Vereda do Pesqueiro
The Fisherman’s Path at the Edge of the West
Afstand
5.0 km (Loop)
Duur
2h 30m – 3h
Moeilijkheid
Hard
Status
OPEN
Beste tijd voor een bezoek
Pro Tip: This is a West Coast trail. Hiking down in the late afternoon allows you to be back up at the cliffs (Miradouro do Fio) exactly in time for a spectacular sunset.
⚠️ Technische moeilijkheidsgraad
Why Hike Vereda do Pesqueiro?
Located near the famous lighthouse of **Ponta do Pargo**, this ancient trail was used by locals to reach the fishing spots (“pesqueiros”) at the base of the cliffs.
It offers a completely different perspective of the west coast. Instead of looking down from the lighthouse, you are immersed in the cliff face, with waterfalls cascading beside you (after rain) and the roar of the Atlantic growing louder as you descend.
Parcours Kaart
The Loop: Ponta do Pargo Church → Miradouro do Fio → Pesqueiro (Sea Level) → Ascent.
Stap-voor-stap handleiding
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1
The Start (Ponta do Pargo)
Start near the Church or the signpost “Vereda do Pesqueiro”. The path winds through fields before reaching the cliff edge.
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2
De afdaling
A zig-zag path takes you down the cliff face. It is steep but well-defined. Enjoy the views of the massive western cliffs extending to Paul do Mar.
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3
The Pesqueiro (Sea Level)
At the bottom, you reach a pebbly beach area. It is wild and rough. Do not swim unless the sea is dead calm (rare on the west coast).
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4
The Climb Back
The loop continues by climbing back up a different ravine (usually towards Miradouro do Fio). This is the cardio burn!
Beste fotoplekken
The cliffs turn a burning orange color during sunset. Best viewed from the halfway point of the trail.
At the bottom, the waves hitting the volcanic rocks create massive splashes. Great for dramatic seascape photos.
Looking back up at the path carved into the cliff shows the scale of the descent.
Faciliteiten & voorzieningen
Hoe er te komen
Drive to the far West end of the island, **Ponta do Pargo**.
📍 Navigation
Park near the Igreja (Church) of Ponta do Pargo or near the Miradouro do Fio. The trailheads are marked nearby.
Het perspectief van de bestuurder
🚘 The Long West Drive
Fast tunnels followed by scenic country roads.
Onze huuraanbeveling: The drive to the west is fast and smooth. An SUV is comfortable for the long journey and gives you better visibility of the coastal views along the way.
Essentiële uitrusting
- Zonnebrandcrème: Critical. The west coast sun is strong and there is zero shade on the cliff face.
- Trekking Poles: Your knees will thank you on the descent and ascent.
- Water: 2 Liters per person. It is a hot, dry climb back up.
🍹 Na de wandeling: Waar eten?
O Forno (Ponta do Pargo)
One of the best restaurants in the west. Known for its wood-oven cooking. Or visit the Casa de Chá O Fio for a cake and coffee with a view right at the trail’s end.
