Investment in qualified supply of trails values the Azores as a Nature Destination, says Luís Neto Viveiros
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Environment stated on Pico that the Government's investment in the qualified supply of pedestrian trails, with over 80 approved trails in the archipelago, brings added value to the Region as a Nature Destination.
"Pedestrian trails are one of the most sought-after products by tourists visiting the region," said Luís Neto Viveiros. The government official marked the opening of the new trail between Porto do Calhau and Canada das Adegas in the village of Candelária, municipality of Madalena, covering approximately 7.5 km of the trail route.
This trail was recently approved by the Monitoring Committee for Pedestrian Trails, which is made up of various entities and governmental departments, including the areas tourism and environment. It was created with the aim of informing the population and visitors about the specificities of Pico Vineyard Culture Landscape, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.
The trail between Porto do Calhau and Canada das Adegas goes along the coast and old "canadas" that wind between vineyards in "currais" (small stone enclosures), coastal settlements, ruins of old settlements, tidal wells and "descansadouros"; the latter were wall structures in which people laid the baskets carried on foot.
Located within the Protected Landscape Area and the Island Natural Park, the trail allows us to observe several endemic flora and fauna species representing the geodiversity of the volcanic landscape that shapes the archipelago.
The information on pedestrian trails in the Azores can be found at the address http://www.trails-azores.com/.