Baleeiros

Baleeiros links Cedros with Varadouro on old rural paths along northern and western Faial. It begins near Cedros church and keeps whaling history as its central theme. Former lookouts, some destroyed or in ruins, recall the observation network once used to locate cetaceans; others, including Cabeço da Vigia and Alto das Concheiras, remain connected with whale-watching activity.

The walk passes Ribeira Funda viewpoint and Ribeira das Cabras viewpoint, overlooking the Praia do Norte lava flat and Capelo Peninsula. Near Fajã beach and harbour, lava contains green olivine xenoliths associated with the 1672 Cabeço do Fogo eruption. The route later crosses the young Capelinhos landscape, still defined by ash from the 1957–58 eruption.

At the Comprido whaling harbour, the Boat House and interpretation centre extend the historical story. The trail then continues through laurel-forest vegetation before finishing at the former Varadouro whaling station beside the natural pools. At 26 kilometres, this is a very long, hard walk in which whaling heritage, historic geology, viewpoints and coastline are connected from parish to parish. The sustained progression gives each landmark meaning within a wider island journey.

Begin near Cedros church and follow the markings west along old rural lanes. Pass the lookout areas and continue toward Ribeira Funda viewpoint. Remain on the trail to Ribeira das Cabras viewpoint, then descend toward Praia do Norte and Fajã harbour. The route proceeds across the Capelo Peninsula and enters the Capelinhos sector, passing the interpretation centre, Boat House and Comprido whaling harbour. From there, follow the markings south through vegetation and coastal ground to Varadouro, finishing beside the former whaling station and natural pools. Leave transport at the endpoint and begin early.