In the context of the management of Faial Natural Park, the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea, is creating a route for mountain bikers, a sport that allows an intense contact with nature. With a total extension of 2 km and a medium difficulty level, the route is the result of the recovery of an old abandoned pedestrian trail and a rural road that was once used by local farmers.

The mountain biking route is entirely located in the Capelo Forest Park, a space where visitors may observe several Azorean natural species, mainly those associated with “costal laurel forest” habitats, such as Myrica faya, Azores laurel (Laurus azorica), Azorean heather (Erica azorica) or even Myrsine retusa.

The creation of this route is a significant contribution to the improvement of the necessary conditions for the development of recreational and sports activities within the Natural Park, which are also compatible with the principles of sustainability and heritage preservation. In this route, visitors may enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Faial Island. By promoting a sport that privileges a direct contact with nature, this biking trail is also intended to make visitors acquainted with a vast heritage in terms of geodiversity and biodiversity, which also enhances social and cultural aspects.

The creation of the mountain biking route was supported by the Faial Forest Services and Azores Cycling Association – Faial Delegation.