Vereda da Fajã Grande

Datasheet

Typology
TRAIL

Difficulty
EXPERIENCED

Terrain
IRREGULAR/STEEP

Direction
ROUND TRIP

Distance
3 KM (2x 1,5 KM)

Time
2h - 2h30min

3D Route

Source: Google Earth

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How to get here

Having Funchal as reference:

Follow the Via Rápida (VR1) towards Ribeira Brava;
In Ribeira Brava follow the Via Expresso (VE3) towards Ponta do Sol and Calheta;
Once you arrive in Raposeira (termination of VE3), follow the first exit towards the Estrada Regional (E.R. 101);
When you arrive in village of Ponta do Pargo, at the crossing with E.R. 101, take the left until you reach the Fio viewpoint;
The path is to the right.

View map to see how to get here

Points of Interest

This pathway, like Vereda do Pesqueiro, takes you into direct contact with the western coastline of Calheta.

You can have a good look at your destination from the Fio viewpoint, next to the Tea House, at the beginning of the walk in Ponta do Pargo.

The descent is also done in the form of a zigzagging pathway leading down to the sea. Although this walk is technically shorter than Vereda do Pesqueiro, the pathway is much steeper, making it a more difficult walk both going up and down. We only recommend you try this walk if you meet the physical requirements.

During the walk you’ll notice that the cliff side is covered by a natural plantation of cacti, do be careful as the almost invisible thorns can be very uncomfortable. Before you reach the sea, you’ll pass a flatter area, once used as farmland. The terracing is still visible after all these years, proving how well made and robust it is.

The final part of the pathway, which is rarely used, is in places overgrown with vegetation. It is sometimes necessary to open your way through. Once you arrive at the beach, you’ll understand just how monumental the coast line is and feel the sea breeze on your skin.

Listen to the ocean as you recharge your energy then make your way back up the path.

Safety

Although both walks are set on the same cliff side and share the same beach, compared to Vereda do Pesqueiro, the present walk is of a higher difficulty level. ALWAYS make sure you meet the physical and technical requirements to safely complete this walk. If you are in doubt choose the first walk. Consult the datasheet and chapter on safety before planning your walk.

In addition to the safety guide the Municipality of Calheta prepared specifically for you, which you may find here, please note these more specific recommendations:

- This path is rarely used so the natural erosive processes, characteristic of any coastline such as rock fall can make the path slippery. Take appropriate footwear;

- Downhill walks along mountain sides are always subject to exposure, especially when the slopes are steep. Make sure you ready of this;

- The path while used by many locals does not have any protection or safety barriers. Beware when passing more exposed areas;

- Once at the beach do not go swimming. The beach is made up of large rocks that make mobility difficult. Click here to check our beaches;

- If you choose to explore the beach, don’t wander too far and be weary of the rising tides.