Entre Montes

This circular trail connects two points rich in Faial history: Monte da Guia and Monte Queimado. Due to its strategic position, this peninsula played a decisive role in telecommunications between Europe and the United States. It was here that, in 1893, the first submarine telegraph cable was installed, remaining operational until 1969 and proving crucial during moments such as the World Wars.

Begin at the car park of Porto Pim beach. First pass the Sea Observatory of the Açores, leaving the facilities on your right, then climb up to the Lira viewpoint. From here, the view opens onto the bay, with the São Sebastião fort on the opposite shore. Along the way you will find maritime defence fortifications from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, which helped give the place its name, Porto Pim, meaning safe harbour.

When you reach the road, turn right and pass the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia. Continue heading south, with the Caldeirinhas on your left, the craters of the submarine volcano of Monte da Guia, until the path turns north and offers views over the beach. Further ahead you will find the Porto Pim Aquarium, where the most common species of the Açores are on display, and next to it the Dabney house, a family that lived here between 1806 and 1894 and left a vast architectural heritage, later restored by the Island’s Natural Park.

From here the trail turns left and follows along the beach, leaving Monte da Guia behind and entering Monte Queimado, which is of terrestrial origin. At the end of the beach turn right onto Rua da Rosa and, at the end of this street, turn right again to climb to the summit of Monte Queimado. Just before the top, it is worth stopping to rest and enjoy the view over the Horta Marina. The path then continues to the car park, where the trail began.