PR1 SJO - Fajã dos Cubres to Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo

The trail starts at the village of Fajã dos Cubres on São Jorge's north coast, reached by car; there is no scheduled bus to the trailhead and no permit is required. The point-to-point route covers 6.5 km with about 350 m of cumulative elevation gain, rated moderate, following coastal cliffs linking two of São Jorge's fajãs, the flat lava and landslide platforms that sit at sea level below the island's high central ridge. The path is a mix of packed dirt, stone steps, and short cliffside sections with steep grades; exposure is significant on the cliffside stretches, where the trail runs close to unfenced drops, and shade is limited across most of the route, which stays largely in the open along the coast. Landmarks include the lagoon and wetland at Fajã dos Cubres, a designated Ramsar wetland site, dramatic cliff views back toward the fajãs from the high points of the trail, and the clam beds and lagoon at Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, known for its clams and as a surf spot. Hikers wanting a shorter walk can turn back at the highest point of the trail, roughly 3 km in, for sweeping views of both fajãs without completing the full crossing. There are no refuge huts along the route, and no reliable drinking water source, so hikers should carry what they need for the full 2.5-3 hour crossing. Return to the starting point requires either walking back the same way or arranging transport, as the two fajãs are not linked by road.