This long-distance hike runs along the island's south coast between Fajã de São João, Lourais, Fajã dos Bodes, and ends in Fajã dos Vimes. After heavy rainfall, the section between Lourais and Fajã dos Vimes should be avoided due to the difficult stream crossings.
The route begins near the local café, from where you can admire the narrow streets with their traditional cobblestones and the small houses. We walk past the church and follow the path northwest towards Lourais.
After leaving the fajã, we cross small fields where traditional crops such as grapes, corn, and sweet potatoes are cultivated. Further along the trail, the fields give way to forests consisting mainly of faya tree (Morella faya), Australian cheesewood (Pittosporum undulatum), and whitewood (Picconia azorica). On this ascending section, it's worth taking a break to enjoy the view of the Fajã de São João, which you've just left behind.
Before reaching Lourais (the highest point of the climb), we must cross the Ribeira do Salto, which takes its name from a huge waterfall that forms there. We pass through the village and descend on a gravel road towards Fajã dos Bodes.
Once you reach Ribeira dos Cedros, you'll be in the middle of the descent, which you should cross with caution due to the slippery ground. Continue on and enjoy the views of the islands. Pico and FaialFajãs dos Bodes and Vimes, as well as the village of Calheta. During the descent, the endemic vegetation of the summit, such as Azores heath (Erica azorica) and Azores blueberry (Vaccinium cylindraceum), gives way to Australian cheesewood and faya trees as far as Fajã dos Bodes. From here, follow the markers along the coast to Fajã dos Vimes.
The road leads down to the small harbor, where the hike ends and you can take a dip in the Atlantic. From here, there are connections to other points on the island via the hiking trails. PR 02 SJO Fajã dos Vimes – Serra do Topo, PR 09 SJO Fajã dos Vimes – Fragueira – Portal and GR 01 SJO Grande Rota de São Jorge.
In Fajã you can visit the workshop where the traditional quilts are made and taste the locally produced coffee.
Length: 9,7 km
Duration: 3,5 h
Difficulty level: difficult
Source: visitazores
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