Faial: Laurel Forest, Coast and Historic Traces

Faial offers viewpoints overlooking the valley, trails through the laurel forest and a stretch of coast where the beach, natural pools and lava formations meet. There are also historic buildings and an old pilgrimage. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment here, you can choose what to focus on: hiking, the coast or culture.

Views and Trails Through the Landscape

Miradouro das Cruzinhas is in the higher parts of Faial. From there, the view extends across the upper valley of Ribeira Seca and an unspoilt Laurisilva landscape. Miradouro do Guindaste offers a different perspective: the viewpoint sits on a slope at the mouth of Ribeira do Faial and affords a panorama of the north coast as far as Ponta de São Lourenço.

For a summit hike, the Vereda da Penha D'Águia starts at Sítio dos Moinhos in Faial and leads to the summit of Penha d'Águia. This difficult route is about 4.7 kilometres long and takes approximately three hours. Several viewpoints at the summit look out over Faial, São Roque do Faial and Porto da Cruz. If you’re comparing the routes by length, here’s a useful point of reference: the Penha hike is considerably shorter than the Levada do Furado, which is just over 10 kilometres long.

The levadas also pass through varied landscapes. The Levada da Fajã da Nogueira–Caldeirão do Inferno–Queimadas starts at the Fajã da Nogueira hydroelectric power station in Faial. It passes through the laurel forest and by numerous waterfalls before ending at Parque Florestal das Queimadas. The Levada do Furado crosses the Serra do Faial between Ribeiro Frio and Portela. Along this route, you can spot rare Madeiran plants, including the small, delicate mountain orchid.

Foz da Ribeira do Faial: Beach and Rock Formations

Foz da Ribeira do Faial has a small pebble beach and a natural swimming pool. The bathing complex also includes a saltwater pool for children. There is a go-kart track near the beach. Next to the Foz is a geological formation created by lava flows, with columnar joints. At this stretch of coast, water, motorsport and a striking rock formation sit side by side—each a different reason to include the Foz in your holiday plans.

Buildings and History in Faial

Fortim do Faial was built in the 18th century to make it easier to guard against intruders. Since 1996, it has been designated a monument of local value. Ponte Velha do Faial tells a different story: a storm destroyed it in 1984, and today only three of its seven arches remain.

The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Penha de França is in Fazenda, in the parish of Faial. This small, picturesque religious building is set in a large rock. It was officially established in 1685. The old pilgrimage to Penha de França was revived in 1984.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Faial, the mix of experiences you want can help guide your choice. If hiking is your priority, you can factor the approximately three-hour, difficult Vereda da Penha D'Águia into your day’s plans; if you also want to include the coast and culture, you’ll find places to explore at the Foz and among the historic buildings. Let the experiences you want to shape your stay guide your choice of accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Caniçal, Tabua, Estreito Da Calheta, Vila Baleira, Fajã Da Ovelha, Seixal, Ponta Do Pargo, Sao Jorge.

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