Rocha da Fajã PRC02FAI

The trail begins and ends at the Regional Road, at 300 metres from the Baía da Ribeira das Cabras Viewpoint. It goes down the old fossil sea-cliff, where the island of Faial ended, about 10 thousand years ago, when the Capelo Peninsula started to form.

This cliff also constitutes the Arriba Fóssil da Praia do Norte geosite and, at its bottom, is the Fajã da Praia do Norte, a fajã with mixed genesis (detritic and lava), which represents an important place for the establishment of the population due to its microclimate that made possible wine cultures, construction of wineries and summer houses.

Begin the trail near the regional road and follow the signs passing by several fountains until you start to descend by a dirt road accessing cultivated fields. Go down, carefully, until you arrive at the cliff covered with Laurel Forest typical vegetation such as Erica azorica, Picconia azorica, among others. Ahead, there is a viewpoint overlooking the northern coast of the island.

Arriving at the base, cross the Adão Stream and follow the Rua das Adegas (street) until Praia do Norte beach, known locally for surfing. Continue along the coast, passing a children's playground, an endemic plants protection area and a picnic area.

The trail continues to the centre of the Fajã, passing by the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, built in 1787, and follows the road up the cliff by a dirt road on the left. When you reach the road again, turn right at the fountain to the place where you started the trail.