RIBEIRA DE MALOAS

On the dirt road leaving the village of Malbusca to the south, take the hiking trail to the right, following the signs for "Calçada do Gigante". This is the name given by locals to the Ribeira de Maloas, an impressive geological formation, a wall of black stone prisms from which a waterfall emerges, in reference to the Giant's Causeway, a site in Northern Ireland with similar characteristics.

Considered one of Santa Maria Island's most important geological sites, the beauty of the site is truly fascinating. This protected area is part of the Azores Geopark and the Santa Maria Island Natural Park. The basalt columns that form this impressive natural structure measure between 15 and 20 metres in height and stretch over 220 metres in length. They are thought to have formed when a lava flow from Pico Alto met the sea. This volcanic formation is famous above all for the waterfall that cascades down almost 20 metres in height, creating a grandiose spectacle.

The hike to the top offers magnificent views of the island's south coast. It takes around 20 minutes to walk along a path that skirts the cliff. In winter, it can be muddy, so caution is advised, as there are no railings and you have to walk close to the void. However, this hike presents no major difficulties and is accessible even to families with children. An absolutely worthwhile detour.