Covas – Trails, Waterworks and History

Covas can be geographically located by reference to two named connections. The regional road ER 3-2A runs through the village between Guadalupe and Santa Cruz; check current road conditions before setting out. Canada do Pavão connects Covas with Relheiras. For further travel planning, there are different themes to choose from: a longer circular route featuring coastal and volcanic landscapes, a route to historic water supply infrastructure, and cultural sites with their own historical contexts. This lets you plan your stay around the landscape, hiking distance or history.

Hiking between coast and volcanic landscapes

In the wider area around Covas, the Grande Rota da Graciosa forms an approximately 40 km circular trail. It is divided into two stages, each approximately 20 km long. The similar length of the stages makes the division of the route easy to understand: the circular trail consists of two comparable sections. It connects coastal landscapes with volcanic landscapes in the island's interior. The route is therefore a useful reference if you would like to experience different types of landscape on a circular hike. Before hiking, check the official information on access and trail conditions. Each stage is approximately half of the circular route.

The Arquitetura da Água I route

The Arquitetura da Água I route in the wider area around Covas offers a different hiking perspective. It starts at Pico da Caldeirinha de Pêro Botelho and circles the crater of a volcanic cone classified as a geosite of the UNESCO Global Geopark of the Azores. The route includes historic water collection and distribution structures: tanks, cisterns, washhouses and wells. These structures form part of Graciosa's cultural heritage.

The routes appeal to different interests: the Grande Rota connects coastal and volcanic landscapes, while Arquitetura da Água I focuses on circling a crater and the water structures. If you are looking for a hotel in Covas, these highlights can help you organize your excursions before choosing specific accommodation.

Historic sites and practical information

The Ermida do Bom Jesus in the vicinity of Covas was founded in the early 17th century. The Casa Museu João Tomaz Bettencourt is housed in a 19th-century building and operates as a shop museum. The two historical references are different: the date for the Ermida refers to its founding, while the date for the Casa Museu refers to the building; it also functions as a shop museum. These historical details can therefore be understood as different aspects rather than as equivalent construction dates. Current visitor arrangements at the Casa Museu may change; check visiting options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Guadalupe, Feiteira, Faja, Praia, Luz, Santa Cruz da Graciosa

For the broader travel overview: Graciosa.