Two routes in Luz lead to different destinations: Subida ao Cume passes over the island’s highest point and reaches Furna do Enxofre; Baía da Folga leads to a bay considered a bathing area. Church and water architecture complement these landscape and hiking destinations. Both routes start in the centre of Luz near the same church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz: Subida ao Cume begins opposite it; Baía da Folga starts near the church.

Hiking Trails and Volcanic Landscape

The Subida ao Cume route begins in the centre of the parish of Luz, opposite Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz. It runs mostly within the Monumento Natural da Caldeira da Graciosa natural monument and passes over the island’s highest point, at 405 metres. From there, the route offers sweeping views of the landscape.

Subida ao Cume also leads to Furna do Enxofre, a unique volcanic cave. It is 194 metres long and 40 metres high. Inside are a freshwater lake and a mud mofette.

The Baía da Folga route takes a different direction. It begins in the centre of Luz near Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz and leads to Baía da Folga, which is considered a bathing area near the parish of Luz. Both starting points are in the centre near the same church, one opposite it and the other close by.

The Grande Rota da Graciosa (East) is another way to place Luz in the context of a longer route. Its first stage follows the Barra–Praia–Luz route through the Luz area and ends within the parish of Luz.

A Look Inside Furna do Enxofre

The Furna do Enxofre visitor centre has information panels and monitors. The monitors display the gas levels measured inside the cave.

Church and Water Architecture

The history of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz goes back further than the building mentioned today. Its predecessor dated from the 16th century and was destroyed by the 1730 earthquake. The church was completed in 1738.

Inside the church are a life-size depiction of Saint Joseph, a depiction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and a contemporary depiction of Our Lady of Luz from the second decade of the 20th century.

Another cultural destination is Xixaras on Caminho do Tanque, Canada, within the parish of Luz. The water architecture ensemble comprises a water basin, washing facilities, a fountain and a livestock trough.

Discover more destinations: Faja, Guadalupe, Feiteira, Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Covas, Praia

Return to the main travel overview: Graciosa.