Ribeirinha

This circular trail runs through the parish of Ribeirinha, in Faial, and enters part of its route through the Protected Area for Habitat or Species Management of Lomba Grande and the Pedro Miguel Graben, considered one of the archipelago’s reference geosites. This zone, also known as the Ribeirinha volcanic complex, corresponds to the oldest point on the island, dating back approximately 800,000 years. As for trail markings, you will find two types: white, red and yellow on sections where the Grande and Pequena Routes intersect, and yellow and red on Pequena Route sections. At crossings, arrows are placed on the ground to indicate the direction to follow.

The walk starts in the centre of Ribeirinha, a parish severely affected by the 1998 earthquake, a mark still visible in the ruins of the Church of São Mateus, built in 1934. From here you descend towards the coast, reaching the port of Boca da Ribeira. This former fishing pier now has leisure facilities by the sea, such as changing rooms and a picnic area.

The trail then continues through the forest, where specimens of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) coexist with Azorean endemics such as myrtle-leaved juniper (Juniperus brevifolia) and Azorean heath (Erica azorica), among other species. The path leads you to the Ribeirinha Lighthouse, inaugurated in 1919 and also damaged by the 1998 earthquake. Continuing through the interior of the forest, you pass the Ribeirinha viewpoint and, further ahead, after carefully crossing the road, you reach the place called Espalhafatos, where you can make a short detour to observe the Church of São Mateus.

Back on the main trail, you climb up an earth path that serves cultivated fields and pastures, until you reach a paved road, where you should turn left. In this area it is possible to detour to the right, also as a return trip, to the Pedras Negras viewpoint. From here onwards the trail descends, crossing the Lomba Grande Protected Area. At this point you can also connect to other trails on the island, via PR 07 FAI – Caminhos Velhos or GR 01 FAI – Costa a Costa.

The descent is made with the forest on your right, until you reach the regional road, which you should follow to the left with due care. Once back in the centre of the parish, it is worth stopping at the ruins of the Church of São Mateus and learning more about this place, so significant to the history of Faial.