Vigia da Baleia

Vigia da Baleia covers 7 kilometres between Povoação and Faial da Terra, recovering old shortcuts that crossed the slope before the present road network. Leaving town, it climbs through Lomba dos Pós, where paved lanes give way to dirt tracks, woodland and pasture. The rising ground looks back over the Povoação caldera and reveals the depth of the valleys along São Miguel’s south-eastern side.

Near the higher section, Pico dos Bodes opens views across the coast and the pattern of ridges separating local communities. A signed branch approaches the summit area, while the main line meets other trails, including Quatro Caminhos do Faial da Terra. Box hedges and old stone paving accompany the descent, preserving the scale of rural ways once used by people, livestock and farm produce.

Above Faial da Terra, the itinerary passes the former whale lookout. Watchers once scanned the sea from this tower and signalled sightings to boats during the whaling era; today it interprets that history while offering a broad Atlantic outlook. The route then reaches the village after about three hours of medium-difficulty walking. As a linear crossing, it requires transport planning and provides a complete journey between two communities connected by landscape and maritime memory.

Leave Povoação on the signed climb through Lomba dos Pós, moving from the settled surface onto woodland and pasture tracks. Continue towards Pico dos Bodes; take only the signed branch if visiting its viewpoint, then return to the main line. At junctions with PRC40SMI and other paths, check the route code before beginning the descent. Pass the former whale lookout and follow stone-paved sections and hedges into Faial da Terra. Arrange return transport before starting. Allow about three hours for the 7-kilometre crossing and keep a margin of daylight to the finish, including time for signed branches and stops.