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PRC01FAI

Cabeço do Canto

Faial

Open

Acores9 currently marks this trail as open.

Status checked 25 July 2026

Type
Walking trail
Route
Circular
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
2.5 km
Duration
2 h
Elevation
255–397 m

The trail

Cabeço do Canto is a short circuit on the volcanic ridge of the Capelo Peninsula. It begins near the access road to Cabeço Verde and immediately enters woodland. The first landmark is Furna Ruim, a volcanic cave about 55 metres deep. The path then continues toward Algar do Caldeirão, which is passed around without entering its opening, keeping the walk close to volcanic forms partly hidden by vegetation.

The descent crosses Azorean laurel, holly and heather before reaching a gravel road. After crossing it, a staircase climbs toward Cabeço do Canto. The route circles the cone and opens views of Capelinhos Volcano, making the alignment of hills across this part of Faial easier to understand. The return uses part of the same corridor and passes around a second cone before reaching the start.

After the walk, road access to Cabeço Verde provides an overview of the terrain, including Praia do Norte, Cabeço do Fogo, Morro de Castelo Branco and the chain of cones ending at Capelinhos. Despite the short distance, the route is graded medium because of climbs, steps, volcanic ground and nearby cavities. It is a concentrated introduction to the peninsula's geology.

Directions

Begin beside the access road to Cabeço Verde and turn left into the woods. Remain with the markings to Furna Ruim, then continue toward Algar do Caldeirão and pass around it on the right. Descend through vegetation to the gravel road, cross carefully and climb the staircase toward Cabeço do Canto. Circle the cone on the left, following the waymarks and views toward Capelinhos. On the return, use the same initial corridor and pass the second cone on the right before reaching the starting point. The loop closes beside the road. Cabeço Verde is a separate visit by road, not by shortcuts from the trail.

Safety

The trail is open. Furna Ruim and Algar do Caldeirão are deep cavities: do not pass barriers or enter them, and keep children close. Wear grippy boots on roots, gravel, steps and wet ground. Cross the road only at the marked point and check traffic. Fog can hide markings and openings in the terrain; do not continue without visibility. Carry waterproofs and water, respect vegetation and stay away from cone edges.

Official coordinates

Start
38.593478, -28.801565
End
38.593478, -28.801565
Elevation profile255–397 m
0 km2.6 km
GPSgpxGoogle Earthkmz
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