Three named hiking routes in Faial da Terra focus on different things: the Ribeira, Aldeia do Sanguinho and traces of former whaling activity. For your planning, it is worth keeping these themes separate and paying particular attention to the status of the PR11.
Hiking trails and their highlights
The linear PR11 Ribeira do Faial da Terra trail follows the Ribeira to the parish of the same name. It starts on the regional road between Povoação and Ãgua Retorta, next to a picnic area. Along the way, a side trail leads to the Salto do Cagarrão waterfall; the trail also passes an old watermill with access to the stream. The PR11 is currently listed as closed. Check access before your trip; its route and the waypoints mentioned can help with orientation if the trail reopens.
The PRC40 Quatro Caminhos do Faial da Terra route passes partly through the Caldeira da Povoação Geosite. Its panoramic views extend from Faial da Terra to Vila Franca do Campo. It also passes the former Vigia da Baleia, which was once used to watch for and locate sperm whales. The PRC09SMI Sanguinho circular trail starts next to the bus stop in Faial da Terra and offers a different focus with its circular route.
Sanguinho: vegetation, orchards and houses
On the PRC09SMI Sanguinho circular trail, the vegetation becomes denser, dominated by incenso (Pittosporum undulatum) and acacia (Acacia melanoxylon). Orchards belonging to small family-run farms lie on both banks of the Ribeira. The route description thus links botanical features with agricultural use along the stream.
Several specimens of Sanguinho (Frangula azorica), a buckthorn endemic to the Azores, grow in Aldeia do Sanguinho. The place is named after this plant; typical houses also stand in the village. The plant and place name provide a tangible connection to the name Sanguinho, while the houses are another feature of the local landscape.
Whaling history and festival calendar
Faial da Terra preserves traces of its former whaling activity. On the PRC40, the former Vigia da Baleia provides a specific link to this history: sperm whales were once watched for and located from there. In this way, the place’s historical significance and the former function of the lookout point complement the route’s scenic views.
Religious festivals are also among the occasions mentioned for visiting. Festivals in honor of the Holy Spirit and the patron saint Nossa Senhora da Graça take place on the second weekend of September. If your trip falls during this period, check that year’s program in advance.
There are different themes to choose from when deciding what to focus on while hiking: the PR11 offers the Ribeira, a waterfall and a mill; the PRC09SMI, denser vegetation and orchards; and the PRC40, panoramic views and whaling history. The routes also differ in format: the PR11 is linear, while the PRC09SMI is circular. When planning, bear in mind that the PR11 is currently listed as closed, and check access before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Portela, Praia Do Norte, Ribeira Funda, Granja, Valadouro, Conceicao, Cedros, Feteira
For the broader travel overview: Faial.
