Padrão Alminhas/Salto da Farinha

PR21SMI connects Achadinha with the Salto da Farinha valley on a 4.3-kilometre linear crossing. The village garden introduces a historical chapter: an obelisk recalls the landing of Liberal troops in 1831, while Padrão das Alminhas represents a local devotion documented since the seventeenth century. The nearby Casa de João de Melo adds the literary memory of a writer born on this coast.

Beyond the settlement, the path enters a landscape of water channels, mills and streams. A signed branch approaches Poço Azul, while the main line passes Fojo and continues to Salto da Farinha. The waterfall drops about 40 metres into a green valley; its name is linked with grain carried to mills powered by the stream. Picnic places and old hydraulic features show how recreation and productive heritage now occupy the same corridor.

The finish near Salto da Farinha viewpoint widens the view across the waterfall, cliffs and Atlantic. Exposed slopes reveal materials associated with the Povoação volcano, adding a geological reading to the scene. With medium difficulty and about two hours of walking, this compact route combines political history, popular devotion, literature, milling and nature. Since its endpoints differ, return transport should be planned before departure.

Start in Achadinha garden and pick up the waymarks near the obelisk before leaving the village. Follow rural paths towards the valley, taking only the signed branch if visiting Poço Azul. Return to the main line, pass the Fojo area and continue beside the stream towards Salto da Farinha. The route finishes around the viewpoint above the waterfall. Do not extend the walk along informal tracks, and arrange the connection from the finish back to Achadinha in advance. Allow about two hours for the 4.3-kilometre crossing and keep a margin of daylight to the finish, including time for signed branches and stops.