Criacao Velha Vineyards Trail
Updated: 16 Mar 2026
The Trail of Vines of Criaรงรฃo Velha is a unique hiking route on the island of Pico that crosses the heart of the UNESCO-classified wine landscape, allowing discovery at ground level of the intricate system of basalt lava walls that Azorean farmers built over centuries.
With about 5 kilometres in length and rated as low to moderate difficulty, the trail travels through the famous "currals" โ small rectangles of land delimited by black stone walls without mortar โ where the Verdelho variety grows, producer of the historic Pico Wine. The route offers constant perspectives over the Atlantic Ocean, the channel and the island of Faial in the background, in a setting of rare visual beauty. The Wine Culture Landscape - UNESCO is the heritage context that surrounds the entire walk.
The trail can be walked in 2 to 3 hours, including stops for photography and rest. Comfortable shoes with non-slip sole, sunscreen and water are recommended. The vintage season, in September, is particularly interesting: the vines are laden with fruit and it may be possible to watch manual harvesting. The starting point is signposted near the parish of Criaรงรฃo Velha, with parking available. Entry is free. For a complete visit, combine the trail with wine tasting at one of the certified local cellars.
Location
Information
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1.5h
