Morro de Castelo Branco

Morro de Castelo Branco is a short circuit from Lombega leading to the base of a pale trachyte dome joined to Faial by an isthmus. It begins beside the regional road and follows agricultural tracks through cultivated fields. Approaching the coast, the route enters heather, faya and giant reed near the cliff, opening views toward western Faial and the Capelinhos area.

The Morro stands apart from dark basalt through its colour and compact form. Its age and coastal origin make it a distinctive element of Faial's geology. Nearby slopes and cliffs provide important nesting habitat for Cory's shearwaters, terns and other seabirds. At a gate, a marked detour approaches the dome without climbing its summit; before the track ends, the eastward view reaches Pico.

The return follows the same access back to the gate, then takes a different branch on asphalt through fields and pasture, closing the loop at the regional road. The route is easy and short, but it offers a concentrated combination of farming, coast and volcanology. The site's value also depends on quiet habitat, so observation should remain discreet and always from the marked path.

At Lombega, locate the start beside the regional road and follow the markings along it past the café. Turn left onto the dirt track crossing cultivated fields and continue toward the cliff. Follow the edge only on the path, pass the viewpoint and approach Morro de Castelo Branco. At the gate, take the right-hand detour toward the dome and stop before the track ends for the view toward Pico. Return along the same branch to the gate. There, turn right and later left onto the asphalt lane through fields and pasture. Follow it until the regional road and the original starting point are reached.