Caldeira do Cabeço Gordo

Walking distance about 2 1/2 hours. In case it is raining, the ground gets slippery. Great circle around the vulcano. Right way around is more or less plain for the first 50% and is increasing after that time. If you go left: it goes uphill. For the first quarter.

The caldeira lies in central Faial island. Is surrounded by a path where some people hike. To go around takes a couple of hours but as a member of visiting tour I had no possibility for such activity. Anyway is a fantastic landscape with hydrangeas and native plants around. The bottom of the caldera was made by the collapse of a volcanic cone. In the past was filled with water, forming a lake, but eruption of Capelinho made it dry. Important place to visit for understanding the geological history of the island.

Spectacular 360 degree view of Faial as well as Pico and mount Pico on a clear day. If you look closely there is a second ring down in the middle. The walk all around is well worth it and quite enjoyable. There were goats on a cliff on the inside - so keep your eyes 👀 peeled.

It was a mostly beautiful sunny day, we could see far into the valley and enjoy the view of the sea side as well. Stunning sights!
About two thirds in some fog turned up and limited the views. I can imagine it being a dissappointing hike if it would be like this all the time, but we were lucky.
Good hike of easy to medium difficulty.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the caldera, and I must say it was an exceptional experience. The natural beauty and serenity of the area made for a fantastic hiking destination. Even though the visibility was limited due to cloud cover, the atmosphere still felt mystical. The clouds rolling through the landscape added a certain dramatic flair that I found enchanting.

However, it's worth noting that you'll need a bit of luck to catch a day without any clouds obstructing the view. But even if you don't, the hiking trails and natural surroundings are more than enough to make the trip worthwhile.

In summary, a visit to the caldera is a must for anyone who loves nature and hiking.

Amazing scenary, if the weather is clear. Go early to avoid the crowd. Easily reachable by car on good roads, if you follow the main ones. The road itself is stunning.

This hike has incredible views that are different at every point in the walk. It was an easy hike, with moderately difficult spots because the trail is ver narrow. We came around 16:00 on a clear day and had gorgeous vistas of Pico, the caldeira, and the ocean. The bugs didn’t bite, although they were a bit pesky at times. Hydrangeas blooming all over the trail made for a really lovely walk. I proposed to my girlfriend along the way, so maybe I’m biased, but the photos speak for themselves. It also wasn’t crowded at all. We passed maybe 5 people total in the four hours we spent up there.

Go there walk around the Caldeira - it is not a difficult trekking path. Views are amazing, this place is perfect not only for pictures but also to enjoy Azores and have time to really feel where you are. Highly recommend!!

Beautiful!!! About a 2 1/2 hour hike around the Caldeira.

Walking along the crater. Easy accessible by car. Parking and information signs available.
It was very windy when we walked around there. Bring weatherproof clothing! It can get cold.

This is easily one of the more picturesque hikes I have been on. The visibility was good, wild flowers and hortensias were in bloom, there was buzzing of bees and regrettably that of a modern day drone too.

Nice ring trail around the caldeira. A must do in Faial, even in a cloudy day, you can have a view of the ocean, and of the caldeira. The trail is easy and takes around 2.5 hours.

Amazing hike! We were lucky with the weather, it was a bit cloudy when we arrived but the cloud cleared out and we had amazing views. Views. Well I saw plenty of people in sneakers, having proper hiking shoes because of the up and down nature of the trail and the mud is recommended.

Don't miss.A must tondo in Faial.Great ring trail around the caldeira.

Amazing and enchanting place near the crater edge from where a number of descending walks start. The atmosphere here is truly unique: you are completely alone and hear nothing but the wind. It's a long walk towards the capital of the island, Horta, but this is without doubt a must-see when your in Faial!

This was a really breathtaking view. Must see, if the weather permits. I went late in the day, but this time of year, the sun doesn't set until almost 9pm, so there was plenty of time to see it.

This place deserves 10 stars. The hike around the edge of the caldeira took us 3,5 hours but was one of the most beautiful, surreal experiences I've ever had.

Bring a poncho as you might get caught in the rain.

Highest point on Faial. Amazing atmosphere, literally, with its own climate. Spotting faraway hikers down and around the caldeira is one of the few ways to get a feel for the size and depth of the caldeira - 2km across and 400m down! Caldeira circumnavigation for beginners, and the descent for those more adventurous!

Stunning views, walking in the clouds, you get both. The hike around the Caldeira is medium difficult. It is a must do at Fajal.

Don’t miss it. The walk along the rim is very muddy sometimes.