Norte Pequeno

This circular route unfolds along the north coast of São Jorge and takes you to three fajãs: Mero, Penedia, and Pontas. It starts near the Junta de Freguesia do Norte Pequeno, crosses through the interior of the locality and descends towards the sea. Watch for the markers and you’ll reach a dirt path on the left, which is where you should continue. This is an access to agricultural land, lined with heather (Erica azorica), where you’ll also find a water collection area for domestic use.

Where the slope becomes steeper, the trail winds through the cliff face, amid vegetation dominated by heather, by faia-da-terra (Morella faya), by incense (Pittosporum undulatum) and by conteira (Hedychium gardneranum). Along the way you’ll also come across yams (Colocasia esculenta), willows (Salix fragilis) and flax lily (Phormium tenax), plants that once provided the raw materials for the everyday utensils of the local people.

Upon reaching the coast, Fajã do Mero is the first inhabited place you’ll encounter. After exploring it, return to the main path towards Fajã da Penedia. In the centre of this, a left turn leads to the Ermida de Santa Filomena, recently rebuilt. Back on the main path, head east until you find a fork.

Here, turn left to reach Fajã das Pontas, descending to a small fishing port with a few houses around it and a coastal area ideal for a dive in the Atlantic waters. After resting, retrace the same route back to the fork and turn left, along the Penedia path that climbs back to Norte Pequeno. Simply follow the signage to the starting point. On this trail you can also connect to other points on the island via GR 02 SJO, either to Fajã dos Cubres (to the east) or to Santo Amaro (to the west).