Faial: Hiking, Coast and Culture

Faial brings together viewpoints, hiking trails, coastline and historic sites. If you’re looking for a hotel in Faial, you can start by considering which of these will shape your trip: high-altitude trails and forest landscapes, a stay on the coast, or the history of the area. The different destinations offer specific points to help you decide.

Viewpoints overlooking the valley and coast

Miradouro das Cruzinhas is located in the higher parts of Faial. From there, the view stretches across the upper valley of Ribeira Seca and an unspoiled Laurisilva forest landscape. Miradouro do Guindaste is situated on a hillside at the mouth of Ribeira do Faial; its panorama extends along the north coast to Ponta de São Lourenço. The two viewpoints offer different perspectives: at Cruzinhas, the valley and laurel forest are in view, while at Guindaste, it’s the coast.

Hiking trails with different destinations

The Vereda da Penha D’Águia begins at Sítio dos Moinhos in Faial. This challenging hike is about 4.7 kilometres long and takes approximately three hours. It leads to the summit of Penha d’Águia, where several viewpoints offer views of Faial, São Roque do Faial and Porto da Cruz. The route therefore combines a specific approximate walking time with a clearly named destination and several viewpoints.

Other trails pass through forest landscapes or focus on botanical features. 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 in Parque Florestal das Queimadas. The Levada do Furado crosses the Serra do Faial for just over ten kilometres between Ribeiro Frio and Portela. Along this levada, you can observe rare Madeiran plants, including the small and delicate mountain orchid. Summit views, waterfalls and plant life give each of the trails described here a different focus.

Coast, swimming pools and geology

At the mouth of Ribeira do Faial, there is a small pebble beach with a natural swimming pool. The bathing complex also includes a saltwater pool for children; a go-kart track is located near the beach. This coastal area therefore brings together several different attractions: swimming, the beach and motorsport.

Near the mouth of the river, there is also a geological formation created by lava flows, with columnar jointing. It adds a geological dimension to the coastal landscape. So if you’re planning a trip with nature and the coast in mind, you’ll find both a beach area and a distinctive feature that reveals how the landscape was formed.

Historic sites and buildings

Fortim do Faial was built in the 18th century to make it easier to guard against intruders. It has been considered a monument of local value since 1996. The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França is located in Fazenda, in the parish of Faial. This small, picturesque religious building is set into a large rock; it was officially established in 1685.

The old pilgrimage to Penha de França is also part of Faial’s history; it was reinstated in 1984. The Ponte Velha do Faial was destroyed by a storm in the same year. Three of its seven arches remain today. These dates refer to different events: the chapel’s official establishment, the reinstatement of the pilgrimage and the destruction of the old bridge. Along with the history of the fort, they create a distinct cultural focus alongside the hiking and coastal destinations.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Estreito Da Calheta, Arco Da Calheta, Caniçal, Vila Baleira, Campo De Cima, Prazeres, Tabua, Campanário.

Go to the main travel overview: Madeira.