Pedra Furada: A Short Trail with Big Views near Ribeirinha

If you’re short on time but still want to stretch your legs and take in some beautiful Terceira scenery, Pedra Furada might be just the trail you’re looking for.

Tucked into the hills above the village of Ribeirinha, this quick circular hike is perfect for a relaxed afternoon or an early morning adventure. It’s short, relatively easy, and comes with wide-open views, stone structures, and a cool geological feature that gives the trail its name.


🌄 What You’ll See

The star of the trail is, of course, the Pedra Furada — a volcanic rock formation, like a rugged window to the landscape beyond. It sits dramatically on the slope of Serra da Ribeirinha, surrounded by green pastures, old stone walls, and grazing ships and cows.

Along the way, you’ll pass through a mix of rural farmland and wild vegetation. Expect peaceful silence, sweeping Atlantic views, and maybe a few goats for company.

Though short, the trail includes a bit of uphill walking and a few uneven sections, so good shoes are still a good idea.


🚶 Trail Details

  • Route type: Circular
  • Distance: ~6.6 km
  • Estimated time: 2–3 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Highlights: Pedra Furada rock, ocean views, quiet farmland, Serra da Ribeirinha

📍 How to Get There

You can take bus #2 from both Angra do Heroísmo or Praia da Vitoria. The bus stop you are looking for is “Terreiro das Covas 18”. When buying a ticket just tell to the bus driver that you need “Ribeirinha Santo Amaro”. Don’t forget to let the bus driver know that you need to step out when you are close to the needed stop.


🌿 Why Go?

Pedra Furada is a great example of how even the shortest trails on Terceira can feel special. With minimal effort, you’ll get a taste of the island’s volcanic personality, rural charm, and natural beauty — all in under 3 hours.

Perfect if you’re traveling with kids, short on time, or just want a peaceful walk without committing to a full-day hike. But if you want to spend more time outside along the trail, you will find a park with a barbecue zone where you can enjoy yourself or spend time with your family in nature.

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