Adventure, Fun, And Relaxation In The Forest Reserves
©Rê Schermann
Enjoy a peaceful time in our forest parks
Take a half or full day to enjoy one (or more) of Faial’s forest reserves. The forest reserves are large extensions of protected forest with trails and tracks to be discovered.
These are ideal places to have fun with the family, have a romantic picnic, a barbecue with friends, relax and read a book, admire the landscape, and learn a little more about the local flora. These reserves are equipped with BBQ facilities, picnic areas, bathrooms and playgrounds.
Reserva Florestal do Capelo
This recreational site is located about 100 meters above sea level and occupies an area of 96 hectares. It is a diverse wooded area with an abundance of endemic Macaronesian plants, typical to Laurissilva and pine forests. It has a marked trail for mountain biking but it is also a very pleasant area for a walk in the middle of the forest.
It is a favorite with children not just because of the playground, but because it houses a small reserve of fallow deer.
There is also a house-museum that takes you on a trip back in time and gives a glimpse of daily life in the old rural houses in Faial, revealing a bit of Azorean ethnography.
What will you find?
- Lots of BBQ and picnic areas, covered or amidst trees
- Well indicated footpaths
- A mountain bike trail
- Natural caves formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.
- House-museum showing traditional Faial rural housing
- Children’s playground
- Fallow deer
- Parking and bathroom facilities
Reserva Florestal do Cabouco Velho
This forest reserve is located in the parish of Salão, on the northeast slope of Faial’s Caldera, at about 500 meters altitude. This forest area, which occupies 5 hectares, is divided into forested spaces with various types of species, some endemic to Macaronesia, typical of the Laurissilva Forests, and others introduced.
It presents a landscape dominated by the tranquility of green, with the ideal conditions to spend a day of rest in contact with nature.
What will you find
- BBQ and covered picnic area
- Children’s playground
- An old threshing floor for traditional music and dance exhibitions
- Parking and bathroom facilities
Reserva Florestal da Falca
This forest reserve, which extends over 14 hectares, has large trees, particularly conifers, tree ferns among the several endemic species of Macaronesia, typical of the Laurissilva forests. It is also noteworthy for the large extent of area covered by cryptomeria forest.
Its location at an altitude of 400 meters and the denser vegetation gives it a cool climate, which makes it very pleasant especially during the summer, when the heat is more intense.
Established in the old Falca Nursery, this Recreational Forest Reserve has a long path with landscaped berms that run through the forest, with magnificent panoramic views over the Faial-Pico channel.
What you will find:
- BBQ and picnic area
- Children’s playground
- A viewpoint with a magnificent view of Pico
- Parking and bathroom facilities
