Sanguinho Trail - PRC09SMI

This is, by far, my favorite trail on São Miguel. I’ve done it a ridiculous number of times, and every single time I bring friends or tourists, this is the one I take them to. Always.

The trail is on the longer side, around two and a half to three hours, and yes, there’s a big waterfall in the middle. But honestly, the waterfall is just a bonus. What makes this trail special is the nature from start to finish.

The beginning of the trail is unreal. Twisted trees, dense vegetation, everything feels wild and cinematic. Full Lord of the Rings vibes, without trying too hard. It feels raw, humid, green, alive.

The problem is that most people do this trail the wrong way. They start and finish in the same place. And this trail is confusing, not because you’ll get lost, but because there are multiple paths, junctions, and ways to finish it. You can end near an old village or by a small river, depending on the direction you choose.

The best way to do it is from the top down. Always.

If it rained heavily in the previous days, I’d skip it. The trail can get messy, and the experience drops fast.

Still, when conditions are good, this is peak São Miguel hiking.

• →Start the trail from the top, go to Clube Desportivo Faial da Terra, buy a coffee or water, ask them to call a taxi to take you to the start of the trail up the hill, it’s a short ride, and do the trail downhill.

Rui's Visit Log