Skip to the map

PRC35SMI

Moinhos da Ribeira Funda

São Miguel

Open

Acores9 currently marks this trail as open.

Status checked 25 July 2026

Type
Walking trail
Route
Circular
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3.2 km
Duration
2 h
Elevation
42–224 m

The trail

Moinhos da Ribeira Funda is a 3.2-kilometre circuit descending from the village into a narrow north-coast valley. From the chapel, pasture and forest paths follow the stream and approach Moinho do Crim. Ruins, channels and walls show how water was directed to turn millstones, converting a damp valley into a place of production.

Farther down are more mills and a bridge near the connection with PR27SMI. Small waterfalls and the stream mouth add natural landmarks to this collection of rural archaeology. The most exposed section reaches Rocha do Padre do Norte on a stairway above the sea. Here the broken coast, cliffs and ocean contrast with the shade and running water encountered inside the valley.

The return climb crosses woodland and agricultural ground back to Ribeira Funda. Despite its short distance, the medium rating and estimated two hours reflect steps, elevation change, moisture and coastal exposure. The route reveals the mills as components of a wider system—stream, channels, access paths and fields—rather than isolated ruins. Understanding that landscape requires remaining on the trail without entering unstable structures or seeking informal approaches to the waterfalls.

Directions

Begin beside Ribeira Funda chapel and follow the circuit through pasture and woodland into the valley. Descend beside Moinho do Crim, water channels and the remaining mill groups. At the bridge, check the PRC35SMI waymarks and do not switch to PR27SMI. Continue towards the stream mouth and use the marked Rocha do Padre do Norte stairway. The return branch climbs on the indicated side, crosses agricultural ground again and finishes beside the chapel. Allow about two hours to complete the 3.2-kilometre circuit and keep a margin of daylight, including time for signed branches and stops.

Safety

The Rocha do Padre do Norte stairway is exposed above the sea; move slowly, keep away from the edge and do not overtake on narrow sections. Channels, steps and stones beside the stream may be extremely slippery. Do not enter mill ruins or leave the path for waterfalls. Strong wind or rain are reasons to postpone the circuit. Carry a charged phone and, in an emergency, call 112 with PRC35SMI and the number of the last route post seen.

Official coordinates

Start
37.841644, -25.354434
End
37.837256, -25.347247
Elevation profile42–224 m
0 km3.3 km
GPSgpxGoogle Earthkmz
© 2026 Geoacores by Waka Webstudio