Capelo Forest Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Açores > Horta > Capelo > Parque Florestal

Location

The Capelo Forest Park is located in the parish of Capelo, within the municipality of Horta, on the island of Faial. This green space is situated within the Protected Landscape Area of the Central Zone, offering a natural refuge for visitors to the locality. The place known as Cruzeiro is a recognized access point to the park.

A Botanical Sanctuary

Classified as a Recreational Forest Reserve, the Capelo Forest Park stands out for its extensive and dense arboreal cover. It is a place that provides an environment of tranquility and invites relaxation, ideal for serene contact with nature. Its main characteristic is the remarkable richness of vegetation, composed of various endemic species of the Azores, which contribute to the beauty and uniqueness of the space.

Natural Richness and Trails

This park is a true example of biodiversity, housing species associated with the coastal Laurissilva habitat, a forest with deep roots in the natural history of the Azores. Here, one can observe the Wallflower-leaved Azorean Holly, the Azorean Laurel, Heath, Tamujo, and Pau-branco, among others. In addition to the flora, the park offers marked trails that invite exploration, including a circuit dedicated to mountain biking. This trail is the result of the recovery of an old pedestrian path, which was also used by local farmers in the past.

Leisure and Discovery Areas

Beyond the trails, the Capelo Forest Park offers areas designed for socialising and leisure, such as picnic and barbecue spots, which encourage visitors to linger. Along its paths, visitors can discover sheltered nooks and small caves, adding an element of surprise to the exploration of this natural environment. When enjoying this space, it is recommended to stay on the marked trails and preserve the integrity of the local flora and fauna.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt