Fajã do Mar

This circular trail starts and ends at Miradouro da Vigia da Baleia, in the parish of Feteiras. From this vantage point, with the entire south coast of São Miguel in view, whale spotters once searched for sperm whales that would later be hunted, a vivid memory of whaling, an activity that heavily influenced the Azores economy until the last century. Today, this same observation point serves a very different purpose: whale watching.

Fajã do Mar is a platform beside the sea, formed by the accumulation of materials that have broken away from the cliff face, a rocky wall about 250 metres high, overlooking the ocean. Connected to the PR20SMI trail – Rocha da Relva, the path reveals what defines the fajãs of the Açores: land and sea almost touching, the imposing cliffs, the unique microclimate, fertile soil and vineyard cultivation, with its traditional wine cellars and summer houses.

As you descend the slope, the cliff face reveals its layers in various colours, red and darkened bagacinas, yellowish tuffs and grey lava flows, and water springs emerge along with the nests of Cory’s shearwaters, carved into the rock itself. Among the natural vegetation stand out rock fescue (Festuca petrae), Azores myrtle (Morella faya), Azores heath (Erica azorica) and Azores spurge (Euphorbia azorica). Further up, a small detour leads to the old Portinho de Cima das Feteiras and Poça da Raçoula.

The entire route runs through the Protected Area for Habitat or Species Management of Feteiras, an important nesting zone for Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris borealis). Walk it with care and respect: safeguarding these coastal habitats and their biodiversity is everyone’s responsibility.