Official trailPR07FAI
HIKING · MIGUEL™ PREMIUM
Caminhos Velhos
Caminhos Velhos: crossing Faial along its old rural paths.
Miguel™ can compare this place with your situation now: time available, preferences, local conditions and other options on the island. Relevance depends on the real context at the moment of decision.
See this hike with Miguel™No verified photo is available for this page.
Distance17,5 km
Duration7h
DifficultyDifficult
Trail typeLinear
PREMIUM HIKING MIGUEL™
Technical reading of the trail
A technical reading of the trail based on Miguel™ Hiking criteria: route, terrain, exposure, relief, effort and decision conditions.
Technical profile
Elevation gain/loss+1030 m / -250 m
Altitude24–892 m
TerrainCoast, Forest, Grassland
ExposureMixed
PanoramaHigh
Access from the area~20 min from Horta
Expert reading
How to read the trail
starting in the center of Ribeirinha, passing the Ribeirinha lighthouse and the Pedro Miguel Graben, one of the archipelago's main geosites, before reaching the access tunnel into the Caldeira.
Best for
For experienced, well-trained hikers seeking a full crossing of the island, from sea level at Ribeirinha to the rim of the Caldeira.
When to pass
Insufficient fitness for 17.5 km and about 1000 m of cumulative elevation gain, or no way back arranged from the Caldeira.
When Miguel recommends it
Miguel recommends this trail rather than the simple Caldeira loop (PRC04FAI) for hikers looking for a full, sporty crossing of the island in a single day; best on clear, stable weather days, with a return arranged from the Caldeira since the trail is not a loop.
Trail logistics
17.5 km, about 7h, difficult, strong elevation gain (about 1000 m). Start in central Ribeirinha, finish at the Caldeira parking area: arranging a return is essential. Water, food and sturdy hiking boots required, early morning start recommended.
PLACE · LANDSCAPE · EXPERIENCE
The story, identity and character of the place
It needs proper planning and is most relevant to travellers who want to experience Faial on foot rather than through a string of short stops.
This is not a walk to squeeze casually between visits. Relevance depends on the real context at the moment of decision.
Caminhos Velhos: crossing Faial along its old rural paths. PR07FAI follows old rural paths that once linked Faial's settlements. At 17.5 km and about seven hours, it is a genuine landscape-crossing hike.
ON SITE
What you will actually discover
Old rural paths across Faial
Caminhos Velhos: crossing Faial along its old rural paths.
Route length and difficulty
At 17.5 km and about seven hours, it is a genuine landscape-crossing hike.
Planning the crossing
It needs proper planning and is most relevant to travellers who want to experience Faial on foot rather than through a string of short stops.
What you encounter on the route
This is not a walk to squeeze casually between visits. It needs proper planning and is most relevant to travellers who want to experience Faial on foot rather than through a string of short stops.
CHOOSING YOUR VISIT
How can you fit Caminhos Velhos into your day?
This is not a walk to squeeze casually between visits. It needs proper planning and is most relevant to travellers who want to experience Faial on foot rather than through a string of short stops.
MARIA™
Prepare your trip with Maria™
Prepare my trip with Maria™ →Maria™ can include this place in a Faial trip while taking into account the time available, the pace of the journey and other possible discoveries on the island.
MIGUEL™
Decide on site with Miguel™
Decide today with Miguel™ →Miguel™ can compare this hike with the available conditions and the place-specific parameters when you decide.
CONDITIONS
When conditions matter
Miguel™ can compare this place with your situation now: time available, preferences, local conditions and other options on the island. Relevance depends on the real context at the moment of decision.