Trail around the Caldera of Faial PR4FAI

Faial’s perimeter walk around the Caldeira (PRC04 FAI) is a short, circular hike built to stay on the crater rim. It’s mapped as a 6.8 km loop on dirt, rated easy, and typically takes about 2h 30min.

The route runs at high altitude—roughly between 840 and 1040 m—and encircles the crater, with one high point near Cabeço Gordo (1043 m). Expect an exposed rim feel: wind and rapid cloud/fog changes are part of the experience up here.

Trail marking is straightforward for following the loop: the color system shifts between white/red/yellow along connections and between yellow/red on small-route sections. Crossings are signed on site with arrows, and the trail is described as easy to see.

For the crater interior: walking down into the Caldeira bowl is not treated as part of this independent rim circuit. Independent hiking stays on the rim; access into the crater requires a certified guide and prior permission.

The loop starts at the Caldeira viewpoint, includes a short passage through a tunnel to access the crater area, then returns via the road to climb stairs and follow a dirt road toward the Chapel of São João.

Season and weather matter because visibility drives the whole hike. The guidance for this route favors good weather/visibility days, since the rim is the primary “what you see” element of the PRC04 FAI loop.

More information: Caldeira Trail on Faial (PRC04 FAI) Crater Rim Loop, Caldeira perimeter hike - Around Caldeira of Faial - Our island, Caldeira - Faial PRC04FAI - Azores Trails |