Caldeira do Faial — circular route on the island of Faial (PRC 4 FAI)

Faial's must. Unfortunately the caldera is often covered by clouds and the visibility in these cases is almost nil. We were lucky enough to see the clouds part halfway through. The trail is easy but very, very muddy and slippery: hiking shoes more than recommended. Some parts of the caldera, below the path, are quite overhanging but, if you don't have an unhealthy predisposition to suicide, they are not dangerous at all. It can be combined by walking up to Faial, up to Capelinhos or by connecting the crossing of a levada that passes just below the Caldera, on the outside, in the woods above Capelinhos.

The hike is an absolute highlight of the Azores island of Faial

An absolutely impressive circular route, where you can look into the 400m deep crater and start at a height of 900m to reach the highest point at around 1033m. The south side in particular is often covered in clouds and exposed to strong winds. Headgear, hiking poles and long trousers are recommended. The path is often muddy and washed out by the heavy rainfall. The absolute peace up here and the gigantic views both to the coast to the north and to Capelinhos are fantastic. If you're lucky, you can even see the Pico.

An absolute dream hike for which the weather has to be right. Today everything fit and we could go around the Caldeira. Great views, insights into the forces of nature and a challenging path in the sunshine, what more could you want, thanks to Petrus, who gave us the right weather.

Nice round....only better if you would see something

Circular path around the caldera that you can walk clockwise or anti-clockwise. It's not actually that much elevation but it's more strenuous than the data suggests. And the view is magnificent. A must if you're on Faial.

The guidebook recommends walking around the area anti-clockwise. If fog sets in, you will already have the steep climb on difficult terrain behind you.

Today we did a slightly more challenging hike on Faial with our 18-month-old child – perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of uphill hiking, even with a child in a backpack. The weather was changeable: sunny but not too hot, a bit windy, and the views were simply stunning. In good weather, it's an incredibly beautiful hike with fantastic views. You can see not only Mount Pico, but even as far as the islands of São Jorge and Graciosa. Since the trail is very exposed, you have to expect a lot of sun and wind. A sudden cloud can also cause very thick fog and bring rain. You should be prepared for various weather conditions, even if the weather seems fine. You should also be free from vertigo on some of the narrow passages. We highly recommend the hike.