Cabeço do Canto

This circular route develops within the Protected Landscape Area of the Central Zone, in one of the areas of greatest volcanological interest in the Faial. It follows the volcanic ridge of the Capelo Peninsula, a geossite that brings together around 20 volcanic cones aligned from Cabeço dos Trinta to Capelinhos. Along the trail you will find two types of markings: white, red and yellow bars, where the Great and Small Routes intersect, and the yellow and red bars of the Small Route. The intersections are indicated on the ground with directional arrows.

The starting point is next to the access road to Cabeço Verde. From there, head left, through the forest, to Furna Ruim, a lava cave with 55 metres depth that you should observe carefully. Continue then to Algar do Caldeirão, which you skirt around on the right side, and descend through the middle of the forest, where several species typical of the Laurissilva forest grow, such as laurel (Laurus azorica), holly (Ilex azorica) and heather (Erica azorica).

Further ahead, cross carefully a bagacina road and climb a staircase to Cabeço do Canto. Here you make a complete loop around the volcanic cone on the left, with your view facing the Vulcão dos Capelinhos. The return is made by the same path, skirting the second cone on the right side, until you return to the point where you started.

At the end, it is worth reaching Cabeço Verde, accessible by road, to see from above the route you have covered and extend your view over Praia do Norte, Cabeço do Fogo, Morro do Castelo Branco and the row of volcanic cones oriented from east to west, which ends at Vulcão dos Capelinhos.