Beginning in Praia da Vitória, the 1st part of this road route goes along the south-east coast of the island, which has a gentle slope, featuring jagged inlets and the Ilhéus das Cabras. Once at Ribeirinha, it starts to climb up to the interior of the island, where it crosses the area of the last eruption on land (1761) on Pico Vermelho. It then descends rapidly to Altares and passes through some of the parishes on the north-west coast, including the charming Serreta woods. The last stretch climbs up to the Sierra de Santa Barbara, with a superb view of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa.