Fajã d'Além

The Fajã d’Além circuit visits a small, isolated coastal platform on São Jorge’s north slope. From the chapel of Santo António, a dirt track reaches a junction and begins the descent on the western side. The approach reveals scattered rural houses, small fields and cellars sheltered beneath the cliff, forming a compact settlement connected with agricultural use.

Within the fajã, the route passes Moinho do Senhor Moisés, a mill associated with local water and work. The return begins eastward and climbs beside springs, streams and an old stone stairway. On reaching the regional road, the line returns to the chapel access and closes the circuit. The contrast between inhabited upland and remote fajã shows how steep paths maintained communication and transport. Mill, houses, cellars and cultivated plots together reveal a form of occupation shaped by relief and the limited availability of ground beside the sea.

The circuit’s asymmetric form, descending on the west and returning on the east, would reveal two different access routes to the same fajã. That structure should only be considered after reopening and when the complete line is again authorised. Until then, its heritage is best understood without attempting to reach it on foot.

The circuit would begin beside the chapel of Santo António and follow the dirt track to a junction. There, the descent takes the left branch and reaches Fajã d’Além from the west. The line passes houses, fields, cellars and Moinho do Senhor Moisés, then turns east and climbs the old stairway beside springs and streams. On reaching the regional road, it crosses and returns to the chapel. Do not attempt this itinerary while it is closed. On reaching the road, the intended return crosses to the final chapel link rather than following the carriageway.