Lajedo - Fajã Grande PR02FLO

This trail begins at Lajedo parish, goes through the parishes of Mosteiro and Fajãzinha and ends at Fajã Grande.

Following the elevation difference of the volcanic slopes that exist between the several parishes, during the path, it is possible to find many flora species of the Laurel Forest and observe several bird species. The trail also covers part of the Costa Sul e Sudoeste Protected Area for the Management of Habitats or Species and of the Zona Central e Falésias da Costa Oeste Protected Landscape Area.

Start the trail inside the parish and follow the marks along the road until the viewpoint overlooking the Ilhéu do Cartário (islet). Continue along a cobbled path towards North, passing a viewpoint on the left overlooking the islets of the Mosteiro parish and Rocha dos Bordões on the right, a geological formation characterised by huge vertical basalt columns.

Cross the parish of Mosteiros and continue on the road, passing through once inhabited places like Caldeira. At the top of the hill, from the Portal Viewpoint, you can see in the distance the parishes of Fajãzinha and Fajã Grande.

Go down a dirt road, cross the interior of Fajãzinha and take a dirt road parallel to the Ribeira Grande until you reach the road. Go left visiting a watermill dating from 1862, still in operation. About 500 metres ahead, there is a detour on the right to the Ribeira do Ferreiro Well, one of the island's tourist attractions.

After the detour, continue to the right on a dirt path along the cliff's base, which leads to pastures and farmland. Walk the last few metres flanked by old stone walls until you reach the end of the trail near the bathing area of Fajã Grande, a place where you can refresh yourself in the waters of the Atlantic.