Ilha a Pé Lapa
The place
Refúgio da Lapa, a stage on the multi-day "Ilha a Pé" (Island on Foot) trail on the island of Santa Maria, in the Azores archipelago (Portugal). The trail is designed as a great pedestrian traverse with refuge-based accommodation. This shelter sits in a pleasant valley, surrounded by fields and forest, 400 m off the main trail (reached via the Caminho da Lapa), for an overnight stop. At the edge of the field, a magnificent panoramic view of the south coast — and, on clear days, a sunset over the ocean. First stage ending at the traditional village of Malbusca. Can be combined with the PR04 SMA Santo Espírito - Maia, one of the island's finest marked hikes.
Getting there
Caminho da Lapa (400 m off trail), PR04 SMA loop from Santo Espírito.
The setting
Santa Maria, Azores, view over the south coast and the ocean.
