Subida ao Cume

Subida ao Cume leaves the parish of Luz and enters the volcanic heart of Graciosa. The climb through Canada do Beco reaches the Caldeira rim, where the route gains height to the island’s highest point at 405 metres. It follows the crest and provides perspectives into the depression and across different parts of the coast whenever visibility permits.

Below the summit lie cavities including Maria Encantada, Abel and Furna do Enxofre, the latter associated with the Visitor Centre. The descent crosses native cedar woodland and other native vegetation, habitat for birds and plants that contribute to the area’s natural value. The Caldeira forms part of a protected wetland and a geosite, bringing relief, biodiversity and volcanic processes together within a compact area. Returning to Luz completes a difficult but varied circuit that moves from rural tracks to an exposed rim and then back into forest before reaching the settlement.

Passing through native cedar woodland softens the transition between the open rim and the settlement. After exposure and summit views, shade, humidity and vegetation reveal another dimension of the Caldeira associated with habitat conservation. This change is essential to the circuit’s character and prevents the volcanic landscape from being understood as bare relief alone.

Begin beside the church in Luz and climb Canada do Beco to the Caldeira rim. Follow the crest circuit to the island’s highest point, then continue on waymarks around the depression. The caves lie inside the Caldeira and are not branches of this trail, so remain on the marked rim. Continue to the descent branch and cross native cedar woodland and other vegetation to return to Luz. A visit to Furna do Enxofre and its Visitor Centre must be planned separately using their own access.