Ribeirinha - Faial PRC09 FAI

This circular route in the village of Ribeirinha evolves partially in the protected area for habitats and species management of Lomba Grande and the Graben of Pedro Miguel, one of the main Geosites of the Archipelago. Also known as the volcanic complex of Ribeirinha, represents the oldest part of the island with around 800 thousand years. Along the trail the marks change between the white, red and yellow from the intersection of Grand and Small Route and yellow and red from Small Route. The crossings are properly marked on site, with signaling arrows

 Begin the trail in the center of the village of Ribeirinha, hit by the earthquake of 1998, seen in the ruins of the Church of São Mateus, built in 1934. Go along the coast, passing by the harbor of Boca da Ribeira, old fishing pier, nowadays equipped with recreational facilities on shore such as bathrooms and a picnic area. Proceed along the wood, among exemplars of Japanese Cedar (Crytomeria japonica) and the endemics Azores Juniper (Juniperus brevifolia), Azorean Heather (Erica azorica), among others. Continue until the Lighthouse of Ribeirinha (inaugurated in 1919), also hit by the earthquake of 1998.

Proceed in the interior of the wood passing by the viewpoint of Ribeirinha and ahead, after crossing the road carefully, the place of Espalhafatos. Here it is possible to make a small roundtrip detour to see the church of São Mateus. Back to the main track, go up by a dirt road that give access to farming fields and pastures. When arriving to a small tarmac road you should go left. Further ahead you can make a roundtrip detour, on your right hand side, to see the viewpoint of Pedras Negras.

At this point, the trail starts to descend through the protected area of Lomba Grande. Here you can choose to connect with other points of the island through the trail PR 07FAI – Caminhos Velhos and GR 01 FAI – Costa a Costa. Go down the wood by the right end side until you reach the regional road, which you should go along very carefully, on your left end side.

Arriving to the center of the village, visit the ruins of the Church São Mateus and explore this very important historical place in the history of the island.