surroundings of Gruta dos Balcões introduce volcanic relief covered by forest, lapilli deposits and cultivated land.

On the descent, orchards and rural tracks lead to Rua Longa and the crossing of the regional road. Near Baía das Pombas, Second World War trenches add a historical element to the walk. The final approach to Biscoitos follows Avenida do Mar and enters a vineyard landscape protected by stone walls, finishing at the natural pools. The marked change in altitude reveals a transition from the damp, wooded interior to lava-shaped plots exposed to the maritime climate.

The trenches at Baía das Pombas and the walls around the vineyards belong to different periods and purposes, yet both use the terrain for protection. That parallel adds depth to the coastal finish without reducing the importance of the long descent from the caldera, which remains the defining progression of the route.

Begin at Rocha do Chambre, cross the pasture and climb to the Pico Alto caldera viewpoint. Follow Vale do Azinhal, skirt Gruta dos Balcões and continue through forest, lapilli and orchards to Rua Longa. Cross the regional road, proceed through Baía das Pombas and the trenches, then follow Avenida do Mar and the vineyards to the Biscoitos natural pools. Arrange return transport. After the trenches, use Avenida do Mar as the reference for reaching the vineyards and natural pools.