Lomba Grande

Lomba Grande is a protected area on the island of Faial in the Azores, near the village of Pedro Miguel and part of the Faial Nature Park. For hikers, birdwatchers and anyone who enjoys quiet nature, it is one of the more interesting corners of the island's central region.

Where is Lomba Grande and what is it?

The area lies on Faial, one of the islands of the Azores' central group, within the tectonic depression known as the Pedro Miguel Graben. The Lomba Grande fault runs through it and has the largest morphological expression on the whole island. For visitors, that means a landscape clearly shaped by movements of the earth's crust rather than by volcanic eruptions alone.

According to the official Azores nature parks website, the area covers 275 hectares, or about 2.75 square kilometres. It is classed as a protected area for habitat or species management. It was designated in 2008 and appears in the island park's system under the code FAI07.

What nature will you find here?

Much of the land is covered by humid laurel forest, typical of Macaronesia and now found in only a few places. There are also ponds that attract migratory waterbirds, including ducks and egrets. For this reason Lomba Grande is also recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife. The protected area covers about 83 percent of that site.

How is the area protected?

The Faial Nature Park was created by regional decree 46/2008/A. Like the park's other areas, Lomba Grande is subject to conservation rules, so visitors should keep to marked paths, avoid disturbing the birds and take their rubbish with them.

Can you walk here?

Yes. Hiking routes cross the area, including the Caminhos Velhos ("old paths") trail. One described route mentions the Charcos de Pedro Miguel ponds, regarded as a good place to watch migratory birds. Bring binoculars, comfortable shoes and clothing for changeable weather, since the Azorean climate can shift within a single day.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lomba Grande a town? No. It is a protected area on Faial island, close to Pedro Miguel. It should not be confused with similarly named places elsewhere, such as in Brazil or Texas.

How large is the area? Officially 275 hectares.

What is worth seeing? The laurel forest, the ponds with waterbirds, and the landscape shaped by a tectonic fault.

When was it protected? In 2008, together with the creation of the Faial Nature Park.

Can you watch birds here? Yes. The nearby ponds are a stopover for migratory birds, and the area is a recognised bird site.

Practical tips

Lomba Grande combines well with other Faial attractions, such as the caldera area or the coast. Plan a few hours of relaxed walking and observation, ideally in the morning when birds are most active. Check the weather forecast and carry water, as trails do not always have places to buy supplies. Respect the environment and remember that this is protected land, so the park's rules apply to every visitor.