Dez Vulcões

The trail connects three protected areas of Faial: it starts at the Caldeira Nature Reserve, crosses the Central Zone Protected Landscape Area and ends at the Protected Area for Habitat or Species Management of Capelinhos, Northwest Coast and Varadouro. Along the way you can read the island’s own formation, passing through the geosites of Caldeira, the volcanic ridge of Capelo Peninsula and the area of Capelinhos Volcano and Costado da Nau. Since the trail begins at an altitude between 800 and 900 metres, it’s worth saving it for a day of good weather, when visibility is worthwhile.

You start from the Caldeira viewpoint. Before heading off, cross the access tunnel to the viewpoint, which opens into the crater’s interior. From there the path circles the Caldeira and, just before climbing to Cabeço Gordo (where the antennas are), it turns right, heading towards the Capelinhos volcano area. The descent is made down the island’s western slope until you reach a dirt road, where the trail then follows the PR 03 FAI – Levada up to Cabeço dos Trinta.

This section crosses flora typical of Laurissilva forest and is a good moment to observe some of the birds of the Azores. Next to the water storage tank there is the option to make a detour through the access tunnel to Cabeço dos Trinta. Back on the trail, you descend through woods and forest paths to the Cabeço do Fogo viewpoint. Also set within a Protected Area for Habitat or Species Management, besides the panoramic view it holds patches of native vegetation and is an important nesting area for the Azores wood pigeon (Columba palumbus azorica).

From here the path continues through woods and cultivated fields and pastureland, leaving behind Furna Ruim, Algar do Caldeirão and Cabeço do Canto, until you reach the access road to Capelinhos, which you should cross carefully. Ahead dominates the volcanic ash landscape from the 1957/1958 eruption, which added 2.4 km² to the island. All that’s left is to follow on to the car park of the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretive Centre, where the trail ends.