Ribeirinha

The Ribeirinha circuit explores the oldest part of Faial within the Ribeirinha Volcanic Complex and Pedro Miguel Graben. It starts in the parish centre beside the ruins of São Mateus church, damaged by the 1998 earthquake. The first descent approaches the coast and Boca da Ribeira harbour, a former fishing quay now associated with leisure facilities and a picnic area.

The trail then enters woodland of Japanese cedar, Azorean juniper and heather before reaching Ribeirinha lighthouse, also marked by the earthquake. It proceeds through Ribeirinha viewpoint and crosses the road toward Espalhafatos. An out-and-back detour provides another approach to the church area, while the main route climbs a dirt track through fields and pasture. Higher up, another detour leads to Pedras Negras viewpoint.

The descending phase crosses the protected Lomba Grande area, where links meet Caminhos Velhos and the Coast to Coast grand route. The circuit returns through woodland and along the regional road to the parish centre. This easy walk combines coast, forest and agriculture, but above all links the island's oldest geology with human memory of the earthquake, visible in ruins, lighthouse and landscape.

Begin in central Ribeirinha beside the ruins of São Mateus church and descend toward Boca da Ribeira harbour. Follow the woodland path to the lighthouse and continue to Ribeirinha viewpoint. Cross the road carefully and proceed toward Espalhafatos. Take the church detour only if time allows, then return to the main line. Climb the dirt track through fields to the asphalt lane and turn left. Farther ahead, the right-hand detour reaches Pedras Negras viewpoint and returns by the same access. Continue descending through Lomba Grande, ignore links to PR07FAI and GR01FAI, and follow the regional road left back to the parish centre.