Caldeira do Faial
Key information: Caldeira do Faial 
- A superb walk around Faial’s high caldera rim, with thrilling views on a good day.
Walkopedia rating
- Walkopedia rating87
- Beauty33
- Natural interest17
- Human interest4
- Charisma33
- Negative points0
- Total rating87
Vital Statistics
- Length: 6km appx
- Maximum Altitude: 900m
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
WALK SUMMARY
This is an amazing walk around Faial’s high caldera rim.
Beginning at the roadhead on the rim, the trail winds around the perfect rim of this classic collapsed volcano.
When not in cloud the caldera provides huge views of the lower slopes with their fields and woodlands and little cones, and of the central archipelago laid out on the Atlantic and down to the lush crater floor with its little lakes and marshes some 400m below. The walk around the rim is atmospheric even in cloud in a slightly ghostly way. On a good day it is a pedestrian marvel...
The vegetation around the rim is itself worth coming for, a vivid mix including hydrangeas and giant heather.
This walk is on a high mountain with unpredictable weather. Come prepared
Please help us by making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!
For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Azores page.
Other accounts: share your experiences
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.
Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
Contents
Other great walks in Portugal
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Rota Vicentina
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Trilho de Vezeira
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Alentejo, Fisherman's Trail
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Azores, Pico, Old track descent to Madelena
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Azores, Pico, Pico Island
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Azores, Pico, Pico Volcano
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Azores, Pico, Picos Historic Vineyards
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Azores, Sao Jorge, Piquihino da Urze to Faja do Cubres
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Azores, Sao Jorge, Rosais Cape
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Azores, Sao Jorge, Sao Jorge
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Azores, Sao Jorge, The Central Ridge
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Azores, Sao Miguel, Caldeira das Sete Cidades
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Azores, Sao Miguel, Eastern High Ridge and Pico da Vara
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Azores, Sao Miguel, Furnas Lake
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Azores, Sao Miguel, Lake Fogo
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Azores, Sao Miguel, Rota da Agua and Janela do Inferno
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Azores, Sao Miguel, Sao Miguel
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Azores, Sao Miguel, The Small Lakes
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Madeira, Levada to Caldeirao Verde
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Madeira, Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
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Madeira, Pico Grande
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Madeira, Pico Ruivo from Achado do Texeira
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Madeira, Ponta de Sao Lourenco
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Madeira, PR12 - Boca da Corrida to Boca da Encumeada
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Madeira, Rabacal, 25 Fontes
RESEARCH ESSENTIALS
Information and review
Finding flights, organising travel
Car hire
Accommodation
- Booking.com
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TripAdvisor
Equipment & Clothing
Books and Maps
- Amazon
- Maps and guides from Maps Worldwide
- Cicerone � explore the world�s best collection of walking books
Holidays and Activities
MAGAZINE
Walking with Trees: the Kumano Kōdō Kōhechi - Stephen Barber's account and photos of one of Japan's great pilgrimage trails. March 2021
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
