Pico das Camarinhas - Ponta da Ferraria

Pico das Camarinhas–Ponta da Ferraria is a 3.6-kilometre circuit interpreting the recent volcanic history of São Miguel’s western tip. The start at Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina recalls the nineteenth-century submarine eruption that briefly raised a small island offshore. From there, the path climbs Pico das Camarinhas, a volcanic cone formed during an earlier terrestrial eruption.

An alignment of craters and Caminho Velho gradually lead towards the coast. On the descent along Rua da Ilha Sabrina, the cliff exposes layers of pumice, pyroclastic material and other evidence of separate eruptive events. At Ferraria, the lava platform contains arches, cavities, veins, a pseudocrater and fragments of rock carried within magma. Together these features create an open geological section, with forms and textures visible at walking scale.

Beside the ocean, a thermal spring warms water in a natural pool at low tide when sea conditions are safe. The return to the viewpoint completes an easy route of about two and a half hours. Despite that rating, craters, cliff and coast require respect for the marked line. The circuit’s value lies in connecting eruptions, marine erosion and bathing use within one landscape in constant contact with the Atlantic.

Leave Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina on the marked climb to Pico das Camarinhas. Pass the crater sector without leaving the path, then take Caminho Velho towards Ferraria. Descend Rua da Ilha Sabrina to the coastal platform, following the indicated geological features. The thermal pool lies beside the ocean, but entering the water is separate from the hike and depends on the tide. Take the signed return branch back to the viewpoint. Allow about two and a half hours to complete the 3.6-kilometre circuit and keep a margin of daylight, including time for signed branches and stops.