Faial – The Eagle Rock Within Reach!
Faial, a small village on Madeira’s north coast, is picturesquely situated between Santana and Porto da Cruz. At the foot of the Eagle Rock cliffs that plunge steeply into the sea. In the past, ospreys nested here, giving the mountain its name. Faial offers numerous highlights, including Ponte do Faial, Praia do Faial, Miradouro do Guindaste, Fajã do Mar, and Fortim do Faial.
But Faial has much more to offer than just breathtaking landscapes. The village’s rich history is reflected in its old manufacturing sites, such as a cheese and butter factory and a sugarcane mill. As early as 1503, a distillery was registered on a farm, and in 1859, a brandy factory was established. In April 1920, sugarcane farmers were granted the right to process their surplus crops into brandy themselves.
Today, the cultivation of Anonas – also known as Cherimoya or Custard Apple – plays a central role in Faial. This fruit accounts for around 30% of the island’s total production of subtropical fruits. The Anona Festival is celebrated annually in February. Alongside traditional food stalls and various musical performances, it offers a variety of Anona products. You can taste liqueurs, puddings, ice cream, and milkshakes.
Founding of Faial
The history of the parish dates back to 1531 with a modest church that emerged from a farmstead with a small chapel. Two legends surround its origins. One tells of the appearance of a Marian image. The other speaks of a chapel built using a single cedarwood pillar. Looking at the size of some trees on Madeira, the latter legend is quite plausible.
The Legend of the Angel Stone
Faial’s most famous legend has many variations. It is said that an image of the Virgin Mary was found on a stone, collected by fishermen, and that a small chapel was built there. This stone is believed to mark the site of the future parish. Legend has it that the Virgin smiled approvingly at Faial’s fishermen and that, although the ocean water has entered the chapel more than once, it has never dared to touch the steps of her altar.
Another version states that when storm waters surged up the riverbed, they mysteriously halted at the chapel’s entrance. As if in reverence – before gently retreating to the river and the sea.
After the waters receded, thousands of fish gathered around the stone where the Virgin had been found. It seemed as if protecting the chapel’s entrance from the sea. Some men, seeing the fish stranded on the shore and the calm sea beyond, ventured onto the seabed to catch them. However, just as they tried, the previously calm waters suddenly turned rough, rushing back into the riverbed around Pedra da Pescaria. The fish escaped back to the sea, leaving the fishermen empty-handed.
Today, this small bay is an attractive swimming spot (more on that later).
The Harbor
Faial’s harbor has its own history. Once described as an inconspicuous rock at the river’s mouth, it was significantly improved in the early 20th century. A a small seaport and a docking area was built at Pedra da Pescaria. Today, the so-called Cais Visconde Cacongo serves as a mooring point for small fishing and leisure boats in Fajã do Mar.
Bridges
120 years ago, the Ponte Velha do Faial (originally called Ponte das Sete Bocas) was built. At 130 meters long with seven stone arches, it was the largest bridge on Madeira at the time. It spanned the Ribeira do Faial River and was known as the „Bridge of Seven Mouths.“
In March 1984, a storm completely destroyed the structure, and it was immediately rebuilt following a different design. Unfortunately, in October 1985, an accident damaged the bridge again. The third arch collapsed, and six workers lost their lives. Since then, only three of the original seven stone arches of Madeira’s once-largest bridge remain standing.
Instead of rebuilding it once more, a new bridge – the present-day Ponte 1 de Julho – was constructed just a few meters away. The remains of the old bridge are now a historic landmark of the village.
Defense of Faial
The Fortim do Faial is an old 18th-century fortress built to protect the population. As Madeira’s growing economic potential attracted not only investors but also greedy pirates, this lookout point provided a strategic view of the sea.
Here, you can take a small journey back in time and admire ten small English cannons that once defended the village. The fortress has a semicircular layout and an additional stone covering to reinforce the platform. Since 1996, it has been classified as a monument of local significance. On clear days, you can even see the island of Porto Santo from the fortress viewpoint.
Miradouro do Guindaste
The Miradouro do Guindaste, a modern glass-bottom viewpoint, offers a breathtaking experience from a height of 26 meters. It provides a direct view of the crystal-clear sea and waves crashing below – an attraction that has fascinated many visitors since its opening in August 2022.
Foz da Ribeira do Faial
The mouth of the Ribeira do Faial River, Foz da Ribeira do Faial, is nestled in a small bay protected by rocky cliffs. Here, you’ll find an idyllic pebble beach that resembles a natural swimming pool. Surrounded by fascinating rock formations shaped by past lava flows, this location offers not only a great place to swim but also various recreational activities. International sports tournaments, a multi-purpose sports hall, a saltwater children’s pool, and a beachfront restaurant make this bathing complex a true highlight. Since 2005, the beach has been awarded the Blue Flag – a symbol of outstanding quality.
Conclusion
Faial is a place you must visit! Here, history, nature, and vibrant traditions blend into an unforgettable experience. Whether you embark on the adventure of climbing the Eagle Rock or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the beach and harbor, Faial has something for everyone. A visit to Faial is more than just a trip – it’s a journey into the soul of Madeira.
Faial can be reached by bus. Get on the SIGA CAM lines 53, 56, 78, 103 or 208 at Avenida do Mar and arrive the centre of the village after an enjoyable journey.
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