# Arrebentão Route

> The Rota do Arrebentão is one of the most challenging mountain bike routes in Santa Maria, with greater elevation gain and more technical sections than the Rota de Santa Bárbara. It passes through Poço da Pedreira, descends along the trails to Praia Formosa and ends on the singletrack at Gruta do Figueiral, by the sea.

URL: https://naturasports.pt/en/percurso/rota-do-arrebentao

- **Activity:** BTT
- **Distance:** 37.9 km
- **Elevation gain:** 1491 m
- **Elevation loss:** 1491 m
- **Altitude:** 4–438 m
- **Technical difficulty:** Very hard (black)
- **Route type:** Loop
- **Best season:** Spring, Summer, Autumn
- **Code:** SMA_BTT05PRT
- **Centre:** [Santa Maria - Açores](https://naturasports.pt/en/centro/santa-maria-acores)
- **GPX:** https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-do-arrebentao/export-gpx

The Rota do Arrebentão is one of the most demanding routes on Santa Maria, close to the Rota de Santa Bárbara but with greater elevation change and more technical terrain — for those seeking a genuine challenge.

A hard climb. After visiting Poço da Pedreira and returning to Santa Bárbara, a long climb begins, with sustained steep gradients. It is the kind of section that defines the route's difficult character.

Descent to Praia Formosa. Further on, a sequence of trails descends towards Praia Formosa — one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, highly technical and almost at sea level. A full-suspension bike provides greater safety and enjoyment.

Grota do Figueiral. The final burst of adrenaline comes at Gruta do Figueiral: singletrack between the island's typical stone walls, with the sea in view and more Mediterranean vegetation. The gruta was formerly a clay mine for roof tiles and a limestone quarry for the whitewash that painted the houses of Santa Maria — nature and memory on the same trail.

## Quick answers

### How long is the Arrebentão Route route and how much climbing does it have?

37.9 km, with 1491 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.

### Is the Arrebentão Route route difficult?

The technical difficulty is very hard (black). Physical effort: 5 out of 5.

### When is the best time to ride or walk the Arrebentão Route route?

Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.

### Where does the Arrebentão Route route start?

The route belongs to the Santa Maria - Açores centre.

### Is the Arrebentão Route route waymarked?

Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.

### Where can I download the GPX for the Arrebentão Route route?

The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-do-arrebentao/export-gpx.