The rim of the Caldeira do Faial can be explored via the Caldeira Trail PRC04FAI; at the Miradouro da Ribeira Funda, the view takes in the stream and waterfall. There are also cultural sites and the history of local dairies. Cedros on Faial thus brings together nature, views and local history. When planning your visit, the key question is which of these perspectives you would like to focus on.
Caldeira do Faial: Protected Area and Biodiversity
The Caldeira do Faial protected area is located in the parish of Cedros and covers 313 hectares. The Caldeira is home to endemic plant and animal species of the Azores. The weevil Calacalles azoricus is particularly closely associated with this area; it is endemic exclusively to the Caldeira do Faial. The natural significance of the area therefore goes beyond a general landscape perspective: the Caldeira is home to species whose presence is specifically linked to the Azores and, in this case, even to this particular area. Nature enthusiasts can appreciate both the protected area and the distinctive features of its fauna and flora.
The rim of the Caldeira do Faial can be explored via the Caldeira Trail PRC04FAI. Access to the interior is subject to conservation regulations, so the rim trail and the interior should be considered separately when planning your visit.
Two Viewpoints with Different Vistas
At the Miradouro da Ribeira Funda, you can see the stream and waterfall of Ribeira Funda. The viewpoint also has a car park and a picnic area with a barbecue. Here, a landscape view and the option to stop for a picnic go hand in hand.
The Miradouro do Piolho, by contrast, offers a view over the entire parish of Cedros. The main difference between the two viewpoints is the scope of the view: Ribeira Funda features the stream and waterfall, while Piolho takes in the whole parish. If you visit several viewpoints, you can compare a specific waterside scene with a broader view of Cedros.
Cultural Heritage and Local History
The area’s cultural heritage offers several points of interest. Castelo da Rocha Negra is located in the parish of Cedros, in the municipality of Horta on the island of Faial. It was classified as an immovable cultural asset of public interest in 2020. The windmill in Canada do Capitão, in Cedros on Faial, is classified as an immovable asset of municipal interest. The two structures thus differ both in type—a castle and a windmill—and in their respective classifications.
The history of the area also includes dairy production: from 1893 onward, several dairies were established in Cascalho, in the parish of Cedros on Faial. This historical trace complements the buildings with a story of local production. Nature, cultural heritage and the history of dairies thus offer different perspectives on the area.
Choose Cedros as Your Place to Stay
If you are looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Cedros, you can start by considering what you would like to focus on during your trip: the protected Caldeira and its rim trail, a visit to both viewpoints, or a combination of cultural sites and production history.
Discover more destinations: Castelo Branco, Valadouro, Capelo, Feteira, Granja, Praia Do Norte, Pedro Miguel, Portela
For the main travel overview: Faial.
