Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca
Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca
Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca is a distinctive protected landscape located on Santa Maria Island in the Azores. This region is characterized by its unique "Red Desert of the Azores," an arid, reddish-orange clayey terrain formed from volcanic ash, contrasting with surrounding green vegetation and coastal cliffs. The gently undulating landscape, marked by ravines and gullies, provides varied terrain suitable for several outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. Its geological formations contribute to its status…
36
Routes
4.7
(108)
Average rating
492
People visited

4.7
(29)
126
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(14)
72
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
14
hikers
5.81km
01:40
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
9.26km
03:31
640m
640m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
9
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
runners
5.77km
00:36
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12.0km
01:20
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
24.4km
01:52
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
2
riders
35.3km
02:23
570m
570m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
18.3km
01:14
210m
210m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca offers routes for various outdoor activities, including Hiking, Jogging, and Mountain biking. There are 5 routes available across these sports.
The "Red Desert of the Azores" refers to the Barreiro da Faneca itself, a distinctive arid, clayey landscape with a reddish-orange hue. This unique geological feature resulted from volcanic ash alteration over millions of years. It is a geosite within the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark.
Yes, the protected area offers several hiking trails. Visitors can find general information on Hiking around Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca. The Costa Norte walking trail (PR01 SMA) and the Santa Maria Grand Route (GR01 SMA) are notable routes.
Yes, the region provides options suitable for less experienced hikers. Specific routes are available for Easy hikes around Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca. These trails allow for exploration of the unique landscape without extreme difficulty.
Yes, the area features hiking routes suitable for families. Information on these trails can be found in the guide for Family-friendly hikes around Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca. The undulating terrain is generally manageable for various age groups.
Yes, mountain biking is an available activity in the region. Routes specifically designed for this sport are detailed in the MTB Trails around Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca guide. The undulating terrain offers varied riding experiences.
Yes, the area is suitable for jogging. There are dedicated paths and routes for this activity. Information on these can be found in the Running Trails around Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca guide.
Routes in Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca have an average rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 400 users. Over 1,900 visitors have explored the area.
The area is known for its unique reddish-orange clayey landscape, the Barreiro da Faneca, formed from volcanic ash. It also encompasses the cliffs of Raposo, Tagarete, and Cré bays, which expose significant stratigraphic sequences. These include subaerial and submarine lava flows, as well as sedimentary formations.
Official information about the Área de Paisagem Protegida do Barreiro da Faneca, which is managed under the Parque Natural de Santa Maria, can be found on the official website: parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/en/santa-maria. This portal provides details about the park and its protected areas.
The contact telephone number for the Santa Maria Environmental and Climate Action Service / Santa Maria Nature Park is +351 296 206 790 or +351 296 206 798. This number can be used for inquiries regarding the protected area.

