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This is the NUMBER ONE most beautiful hike on this Island, in our opinion. The views are out of this world- you hike along the plunging cliffside (at a safe distance), with fragrant hydrangeas lining your left and the deep blue Atlantic sea crashing below you on the right. Rest assured, your jaw will never close during this hike.
(Tip- The only information you will find about this hike online describes starting in Faja Grande, and ending in Ponta Delgada. We took the advice of our local host to do it backward, and were glad we did. The hike is very steep and uphill, with your back to the ocean if you do it starting in Faja Grande. It’s much more enjoyable the opposite direction!)
The hike begins in a quiet, grassy meadow lined with hydrangeas and dotted with cows. The trailhead sign is marked well with a red/yellow arrow, and the trail itself is easy to follow. You will hike through a series of undulating hills past a few creeks, until you reach the path that follows along the cliffline. Eventually, after reaching a good lunch spot on a rock on a grassy plateau, the trail steeply descends toward the ocean. The last mile or so you will follow a road through the small, friendly village of Ponta da Faja. This town is situated at the base of the cliffs, with a 250 foot waterfall crashing in the background. Follow the trail until you reach the town of Faja Grande.
Just before reaching Faja Grande, you will see a sign for Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau, a breath-taking 300 foot (90 meter) waterfall, with a refreshing (read: spring-fed and cold, but nice after a long hike) pond to swim in.
Of course, weather in the Azores is notoriously unpredictable, and makes a big impact on your experience. Schedule at least 3 days on the island to make the most of it.
Written By Kelly Guido | Photography Kevin Kaminski