SNC2 | Fajã – Covoada – Fajã

Fajã – Covoada – Fajã

13,7 km

Hard

Perhaps one of the Saniclau Trails routes that most reveals the history and culture of the people of São Nicolau. The trail begins in the lush, verdant Fajã valley, from where the climb to Assomada da Covada immediately emerges. The path leading up the hill is along cobblestone paths and sometimes into the river. The climb is long and steep, and only upon reaching the top does the village of Covoada, located in the next valley, reveal itself, requiring a long, steep descent to reach it. This is followed by another climb to Passo de Covoada to reach the path that leads to Ribeira Funda. Ribeira Funda welcomes us with its mysterious, bucolic air of a stone village, nearly deserted, planted by the sea. Next follows a short climb in an “S” shape, requiring a glimpse of Ribeira Funda and the violent sea that buffets it at every turn. Arriving in Estância Brás, you can rest in one of its cafés or grocery stores before making the rest of the way back to Fajã. As you leave Estância Brás, you’ll often find washerwomen washing clothes, or the colorful clothes spread out on the walls waiting for the wind to dry them. The trail ends at the same place it began in Fajã.