PS PR1 - Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã
Start: E.R. 111
Finish: Terra Chã
Time: 1h30m
Distance: 2.7 km (+ 2.7 km for the return)
This trail starts at Regional Road E.R. 111 and follows the route to the top of Pico Branco, where you will encounter a large prismatic geological formation known as Rocha Quebrada or Broken Rock. The trail ascends steeply along a heather fence and ends at a rock fissure called Crista do Cabeço. From there, the footpath continues through a landscape dominated by cupressus trees (Cupressus macrocarpa) until you reach a fork. To the right is Terra Chã, and to the left is Pico Branco, the second highest peak in Porto Santo.
Pico Branco gets its name from a white rock column and the abundance of dyer's weed (urzela) that grows on it. The dyer's weed was exported from Porto Santo for the production of dyes and other specialties. The Pico Branco and Terra Chã area is part of the Natura 2000 Network, specifically the Habitats Directive, due to the presence of endemic flora and fauna, such as earthbound shellfish and snails.
This area is the only place in Porto Santo where a significant number of native plant species are well-preserved, mainly because they are located in rugged and inaccessible slopes. The indigenous vegetation consists mainly of herbs and shrubs. At Terra Chã, there is a recently restored white stone house used for propagating endemic plants and conducting scientific research. The area is also home to two important bird species, the Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis) and the Common Tern (Sterna hirundo).
Below Terra Chã, you will find the Furna dos Homiziados, an old hideout for outlaws and a place where people sought refuge from Algerian pirate raids. According to legend, one of these emergencies led to the collapse of the protective roof, burying all those seeking shelter inside.
Throughout the trail, there are various natural viewpoints that offer panoramic views of Porto Santo, including Serra de Dentro, Pico do Concelho, Ilhéu de Cima, Pico do Maçarico, Portela, Rocha de Nossa Senhora, the city, part of the beach, Pico Ana Ferreira, Espigão dos Morenos, Calheta, and Ilhéu de Baixo. This trail was originally constructed as a thoroughfare for cargo mules during the time when locals farmed barley in Terra Chã. The return journey follows the same footpath.
