Faial Island Hikes.
Faial Island Hiking Trails.
Hike some of the most amazing trails on Faial Island. Choose one of the following:
Caldeira Round Trail (~3h)
Caldeira Descent (~4h)
Levada Trail (~3h)
Fajã Mystery Trail (~3h)
Included
Experienced and licensed Faial Nature Park Guide
English-speaking guide plus one additional language
Transfer in a 9-seater van
Important Information
A moderate level of physical fitness is required
Comfortable clothing, hiking boots, sun protection and water are recommended
Participants: 1–7
Caldeira Round Trail.
One of the must-see highlights of Faial Island is the Caldeira – an impressive volcanic crater 400 metres deep and 2.5 km wide, formed by the collapse of a massive island volcano. A 7 km marked trail takes you around this spectacular natural wonder.
We will drive you from PÁTIO Ecolodge to the starting point of the Caldeira Round Trail in approximately 30 minutes. You can choose to hike the trail with one of our certified Nature Park Guides, who will tell you about the history, nature, plants and geology of this impressive crater, or explore the trail independently.
PRIVATE ROUND TRAIL WITH GUIDE & TRANSFER
189 €/group of 1-7 people
You will book PRIVATE your transfer to the Caldeira and back to the PÁTIO Ecolodge including a Guide for the Caldeira Round Trail.
Caldeira Descent Trail. The biggest Adventure.
Since the Caldeira Descent on Faial is such a special experience, access to the bottom of the crater is controlled by Faial Natural Park, with only a limited number of permits issued each day.
For this reason, a certified Nature Park Guide is mandatory for the Caldeira Descent.
After picking you up, we will descend into Faial’s impressive crater (Caldeira), which is 2,500 metres wide and 400 metres deep. Along the way, you will discover native forests and many endemic species.
Once you reach the bottom, a “Jurassic Park” landscape awaits you – an incredible and truly unique atmosphere where you can imagine what Faial looked like before humans arrived.
The trail is challenging, as it is very narrow and steep, and some scrambling may be necessary. At the bottom, you may encounter muddy and flooded areas. A good level of physical fitness is therefore required.
We will spend some time exploring the bottom of the Caldeira before climbing back up.
Included
Experienced and licensed Nature Park Guide
English-speaking guide
Entrance fee
Transfer in a 9-seater van
PRIVATE DESCENT 140 €/group of 1-2 people
You will participate your descent with your private guide.
PRIVATE DESCENT 190 €/group of 3-4 people
You will participate your descent with your private guide.
Levada - The water channel trail.
Begin the trail near Cabeço dos Trinta, in the village of Capelo. Take the detour on the right and follow it to the tunnel leading into the interior of Cabeço dos Trinta, a volcanic cone covered with endemic vegetation. Return along the same path to the dirt road, turn right and continue until you reach the water storage tank. Pass it on the left and continue until you reach the levada (water channel).
Considered one of the greatest engineering achievements in the Azores, the Levadas water channel system was inaugurated in 1964, after four years of construction and seven years of planning. Located at an altitude of approximately 680 metres and originally extending for 10 km (of which around 8 km can be walked today), its main purpose was to supply water for the production of hydroelectric power. Water is collected at several points along the route and then channelled to the small hydroelectric power station in Varadouro.
The trail follows the old water channels and leads through a mystical forest, passing tunnels and bridges along the way. Don’t forget your torch! Your guide will tell you about the fascinating history of the Levadas, as well as the local flora and fauna, including many endemic plant species.
The trail is approximately 8 km long and follows a one-way route, so a transfer is required to return to the starting point.
Included
Experienced and licensed Nature Park Guide
Transfer: PÁTIO Ecolodge – trail starting point / trail endpoint – PÁTIO Ecolodge
English-speaking guide
PRIVATE ROUND TRAIL WITH GUIDE & TRANSFER
239 €/group of 3-4 people
You will book PRIVATE the transfer to the start point of the Levada and back from the end point of the Trail to the PÁTIO Ecolodge including a Guide.
Fajã - The Mystery Zone Trail.
At 9:00 AM, we will drive you from PÁTIO Ecolodge to the starting point of the trail in Norte Pequeno. This small village is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and gardens with traditional old “adegas” (wine cellars). Along the way, you will enjoy incredible views of Faial’s wild north coast, stretching from the Capelinhos Volcano to the coast of Cedros.
The trail leads through Faial’s mysterious “Zona do Mistério” – an area with a truly unique and almost mystical atmosphere. Centuries-old stone walls and abandoned vineyards, now reclaimed by wilderness and dark forests, bear witness to the volcanic eruptions that shaped this part of the island. Your guide will lead you through this fascinating landscape, showing you hidden caves and telling you about the history of this abandoned place.
After some time, you will reach the Fajã, a beautiful bay surrounded by cliffs rising up to 400 metres above the ocean. Your guide will show you the “Ermida da Fajã”, a small chapel built by French monks more than 400 years ago. Passing beautiful gardens and vineyards, you will eventually reach the black-sand beach of the Fajã. Here, you will have time to cool your feet in the ocean and relax on the beach.
Afterwards, we will pick you up and drive you back to PÁTIO Ecolodge (approximately 20 minutes). Arrival at the Ecolodge is around 2:00 PM.
The trail is approximately 8 km long and follows a one-way route. It is therefore not possible to complete it conveniently with just one car. We recommend using our guide and transfer service for the best experience.
Included
Experienced and licensed Nature Park Guide
Transfer: PÁTIO Ecolodge – trail starting point / trail endpoint – PÁTIO Ecolodge
English-speaking guide
FAJÃ - THE MYSTERY ZONE
PRIVATE TRAIL WITH GUIDE & TRANSFER
239 €/group of 3-4 people
You will book the transfer to the start point of the trail and back from the end point of the trail to the PÁTIO Ecolodge including a Guide.