Faial da Terra

PLACE · LANDSCAPE · EXPERIENCE

Faial da Terra is best understood on foot. The village sits at the end of a steep green valley, and the classic PRC09SMI route follows the stream, passes small orchards and climbs through dense vegetation towards Salto do Prego and the old village of Sanguinho. It is not a quick viewpoint stop: the character of the place appears gradually as the valley closes in around you. Faial da Terra is also connected to longer routes. PR11 Ribeira do Faial da Terra is a 6 km linear route and links with the Sanguinho trail around Salto do Prego; it also gives access towards Salto do Cagarrão.

The PR18 Vigia da Baleia provides another way to experience the area from the coast. These are different walking projects, so check the route, length and return logistics before setting off rather than assuming they are simple extensions. The official PRC09SMI is a 4.6 km circular trail rated medium, with an average walking time of about two hours. The route combines several experiences that work well together: the river valley, the Salto do Prego waterfall and Sanguinho, a former settlement whose traditional houses and small agricultural plots are being restored.

The plant Frangula azorica, known locally as sanguinho, is one of the details that gives the village its name. After rain, the valley can be at its most atmospheric, with fuller streams and greener vegetation, but also at its slipperiest. For a first visit, a reasonably dry day gives you more freedom around the waterfall and the steep sections.