Salto do Prego Waterfall Hike, Sao Miguel

The hike to the Salto do Prego waterfall is one of the best short walks on São Miguel. It starts in the coastal village of Faial da Terra, climbs through lush forest and the restored hamlet of Sanguinho, and ends at a tall waterfall with a pool at its base.

Quick answer: the trail starts in Faial da Terra, on the southeast coast about 1 hour from Ponta Delgada. Allow about 2 to 3 hours for the loop. It’s moderate, with some steep and muddy sections, so wear good shoes. Bring a swimsuit if you’re brave, as the water is cold.

Why go

This walk packs a lot into a short distance: a quiet seaside village, a river valley full of tree ferns and hydrangeas, a stone hamlet that was almost abandoned and is now coming back to life, and a waterfall you can swim under. It is short enough for a morning, so it fits easily into a day exploring the east of the island.

The trail at a glance

• Official name: PRC09SMI Sanguinho, a small circular route listed on the Azores trails website.
• Distance: about 4.5 to 4.6 km as a loop.
• Climb: roughly 250 metres of ascent.
• Time: the official guide says about 2 hours. Allow 2 to 3 hours with a swim and photo stops.
• Difficulty: moderate. Some sections are steep stone steps and cobbled paths that get slippery when wet.
• Cost: the official Azores trails website lists no fee for this route.

The walk, step by step

• Faial da Terra: start in the village by the river. The trail begins near the bus stop and is waymarked with yellow and red stripes.
• The forest: a path climbs through ferns, hydrangeas and trees along the Ribeira do Faial da Terra valley. You pass small family orchards on both banks of the stream. They are private, so the official trail guide asks walkers not to pick the fruit.
• The waterfall: after crossing a bridge over the stream, a short branch leads to the fall. A tall cascade drops into a pool with a small stony beach. It is a good place to rest, and you can swim if you don’t mind cold water.
• Sanguinho: a stone village abandoned in the 20th century and now partly restored, with traditional houses, small plots and some rural guesthouses. It takes its name from the sanguinho, a native island shrub that still grows here. You may find a small seasonal snack bar here.
• The descent: a steep cobbled path takes you back down to Faial da Terra with views over the coast.

You can walk the loop in either direction. The official route, and the one most people follow, goes to the waterfall first, as the climb that way is gentler, and finishes with the steep cobbled descent from Sanguinho. If your knees prefer climbing to descending, go the other way.

Getting there

• By car: the easiest option. Faial da Terra is in the municipality of Povoação, about an hour’s drive from Ponta Delgada via the south coast, and around 20 to 30 minutes from Furnas.
• Parking: there is free parking in the village near the trailhead, which fills up by late morning in summer.
• By bus: local buses serve this part of the island, but services are infrequent. Check current timetables before relying on them. A car or a guided hiking tour is much simpler.
• Tours: several companies run guided walks here with transport from Ponta Delgada. See the best Azores tours.

How long to spend

Half a day covers the walk and lunch. A good one-day plan: drive to Faial da Terra early, do the loop before the crowds, then head to Furnas for the thermal pools and a cozido lunch, or continue east along the coast to Nordeste for the garden viewpoints.

If you are based in Ponta Delgada without a car, a guided walk is the most practical way to do it in a day. With a car, you could also combine the hike with the south-coast villages on the drive back, or plan it as part of a longer island route. See where to stay on São Miguel.

Food

Faial da Terra has a small restaurant and cafés serving grilled fish and simple Azorean dishes. Furnas, nearby, is famous for cozido das Furnas, a meat and vegetable stew slow-cooked underground in volcanic heat. Also try Azorean cheese, limpets (lapas) and local pineapple.

When to go

• Season: May to October usually brings the driest paths and the warmest water. Hydrangeas are at their best from about June to August.
• Winter: the walk is possible, but expect mud and a fuller, louder waterfall.
• Time of day: go early in summer to have the pool to yourself.

Tips

• Shoes: paths can be slippery after rain. Walking shoes with grip are better than trainers.
• Trail fees: some Azores trails and sites charge a small fee. None is listed for this route, but check the official trails website before you go, along with any closure notices.
• Swimming: the pool is cold and rocky. Water shoes help, and don’t stand right under the falling water.
• Combine with Furnas or Nordeste. See Nordeste and Furnas.
• Weather: check the forecast, as heavy rain can make streams hard to cross.
• Bring: water, a light rain jacket, insect repellent and a towel.
• Emergencies: the European emergency number, 112, works across the Azores. Tell someone which trail you are walking if you go alone.

FAQ

Can you swim at Salto do Prego?

Yes, many people swim in the pool at the foot of the waterfall. The water is cold all year and the bottom is rocky, so water shoes help, and stay out from directly under the fall.

How long is the Salto do Prego hike?

The official loop is about 4.5 km and takes around 2 hours of walking. Allow 2 to 3 hours with time at the waterfall.

Do you have to pay to hike to Salto do Prego?

The official Azores trails website lists no fee for this route. Check it before you go, as rules on some Azores trails and sites have changed in recent years.

Can you get to Faial da Terra by bus?

Yes. The trail starts by the bus stop in Faial da Terra, but buses are infrequent and the trip from Ponta Delgada is long. Most visitors drive or join a guided hike with transport.

More: the São Miguel itinerary and hiking in Portugal.

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