If paradise is a place on Earth, then Rocha da Relva must be very close to it. This tiny village between the mountains and the ocean is gorgeous. In Portuguese, we call this a Fajã — a lava platform by the sea created by volcanic eruptions and landslides.
There, everything grows amazingly well due to a microclimate and fertile land. Peculiar fruits, vegetables all year long, and even vines! This is a nice place to live or visit. You can easily explore this area thanks to the trail passing by the village. Let’s talk more about this little piece of heaven lost in the middle of the Atlantic.
What is Rocha da Relva?
Rocha da Relva is a small village, but it is also the name of the official linear route PRC20SMI, which allows you to go down there. This walking trail is about 5.5 kilometers and takes 3 hours to complete.
Walking on this hiking trail will provide you with amazing sea views at all times. Once in the village, you will see over 50 picturesque small houses, beautiful gardens, water sources, little volcanic vineyards, an altar in honor of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, and donkeys! Those are the main way of transportation to bring people and goods down to town, as there are no supermarkets there!
The village borders a typical black pebble beach, where you can swim if the sea and weather are good. This area reflects the eruptive history of Sete Cidades, the polygenetic volcano.
👉 Post related Best Beaches in the Azores Islands. Read more!
Plan Your Visit To Rocha da Relva
How to Get to Rocha da Relva
From Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel island, this is a quick drive to the car park from where the trail begins. Follow the EN1-1A road towards the West until you cross Relva’s village and find the perspective. You can stop at Miradouro do Caminho Novo and start the walk.
Once on the trail, you will see official indications in Red and Yellow. Follow them to reach the village down by the ocean. Begin by the right side to the picnic area at Rocha do Cascalho and then the left to the village of Rocha da Relva. When you finish your visit, you will have to go back the same way, this time it will go up until the car park.
Quick Info
You can rent a car, take a taxi, or go on a guided hiking tour with us to discover this wonderful place with a knowledgeable guide.
Best Season to Visit São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is in the Eastern Group of the Azores Archipelago. Here, you will notice the atypical characteristics of this climate. These result from many factors contributing to its plant exuberance and landscape value.
The climate is mild regardless of the season, and the average values do not present many changes. Temperatures vary between:
- 16 °C in spring;
- 21 °C in summer;
- 18 °C in autumn;
- 14 °C in winter.
For more info about the weather in the Azores, check the links below:
- The weather in the Azores in January
- The weather in the Azores in February
- The weather in the Azores in March
- The weather in the Azores in April
- The weather in the Azores in May
- The weather in the Azores in July
- The weather in the Azores in August
Best Time to Visit Rocha da Relva
A morning visit will guarantee fewer people, mostly if you come during the summer months. Take some food with you and picnic by the ocean at the rest area in Rocha do Cascalho or the village of Rocha da Relva. Then, you can swim in the ocean and return in the afternoon if the weather allows it. This way, you spend more time exploring the area.
If you love sunsets, going in the afternoon is a good idea. If the café between the village and the top of the cliff is open (only in good weather), you can even eat there.
Pro Tips for Rocha da Relva
Avoid picking fruits from the houses’ gardens. The owners of the houses own those, and people do not view it well if you take what does not belong to you. Demand permission from the locals you can find in the town; they will likely share it with you if you ask.
If you come with food and drinks, please be mindful not to leave rubbish behind you. Take whatever you bring down to keep this place clean and as beautiful as you found it. To sum it up, take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.
What to Do Around Rocha da Relva
Explore the Municipality of Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada is officially one of Portugal’s best municipalities to live in. The modern city is the largest and most populous in the Azores. Sea breezes, mountain views, and delicious local food are part of everyday life here.
Despite being an energetic city, Ponta Delgada has no rush and no annoying traffic jams. In the beginning, Ponta Delgada was just a small fishing village. But soon, thanks to its safe bays, it became the most important island trade port.
In 1546, they declared Ponta Delgada a city, and after a terrible earthquake destroyed the first capital, Vila Franca do Campo, it became the island’s capital.
Today, Ponta Delgada, with its almost 70,000 inhabitants, is a cosmopolitan city that attracts visitors worldwide. That’s why we’ve highlighted the city’s main points of interest:
- Monuments: Carlos Machado Museum, Church of All Saints, City Gates, São Brás Fort, Farmers Market, Portas do Mar, Public Library and Regional Archive, Rocha da Relva, Sanctuary of Hope, and Synagogue.
- Natural Heritage: Coal Cave, José do Canto Garden, António Borges Garden, “Pesqueiro” Swimming Pool, Atlantic Park, Pineapple Plantations, Milícias Beach, among others.
