In Candelaria, a mountain ascent, an easy wine route, and individual cultural and coastal destinations sit side by side. The trail to Montanha do Pico begins at Casa da Montanha; the linear Vinhas da Criação Velha route connects Candelária with Areia Larga. There is also a protected wine-growing cultural landscape, local cultural history, and a dive site. For planning, the routes’ different profiles and themes are of particular interest.

Hiking: Montanha do Pico and Vinhas da Criação Velha

The hiking trail to Montanha do Pico begins and ends at Casa da Montanha in Candelária, at an altitude of 1,230 metres. Casa da Montanha registers and monitors climbers in accordance with the applicable access rules. It also provides information about geology, biology, history and climate, as well as the legal framework of the Montanha do Pico Nature Reserve. These topics are presented on information panels and in a film shown in the auditorium. Those planning the ascent will therefore find both the registration point and an introduction to the nature reserve there.

The linear Vinhas da Criação Velha route connects the parish of Candelária with the village of Areia Larga in the municipality of Madalena. It is rated easy, is seven kilometres long, and has an estimated walking time of two hours. Almost the entire route runs through the protected area of Pico’s wine-growing cultural landscape, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The two hikes also differ in the planning details provided: for Vinhas, the distance and walking time are stated; for the trail to Montanha, the elevation and the same start and finish point at Casa da Montanha are given.

Natural and Cultural Landscape

Montanha do Pico is designated as a nature reserve. The Vinhas da Criação Velha route, by contrast, passes through the protected area of the wine-growing cultural landscape. This brings two distinct landscape designations together: a nature reserve on the mountain and a protected cultural landscape whose UNESCO World Heritage status dates to 2004. Fogos and Porto de Ana Clara are also part of the wine-growing cultural landscape of Pico Island. The two places form a coastal settlement on the coast of the parish of Candelária in the municipality of Madalena.

The coast of the parish of Candelária is characterised by high cliffs, particularly around the village of Monte. Arcos do Pocinho offers a different perspective on the coast: it is designated as a coastal and cave diving site and can be reached via the Pocinho bathing area. Thus, alongside its hiking trails, the area also has a specific connection to diving.

In the district of Monte, the tidal well served the local population as a source of water and a place to wash clothes. Observations made in 2011 recorded at least four stone wash basins near the well. This historical use adds a glimpse into everyday life in the past to the coastal and landscape themes.

Church, Wine-Growing and Local Culture

Construction of the church of Nossa Senhora das Candeias in Candelária dates back to 1803. Wine cellars and wine-growing enclosures are located on Canada das Adegas da Candelária, within a protected landscape area. The church and the wine-growing structures point to different aspects of local history: sacred architecture and built features associated with wine-growing.

Another cultural destination is Adega A Rodilha, a small museum in the parish of Candelária. Visitors can see typical agricultural tools from times gone by there. The folklore group associated with Casa do Povo de Candelária is also part of the municipality’s cultural scene and is the oldest in the Azores. Together, these themes range from historic buildings and agricultural tools to folklore.

Discover more destinations: Piedade, Santa Luzia, Calhau, Bandeiras, Sao Joao, Ribeiras, Santo Amaro, Madalena.

For the wider travel overview: Pico.