The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism announced today that Graciosa will hold the "Graciosa Windmills Trail" on November 30. According to her, this is "an excellent event to promote this island but also an opportunity to disseminate the huge potential of the Region in terms of hiking trails."
Speaking at the presentation of the event during the Government's statutory visit, Marta Guerreiro stated that Graciosa joins the trail events that are "already known on the islands of Faial, Pico, São Jorge, São Miguel, Santa Maria and Flores."
In turn, the "Graciosa Windmills Trail" hosts the final event of the 2019 Portuguese Cup Trail, a competition organised by the Portuguese Train Running Association. The title will be awarded to one of the 100 finalists select among the 2,500 athletes who participated in more than 40 qualifying competitions held throughout the country.
"This specific competition consist of two events: one event held under the Portuguese Cup for athletes selected from all levels, involving nearly 100, and an open event limited to the participation of up to 80 athletes," said Marta Guerreiro.
The Secretary for Tourism highlighted the fact that this "a competition that runs along Graciosa Grand Route, thus contributing to its promotion and visibility. It covers a significant part of the island's territory, through a circular route that alternates between coastal landscapes, notably several islets, and the inland volcanic landscapes, with a total extension of approximately 40 kilometres."
The route connects the Barra to the village of Luz, providing hikers with the possibility of contemplating the coastal areas to the east and south of the island. The area of Praia features smooth relief forms, contrasting with the higher and steep cliffs in the area of Ponta da Restinga. The natural reserves of Praia and Baixo islets are located in this portion.
Moreover, hikers may also appreciate the island's most emblematic volcanic landscape - the Caldeira - where they have the opportunity to visit its interior, the Furna do Enxofre (Sulphur Cave). The latter is an important 40 metre-high and 194-metre wide volcanic cave featuring a lake in its deepest zone.
This route also runs along other important sites, such as the Caldeirinha de Pêro Botelho, a volcanic "algar" (pit cave) on Serra Branca Mountain that has become a natural viewpoint over a significant portion of the island, the valley between Central Massif and Caldeira Massif, and the old oxcart tracks in the area of Fontes.
"In this context, we believe that this first edition will be a success, with a positive impact on the visibility of both the island and the Region," stressed Marta Cordeiro. On the occasion, she emphasised "the time of year chosen for this event for being an important asset for overcoming the challenge of seasonality."
"This is another perfect example of the attraction of market segments wishing to visit our destination outside the peak season, which offers the best conditions for the practice of sports and other activities," said Marta Guerreiro.