Fajãs do Toledo

Fajãs do Toledo revives paths that linked the parish with small coastal platforms beneath São Jorge’s north cliff. From the chapel of São José, the circuit follows the old regional road and crosses ground formerly used for maize and wheat. The descent opens views towards Ponta Furada, Fajã do Ouvidor and, on clear days, other islands of the central group.

Fajã Manuel Teixeira retains terraces, taro plots, ruins and cables associated with agricultural use. After crossing Ribeira da Quebrada, the path reaches Fajã Rasa and continues to Fajã de Vasco Martins. There, the Poço dos Airoses waterfall and further ruins mark the farthest point. The return climbs a narrow cliff path through native vegetation, then rejoins Toledo’s fields and the road. This difficult circuit reveals three sparsely inhabited fajãs and the former organisation of crops, water and access within exceptionally steep terrain.

Poço dos Airoses is the principal water feature at the far end of the circuit, reached after two fajãs and a stream crossing. Its position helps identify the point where coastal progression ends and the demanding return climb begins. This sequence makes the waterfall both a landmark and a turning point within the route.

Leave the chapel of São José in Toledo and follow the old regional road through former maize and wheat fields. Descend to Fajã Manuel Teixeira, cross the terraces and pass Ribeira da Quebrada at the marked point. Continue through Fajã Rasa to Fajã de Vasco Martins and Poço dos Airoses. Begin the return on the narrow cliff path, cross native vegetation and rejoin the fields and road leading back to the chapel. At Poço dos Airoses, locate the ascent waymarks before leaving the area of the ruins.