Sports & Leisure - Strolls - Pedestrian Stroll of the Writers and Poets

Pedestrian Stroll of the Writers and Poets

On this simple walk, through the centre of Santa Cruz, visit some of the cultural places, touched by the eminent poets and writers that lived on this land. Understand why they ran to the top of the cliff and feel their source of inspiration.

On entering Santa Cruz via the roundabout near the camping site, go down the Joaquim Agostinho Avenue to the interior roundabout and leave the car in one of the many parking lots that are found on your right hand side.

By parking your vehicle you will begin your stroll, standing in Praceta Antero de Quental and appreciate the landscaped space to your right. Go down in the direction of the Santa Cruz centre and take a short cut first right, Professor Kazuo Dan Street. A few metres ahead to the right, at nº 6, lived the famous Japanese poet Kazuo Dan. The house is easy to identify due to a small sculpture on one of the walls in honour of the poet.

Continuing your stroll till the end of the road, turn to your left and on Jeronimo Villarinho Street, turn right, and see for the first time a beautiful scenery with the ocean as a background.

On the other side of the Atlantic Avenue you have just seen the monument in honour of Dr João de Barros. Take the opportunity to sit on the right hand base of the monument, stop while and relax by enjoying the sightseeing all around the vast areas of golden sands that spread out until Porto Novo.

Continue the stroll, returning to the left hand side, following the small verandas; you will almost be able to observe the Santa Cruz Beach icon. The first staircase you find, go down, you will arrive at the Antero de Quental Esplanade. Peeping through the staircase at the very end stands the ever imposing Penedo do Guincho. At the esplanade you will continue to be able to see the beaches till Porto Novo and on your left hand side a new collection of beaches, from the North beach up until the Guincho beach.

Stroll along the esplanade, close to the verandas, and you will find to your left, a rock fixed on a circular base, the monument in honour of the poet Kazuo Dan.

Walking along the verandas, in front of the Santa Helena Chapel, you will come across the monument in honour of Antero de Quental.

You can end off your stroll right here, because you are right in the centre of the village. If you still have any strength left, to your right you will find a long and winding staircase, go down, and it will take you to the Santa Helena beach, feel the proximity of sand and sea. On this small beach keep to the sand, go wet your feet in the sea or stay seated on the stone benches. If you are in the company of a good book, then this is the ideal place to keep up with some reading.

There were various writers and poets that lived in Santa Cruz… and many elected athletes born in the outskirts of the village… More information in the Local Rematcable People page.

Text: Artur Henriques
Photos: Artur Henriques
Published: 12-Jun-2005

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