Coastal Magic & Ancient Mills: Hiking the Ribeira Funda Trail (PRC 35 SMI)
Lost (and Found) on the Pico do Praia Hike: A South Shore Adventure PRC44 SMI
Anthony "Tiger" Liu April 4, 2026
If you’re looking for a hike that offers maximum reward for minimum effort, the PRC 35 SMI – Ribeira Funda circular route is a must. Just a 20-minute drive from the Golden Mermaid Villa, this 3.3 km trail captures the wild, untamed essence of São Miguel’s north coast.
Finding the Path
Located just above the town of Água de Alto, the trailhead is a bit of a hidden gem. There isn’t a formal parking lot or visitor center, so it feels like a true local secret. The path begins on a modest paved road before transitioning into a rugged dirt track that climbs the hillside, intersecting with the larger trails that lead up toward the famous Lagoa do Fogo.
Located just above the town of Água de Alto, the trailhead is a bit of a hidden gem. There isn’t a formal parking lot or visitor center, so it feels like a true local secret. The path begins on a modest paved road before transitioning into a rugged dirt track that climbs the hillside, intersecting with the larger trails that lead up toward the famous Lagoa do Fogo.
Ruins and Ridges
One of the most fascinating discoveries along the way was passing the site of the old linen manufacturing factory. It is currently being transformed into a luxury retreat called Fogo Lodge. Perched high on the hill, it offers a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of the iconic Islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
One of the most fascinating discoveries along the way was passing the site of the old linen manufacturing factory. It is currently being transformed into a luxury retreat called Fogo Lodge. Perched high on the hill, it offers a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of the iconic Islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
As I climbed higher, the scenery shifted beautifully:
The Flora : I found myself walking through dense groves of towering Japanese Cedar trees (Cryptomeria japonica), which create a peaceful, cathedral-like atmosphere.
The Water: A small, refreshing waterfall cuts right across the hiking path, and I eventually reached the spillway for the Central Nova hydropower plant—a cool nod to the island's industrial history.
Into the Mist: The Azores are famous for their microclimates. By the time I reached the deep valleys, the morning sun had vanished, replaced by a thick, ethereal "cloud mist." In the fog, I missed a marker and found myself crossing a bridge over the EN1-1A freeway.
I realized then that I’d wandered onto PR41 SMI, heading toward the village of Ribeira Chã. What was supposed to be a 2.5-hour loop was quickly turning into an afternoon expedition!
A Happy Ending at the Beach
By noon, hunger set in. Since Ribeira Chã was quiet, I followed the path down toward the coast at Praia de Água de Alto. My "wrong turn" ended up being a blessing when I arrived at Bar Praia de Água do Alto.
A Happy Ending at the Beach
By noon, hunger set in. Since Ribeira Chã was quiet, I followed the path down toward the coast at Praia de Água de Alto. My "wrong turn" ended up being a blessing when I arrived at Bar Praia de Água do Alto.