Vigia da Baleia

This linear route crosses between the village of Povoação and the parish of Faial da Terra, connecting the geosites of Caldeira da Povoação and Ribeira do Faial da Terra and Fajã do Calhau. The starting point is the access road to Lomba dos Pós: follow the markings until you find a dirt path on the right, which in the past served as a link between the two parishes.

Along this ancient shortcut you can still find sections of stone-paved path, laid down generations ago by the local population. The path crosses woodland areas dominated by incense tree (Pittosporum undulatum) and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica). When you reach the road, it’s worth taking the left turn towards Pico dos Bodes, a point where two trails intersect: PR 18 SMI – Vigia da Baleia and PRC 40 SMI – Quatro Caminhos do Faial da Terra. Refurbished in 2007 with urban and landscape enhancement works, this viewpoint opens up a broad view stretching from Faial da Terra to Vila Franca do Campo.

Return by the same route to the road and begin the descent towards Faial da Terra, first on asphalt and then along a dirt path that provides access to pastures and cultivated land. Here it’s common to see traditional hedges made with boxwood (Buxus sempervirens). The shortcut ends at the Regional Road, which you should follow until you find a dirt path leading to the old Vigia da Baleia, the post from where sperm whales were once spotted and located.

From here the trail descends continuously until you reach the centre of Faial da Terra, with Fajã do Calhau in view. Once in the parish, it’s possible to connect with other points on the island via PRC 40 SMI – Quatro Caminhos do Faial da Terra, PRC 09 SMI – Sanguinho and PR 11 SMI – Ribeira do Faial da Terra.