Fajã dos Vimes - Fragueira - Portal

Fajã dos Vimes–Fragueira–Portal links an inhabited south-coast fajã with the top of the cliff by farm tracks and an old stairway. Starting at the small harbour in Fajã dos Vimes, the route heads west through the settlement and follows the base of the slope. At the first junctions it shares sections with other trails before continuing on a dirt path beneath the island’s green wall.

Fajã da Fragueira retains terraced vines, old cellars and ruins connected with the family of composer Francisco de Lacerda. These remains reveal the former use of a small coastal platform that is now much less inhabited. The final ascent uses old steps to overcome the cliff and reach the church at Portal. Although short, the walk contains a major change in elevation and shows the relationship between Vimes and Fragueira. Coffee, craftwork, vines and cellars belong to different aspects of life on this coast, connected by paths that continue to support movement on foot.

The church at Portal forms a counterpart to the harbour in Vimes: one endpoint lies at sea level and the other above the climb. The old stairway physically connects these two levels and gives the linear route its logic. Fragueira occupies the intermediate coastal ground where agricultural remains are most visible.

Leave the harbour in Fajã dos Vimes and head west through the fajã. Check waymarks at the PR02SJO and GR01SJO junctions, then continue on the dirt track at the base of the cliff. Cross Fajã da Fragueira among terraces, cellars and ruins, remaining on the marked access. Begin the old stone stairway and climb to the church at Portal, where this linear route ends. Arrange return transport. At the foot of the stairway, confirm that you have left Fragueira by the marked access before climbing.