The Regional Director for Tourism stated today that pedestrian trails are currently one of the "major tourist attractions" of the Azores and, for this reason; the Regional Government is committed to create new trails and improve the existing ones.

João Bettencourt spoke at the opening ceremony of the "Great Route - Faial from Coast to Coast" that took place in Porto da Ribeira. The event was also attended by the Regional Director for the Environment, Hernâni Jorge.

For João Bettencourt, the "excellent work" that was carried out by the Regional Directorate for the Environment in partnership with local authorities and private entities has provided the Region with a network of pedestrian trails that comprises over sixty certified trails.

"We have fantastic trails on all of our islands," the Regional Director stressed, adding that the Azores are now recognised international as a destination of "environmental excellence."

Regarding the trail opened today, João Bettencourt emphasised that this is the first "Great Route" of the Azores.  Next Saturday, it will host the Azores Trail Run. This initiative comprises two events: the "10 Volcanoes" Trail and the "Faial from Coast to Coast" Ultra Trail.

According to João Bettencourt, the international event "will place the Azores on the map of Ultra Trail activities" and will also enhance the "visibility" of Faial as place for the organisation of this type of initiatives.

The "Great Route - Faial from Coast to Coast" has an extension of 36 kilometres and takes about 12 hours. With a high degree of difficulty, the trail starts at level 0 in Porto da Boca da Ribeira (Ribeirinha - East Coast) and rises towards Caldeira, which is 1000 metres above sea level; it ends in Porto do Comprido in the vicinity of the Capelinhos Volcano.