STAGE 1
FROM VINEYARDS TO THE MOUNTAIN
Pico Island
October 23rd 2026
From the Vineyards to the Mountain (FVM)
**From the Vineyards to the Mountain (FVM)**
Embark on the 25 km journey of the "From the Vineyards to the Mountain" trail, where adventure begins at sea level and ascends to the majestic summit at 1,300 meters high. Starting at the harbor of Madalena village, the path leads to the "Lajido" of Criação Velha, part of Pico's Vineyard Protected Landscape—an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. Here, basalt stone walls stand guard over the vines, shielding them from wind and salt, and creating a stunning landscape where humanity and nature thrive together.
As you walk through the vineyards, marvel at the unique micro-reliefs shaped by recent volcanic activity. The scenery shifts as you ascend, transitioning from the gentle vineyards to "maroiços," large rock piles that nurture diverse plant life.
Continue forward to discover green pastures beside volcanic cones and lava tubes, where cows graze contentedly. The mountain's silhouette is a dynamic masterpiece, ever-changing and revealing vibrant colors, clouds, and snow.
Upon reaching the foothills of the mountain, around 1,200 meters high, you enter a Nature Reserve within the Nature Park of Pico. This remarkable area is recognized as a geosite in the Azores Geopark and designated as a Special Conservation Zone. Here, the terrain steepens, and alpine plants stand resilient, often cloaked beneath a blanket of snow.
Information and Recommendations about the Trail of Pico Mountain
STAGE 2
FAJÃS
São Jorge Island
October 24th 2026
Fajãs Trail (FT)
“Fajãs” are the breathtaking features of São Jorge Island's coastline, unique flat parcels of land formed by the collapse of materials from the slopes or the cooling of lava meeting the ocean. They invite you to connect with nature and embrace the island's stunning beauty.
The 2026 stage follows the island's long-distance trail (GR01) for 25 km along the south coast, from the Ponta do Topo lighthouse, at the eastern tip of São Jorge, to Fajã dos Vimes. The route passes through Santo Antão and São Tomé, the oldest volcanic complex of the island, and then the fajãs of São João, Loural and Bodes, where yam, banana and coffee are grown: São Jorge is one of the few places in Europe where coffee is cultivated.
With 1,288 m of climbing and 1,294 m of descent, the stage finishes at Fajã dos Vimes.
Explore São Jorge Island’s “Fajãs” and let its natural beauty inspire you!
STAGE 3
VOLCANOES TRAIL
Faial Island
October 25th 2026
Volcanoes Trail (VT)
The Volcanoes Trail, stretching over 33 kilometers, commences at the Capelinhos volcano, a geological wonder in Portugal. This unique terrain, formed from ashes, tuff, and volcanic bombs in the 1957–58 eruption, offers a rare glimpse into a landscape that feels otherworldly. Starting at the sea level of the "Comprido" port—once the largest whaling station in the Azores from 1940 to 1957 before the volcanic eruption changed its destiny—the journey unfolds.
As you ascend through the breathtaking Capelo peninsula, the trail takes you over ten dormant volcanoes and into the "Levada," a testament to the remarkable hydraulic engineering of the 1960s in the Azores. Traverse the enchanting bridges and tunnels of this spectacular water channel, and prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring view of the Caldeira of Faial, one of the world’s most stunning volcanic calderas. After exploring part of the perimeter, descend along a dirt track to Parque Florestal do Cabouco and on to the town of Horta, where the stage, 33.9 km long, and the Triangle Adventure finish at the Horta Municipal Market.
A NATURALLY SURPRISING CHALLENGE
Stage race that happens on three islands - Pico Island, São Jorge Island and Faial Island. They have a total of 84 km accumulated at the end of the three days. This race is one of the Qualifying Races for Ultra-Trail® of Mont-Blanc (UTMB)
