Atividade: Hiking

The 10 Volcanoes Trail is an unforgettable, full-day adventure that covers 21 kilometers, offering one of the most immersive hiking experiences on the island of Faial. This trail provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes that make Faial a true gem of the Azores. As you embark on this hike, you’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery and the fascinating geological history of the island.

The 10 Volcanoes Trail takes you through some of the most iconic landmarks on Faial, including the Caldeira and the Capelinhos Volcano. These two points of interest are not only visually striking but also offer insights into the island’s volcanic past. Caldeira, a massive crater at the center of the island, showcases the raw power of nature, while Capelinhos offers a glimpse into the most recent volcanic eruption that reshaped the landscape in the 1950s.

Along the way, hikers will cross a variety of terrains, from lush forests to volcanic rock fields, providing a true taste of the island’s natural diversity. As we walk through the dense Azorean native forest, we’ll have the opportunity to learn about the endemic species that call this environment home. The island’s rich biodiversity and its geological significance are integral to the experience, making this trail a perfect blend of natural beauty and educational value.

Starting near Faial’s highest point, the trail gradually descends to sea level, providing breathtaking views throughout the journey. The 10 Volcanoes Trail is more than just a hike; it’s a deep dive into the volcanic origins and ecological richness of Faial. With every step, you’ll gain a better understanding of the island’s geology and history, making this a must-do experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike. At the end of the day, if the weather allows, it’s possible to take a refreshing swim in the sea, concluding the journey in an unforgettable way.

The Caldeira Descent offers one of the most unique and breathtaking hiking experiences in the Azores. The Caldeira of Faial, a volcanic collapse crater, has been a natural reserve since 1972 (category I – IUCN). This incredible landscape gives hikers a chance to explore the island’s volcanic past and its rich biodiversity. The Caldeira Descent allows hikers to venture deep into the heart of the crater, providing a rare opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the area from the bottom of this massive volcanic structure.

Since the Caldeira of Faial is a protected area, Faial Natural Park controls access to the bottom of the crater, issuing a limited number of permits for the Caldeira Descent. This control helps preserve the environment for future generations. Because of the challenging nature of the descent, hikers must have a certified guide. These guides offer important insights into the geology, history, and ecology of the Caldeira, making the hike both physically rewarding and educational.

The Caldeira of Faial serves as one of the last strongholds for the Azores native forest, home to more than 60% of the region’s endemic species. It provides a glimpse of the Azores before human settlement. The descent itself proves difficult due to its narrow and steep terrain. In some areas, hikers need to scramble to navigate the trail. The unique biodiversity of the Caldeira consists of various humid habitats, which can often cause muddy or flooded areas at the bottom of the crater. These conditions add to the challenge of the Caldeira Descent, but they make the experience even more rewarding for those up for the adventure.

The journey into the Caldeira offers a truly special experience, connecting hikers to the untouched beauty of the Azores.

The Levadas Trail offers a fascinating journey through a historic water system that dates back to the 1960s. This trail follows an old water canal that was initially constructed to collect water from the springs and water lines along its path. The canal fed an artificial lake that stored the water, which then traveled through a steep underground pipeline, eventually flowing all the way to sea level. By using only the power of gravity, this system generated electricity through hydraulic turbines. However, today the system operates intermittently and is no longer as efficient as it once was. The 1998 earthquake significantly damaged much of the levada, rendering it inoperable for the most part.

The Levadas Trail not only provides a glimpse into the island’s historical use of water for energy production but also offers a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the Azores. Along the way, hikers can observe a variety of native and endemic flora species. As the trail winds through the landscape, travelers pass through forests of Cryptomeria Japonica (Japanese Cedar) and open meadows that are still used for cattle farming, providing a mix of natural and agricultural settings.

The Levadas Trail begins in the village of Cedros, where the water canal starts its journey, and follows its path as it winds through the rugged terrain. The trail then finishes in Capelo Parish, offering beautiful panoramic views along the way. Hiking this trail not only provides an opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the levada system but also allows for a deeper connection with the diverse ecosystems of Faial. The journey is an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone eager to explore the hidden gems of the island.

The Caldeira Perimeter trail is the highest hiking route on Faial, offering stunning views and a unique perspective on the island’s volcanic landscape. This trail circles the Caldeira, a volcanic collapse crater, providing hikers with an opportunity to explore the island’s geological history up close. The high altitude allows for sweeping panoramic vistas, where the landscape tells the story of Faial’s volcanic origins. As you walk along the rim, you’ll gain insight into how the island’s dramatic geology has shaped the environment we see today.

The interior of the Caldeira is one of the most important nature preservation areas in the Azores. The Caldeira is home to a variety of native flora, including species that have adapted to survive in the harsh conditions, such as the strong winds that frequently sweep across the area. This makes the trail an excellent opportunity for nature enthusiasts to learn about the unique plant life that thrives in this challenging environment.

Our Guides strongly recommend visiting the Caldeira Perimeter on a clear day, as rain and strong winds can make the trail more difficult and less enjoyable. However, when the weather is favorable, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views stretching across the island, offering nearly 360-degree panoramas of Faial’s stunning landscape. From the highest points, you can see the rugged coastline, neighboring islands, and the vast ocean beyond. The Caldeira Perimeter trail is a must-do for anyone interested in exploring the natural beauty and geological wonders of Faial, providing an unforgettable hiking experience.

Since this trail is at a high altitude, weather conditions may not always allow for it to be completed. If this occurs, we will suggest a coastal trail as a backup plan, which will also be enjoyable.