Spectacular hike to Salto do Prego Waterfall on São Miguel Island in the Azores

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable hike that mixes epic views with a touch of local charm, the PRC09 SMI trail to Sanguinho on São Miguel is an absolute must!

This is one of my all-time favorite spots on the island, and even though I didn’t have much time on the Azores, I ended up coming back here twice. The hike is nothing too challenging, but the scenery is nothing short of spectacular — definitely the most unique on São Miguel, in my opinion. Plus, it’s not overrun with tourists. You’ll mostly meet locals along the way, and on my second hike, I had the whole trail to myself, which made the experience even more special — it’s like being completely surrounded by nature.

The trail ends at the gorgeous Salto do Prego waterfall, which is just breathtaking. The water is cold, but it’s so clear and inviting that you have to take a dip!

How to get to the trailhead

To reach the starting point of the trail to Salto do Prego waterfall, head to the eastern part of São Miguel Island, to the charming village of Faial da Terra. The drive from Ponta Delgada takes around 1.5 hours, but the journey is well worth it, with beautiful landscapes, winding roads, and stunning views of the ocean far below.

You can get to Faial da Terra either by your own car or by taxi, and parking is easy to find. The trailhead is right next to the village. Before setting off on the hike, it’s a good idea to stop by the local supermarket to grab some water and snacks. The whole trip, there and back, will take around three hours if you’re walking at a relaxed pace, so it’s worth preparing for a longer hike.

Faial da Terra

Faial da Terra is a charming, tiny village located on the southeastern tip of São Miguel, famous for its lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and of course, the stunning Salto do Prego waterfall. It’s a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, who come not just for the natural beauty but also for the area’s cultural attractions. You can explore the historic Nossa Senhora da Graça church, old water mills, and even a historical whaling port.

One of the most intriguing parts of Faial da Terra is the abandoned village of Sanguinho, which you’ll pass on your way to the waterfall. Strolling through its cobbled streets feels like a step back in time, offering a glimpse into the island’s past.

If you visit in August, don’t miss Faial da Terra Blues, a local festival celebrating music, traditional food, and the village’s unique charm. And after a hike, you can cool off at the free public pool by the ocean – the perfect way to end your adventure!

PRC09 SMI Trail – Sanguinho, São Miguel

  • Start of the trail: Faial da Terra
  • Length: 4.5 km
  • Elevation gain: 203 m
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Type of trail: Loop
  • Availability: Open year-round
Start of the trail

Starting from Faial da Terra, right next to the bus stop, you begin the trail that initially follows a paved road. However, it quickly transitions into a picturesque natural path. As you walk along the stream on your right, you’ll find yourself surrounded by increasingly dense vegetation. You’ll pass trees such as Pittosporum undulatum (Australian Cheesewood) and Black Acacia (Acacia melanoxylon). The trail winds through the thick forest, giving you the feeling of walking through a mysterious green tunnel.

The bridge and Salto do Prego Waterfall – a nature lover’s paradise

When you reach the bridge over the stream, the trail gets a bit steeper. After crossing the bridge, take the right path at the fork – this will lead you straight to the Salto do Prego waterfall. And here’s the highlight of the trail: the majestic waterfall, showing off the raw power of nature.

The waterfall is fed by crystal-clear water, and locals often come here on their days off to take a dip. When I visited for the first time, I noticed that some tourists didn’t know this and didn’t have swimsuits with them. A general tip for the Azores – always throw a swimsuit in your backpack! Most natural spots, whether it’s waterfalls, natural pools, or coves, are perfect for a swim, so it’s great to be prepared.

The water is cold, but it’s totally worth it. There isn’t much in terms of tourist facilities around the waterfall – no toilets or changing rooms, so it’s good to be ready for those conditions. But honestly, no one really cares, and everyone just changes right next to the waterfall.

And don’t forget to explore the area around the waterfall – the path continues up the stream, offering other beautiful views along the way.

The return through Sanguinho – the forgotten village

On your way back from the waterfall, you’ll reach a marked fork (the second one). If you head right, you’ll find the path that leads to Sanguinho. This tiny village will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. With typical Azorean houses, small farms, and exotic trees like Frangula azorica, this part of the hike has a unique, nostalgic charm.

Sanguinho was inhabited for over a century, but in the 1950s, the village was completely abandoned. One of the main reasons for this was the difficulty the residents faced in transporting their children to school, so they decided to leave. Along with that, economic struggles pushed many Azoreans to emigrate to America in search of better opportunities.

Today, the abandoned land is used by local residents for small agricultural projects, and some even leave fruit for passing tourists, asking for a small donation in return.

The return – down the stone path

The final stretch of the hike takes you down a winding stone path. It’s important to be careful here, as the trail can be slippery, and the steep descent calls for a slower pace. But trust me, the views along the way are more than worth the effort! Faial da Terra and the vast Atlantic Ocean create a stunning panorama that will stay with you long after the hike. As you make your way down, you’ll reach the first fork in the trail and soon return to the starting point—back to the parking lot.

More trails and attractions on São Miguel Island

If you’re eager to discover more amazing hiking trails on São Miguel, I warmly invite you to check out my separate article where I dive into the best hiking routes on this stunning island. And if you’re looking to explore other attractions waiting for you on São Miguel, be sure to take a look at my general guide to this incredible island. You’ll find plenty of helpful tips and information to help you plan an unforgettable trip!

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Welcome on my blog about traveling, active lifestyle and chasing all the crazy dreams. I have been on 6 continents and in more than 100 countries so far, but I still have so much to explore :)

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Author picture

Welcome on my blog about traveling, active lifestyle and chasing all the crazy dreams. I have been on 6 continents and in more than 100 countries so far, but I still have so much to explore :)

< read more >