Prainha do Norte

Prainha do Norte is a circuit beginning at Dr. José Machado Serpa square in the parish centre. Nossa Senhora da Ajuda church, the parish council, philharmonic headquarters, bandstand and Holy Spirit chapel form the opening setting. The route then moves into a landscape of small farms, orchards and vines divided by basalt enclosures, where many traditional cellars have become summer houses or rural accommodation.

Near Canto da Areia Bay, the path crosses the former Morro vineyard area, now occupied by coastal scrub of heather, Azorean whitewood and faya. The area is valuable to seabirds, including Cory's shearwater. Ponta da Rocha viewpoint opens views toward Santo Amaro and Prainha. Other features along the walk include ruins of an early settlement, stone bridges, small farm stores, Casa do Fio and São Pedro chapel.

The coastal section brings together a tidal well, a rotating windmill and two very different bathing places: the sandy shore at Canto da Areia and the natural pool of Poça Branca. The circuit returns to the original square, where São Jorge may be visible. This easy walk combines parish heritage, agriculture, coastal vegetation and repeated contact with the sea.

Begin at Dr. José Machado Serpa square beside Nossa Senhora da Ajuda church. Follow the circular markings out of the centre through small farms, orchards and vineyards. Continue toward the former Morro vine-growing area and Ponta da Rocha viewpoint. Remain on the marked line past Casa do Fio, São Pedro chapel, stone bridges and farm buildings. On the coastal sector, the trail approaches the tidal well, windmill and Canto da Areia before continuing toward Poça Branca. From there, follow the return markings into Prainha and back to the original square. Start and finish coincide, with road access available in the parish centre.