Caldeira

In the heart of the Faial, this circular route takes you around one of the island’s most striking geosites: the Caldeira. With a diameter of approximately 2 km, this large crater resulted from successive eruptions, alternated with long periods of calm, over the last 400,000 years. The trail is part of the Caldeira Natural Reserve of Faial and the Central Zone Protected Landscape Area.

The walk maintains an altitude of around 840 to 1040 m, so it’s worth reserving it for days with clear skies and good visibility. Along the route you’ll find two types of signage: white, red and yellow marks, where the Small Route crosses the Large Route, and the yellow and red marks of the Small Route. At intersections there are arrows on the ground indicating the path to follow.

The starting point is the Caldeira viewpoint. It’s worth crossing the small tunnel that gives access to the crater to peek inside, covered by dense Laurissilva forest vegetation. Back on the road, climb the stairs and turn right, along an earth path that heads towards the Ermida de São João. Along the way it’s easy to identify endemic flora of the Açores, such as Juniperus brevifolia, Erica azorica, Vaccinium cylindraceum, Euphorbia stygiana and Angelica lignescens, among other species.

As you round the Caldeira, views open up to the north and west coasts of the island and, once again, into the crater. Just before the path climbs towards Cabeço Gordo, the highest point of the trail at 1043 m, you pass a connection to the west side of the island, made by PR 06 FAI – Route of the Ten Volcanoes.

After passing the antennas, the route descends to the viewpoint where it began. This final section requires extra care due to the steep slope. Already in the car park, those who wish to continue can connect to the east side of the island via PR 07 FAI – Old Paths.