Explore Gruta do Carvão
Gruta do Carvão is a unique and fascinating natural wonder that draws visitors from all over the world. This lava tube, formed by volcanic activity over 10,000 years ago, is one of the most impressive examples of geological formations in the Azores and a must-visit attraction for any traveler to the region.
It is the longest lava tube on the island of São Miguel, with an extension of up to 1,912 meters, although some archive documents report that the tube was much longer than the one we know today.
It is only possible to visit the Paim section of Gruta do Carvão from the Visitor Center in Ponta Delgada. A local guide is also mandatory to explore the lave tube. Please note that it is better to book your tour in advance. There are two types of visits:
- Short Visit: This visit is easy to access. You will join a group of up to 15 people, and each participant will wear a helmet. Accompanied by a specialist who will tell you everything about this natural wonder, you will discover about 200 meters of the cave for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Long Visit: This type of visit requires good physical conditions, as you will navigate rough landscapes and narrow cave parts. The route is about 800 meters long, and only up to 5 people can go simultaneously. With the longer visit, you will discover more about Gruta do Carvão, accompanied by a speleologist. You will have a helmet, headlight, gloves, and knee pads. Note that this visit is not available for kids under 10 years old. You also must be in good physical health.
Experience the Charm of Milking a Cow at Quinta do Agricultor
At Quinta do Agricultor, visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic rural experience of milking a cow. It’s a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to connect directly with nature and the agricultural traditions of the Azores, offering valuable insights into countryside life.
Located at the edge of Relva town, this beautiful farm is brimming with non-native fruits, charming animals, and a wealth of local knowledge. Open to the public, the friendly owners welcome visitors to explore their offerings.
You can learn about the Azorean rural lifestyle by appointment, bake bread in a stone oven, and even try milking a cow. This truly is the ultimate Azorean experience.
Swim at Pesqueiro Natural Pools (Portas do Mar Pools)
The Pesqueiro Natural Pools, also known as the Portas do Mar Swimming Pools, are located just outside the center of Ponta Delgada. The area is located at Portas do Mar and offers excellent conditions, making it a safe and comfortable place for anyone to dip at any time.
Swimming in the sea is a deep-rooted activity among the residents of Ponta Delgada. It is a popular pastime for leisure, health, and socializing among friends. One of the places most frequented by locals is the “Zona Balnear do Pesqueiro”, where you can see people all year round enjoying the sea.
Quick Info
When it’s sunny, the pool can get a bit crowded, but every day, first thing in the morning, you’ll find the same people enjoying a calm and refreshing start to the day.
Complementary Information
Useful Tools and Apps
The weather in the Azores is quite unpredictable. For this reason, there is a handy App that you can install on your mobile phone before visiting any of the 9 islands: Spotazores. The cameras installed in many of the biggest tourist attractions allow you to see the weather in real-time and decide where to go.
To check the weather forecast for the next few days, use Windy or Windguru. They are the most accurate.
How to Get to São Miguel Island
There are many routes to the island of São Miguel by plane. The main entry points are via Lisbon, Porto (on the mainland), and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel island), but there are already many direct routes.
The best way to find a flight that works for you is to use a flight search engine like eDreams or Skyscanner. As you may already know, these sites allow you to compare prices and schedules of various airlines in one place.
Once you find a flight you like, all you need to do is book! And in a few hours, you’ll be on your way to one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
Cultural Agenda on The Island of São Miguel
The island of São Miguel offers many cultural events all year round. The full list of events is available at the following link.
Video of Rocha da Relva (São Miguel Island, Azores)
FAQs
What is Rocha da Relva?
Rocha da Relva is a picturesque coastal fajã located in Ponta Delgada. It is formed by volcanic terrain and is renowned for its peaceful natural scenery. The fajã can only be accessed via a hiking trail.
What is the trail to Rocha da Relva like?
The PRC20 SMI trail is approximately 5 km round-trip and features steep descents and uneven terrain. While challenging, it offers stunning views of the coastline and volcanic landscapes.
Can Rocha da Relva be visited with children?
Yes, but it’s important to consider the children’s physical ability, as the path is demanding. Proper footwear is advised; additional precautions should be taken due to the steep and irregular trail.
What should I bring when visiting Rocha da Relva?
Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and bags to return your trash. An offline map or GPS device is recommended since some areas have limited mobile network coverage.
Conclusion
Rocha da Relva is a nice place to visit on a sunny day. If the weather allows, you can walk to a remote village of beautiful houses, swim in the wild Atlantic Ocean, see tropical fruits, and taste local wine.
It is so close to Ponta Delgada, so if you are staying in the city, you should add Rocha da Relva to your list of things to see on São Miguel island. Take your time to explore this wonderful place.
Visiting this place will give you stunning panoramic views of the ocean and south coast of São Miguel island, and it will make you want to return to this peaceful island in the Atlantic Ocean.
