Ribeira do Faial da Terra

This linear trail follows the Ribeira do Faial from Terra to the parish with the same name. It starts on the Regional Road that connects Povoação to Água Retorta, next to a picnic area located before the Água Retorta Recreation Forest Reserve. A note before you begin: the wooden bridges along the route tend to become damp and slippery, so it’s advisable to cross them carefully.

The path begins on an earth track, always parallel to the stream and surrounded by dense vegetation. Soon in a clearing you’ll come across an old mill, now abandoned, from where you can reach the water – it’s worth stopping to see it. From here you advance between Japanese cryptomeria trees (Cryptomeria japonica) and pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), crossing several wooden bridges that pass over the small streams feeding the main river.

Halfway along the route, a left turn leads to Salto do Cagarrão, an impressive waterfall; after visiting it, return to the main path heading south. Further ahead you’ll reach a junction where the trail connects to PRC 09 SMI – Faial da Terra/Salto do Prego. Following to the left, you’ll reach Salto do Prego, where you can explore the base of the waterfall or climb up to the upper part of the river.

The return is made by the same trail, passing through the previous junction again. At a fork, turn left, always alongside the stream, or alternatively, to the right is the path that passes through Aldeia do Sanguinho. The descent ends at a bridge over the stream, from which point the forest gives way to orchards of small family farms; visitors are asked not to pick fruit or vegetables along the route.

Already on the road, continue parallel to the stream until you reach the centre of the parish, known as the Nativity Scene of the Island.