Walking in the Azores

Welcome to the Azores! Your adventure begins in the historic city of Ponta Delgada, the largest city on Sao Miguel island. After settling into your hotel, meet your tour leader and fellow travelers at 7pm in the hotel reception. If you arrive early, feel free to explore the city at your leisure. You might want to stroll along the harbor front promenade, visit the Municipal city hall with its reflecting pool, or explore the Convent and Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança with its unique quadrangular tower.

Today, we venture to the west side of Sao Miguel to explore the iconic Sete Cidades volcanic crater. This stunning natural wonder is home to two lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, each a different color. Our trail starts at the Vista do Rei viewpoint and takes us along the crater ridge, offering spectacular views of the lakes and the coastline. The walk is leisurely, covering 5 kilometers in about two hours, and ends at the parking lot of Várzea.

Our exploration of Sao Miguel continues as we visit Gorreana, home to Europe's oldest and only remaining tea factory. We then head to Lagoa das Furnas, where we walk around the lake and witness the natural ovens created by volcanic activity. For lunch, we enjoy a traditional Cozido cooked in the volcanic fumeroles. Afterward, we visit the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, where you can take a dip in the outdoor thermal pool. Our day ends with a visit to Lagoa de Fogo, the island's highest crater lake, for a photo stop before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Today is yours to explore Sao Miguel at your own pace. You might choose to hike one of the island's many trails, such as the circular Serra Devassa trail or the more challenging Salto do Cabrito trail to the waterfall on the north coast. Alternatively, you could opt for a whale-watching trip for a chance to spot sperm whales and dolphins.

Today, we fly to the island of Sao Jorge, known for its narrow valleys and precipitous cliffs. After settling into our hotel in the maritime community of Velas, you're free to wander the streets or take an optional walk to the old whale watching tower, Miradouro do Morro das Velas. From this volcanic crater, you can enjoy panoramic views of Velas town.

We spend the day hiking in Sao Jorge, starting from the 700-meter-high ridge and descending through the beautiful gorge of the Caldeira de Cima to the coast. We then follow the rocky coastline to the Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake and continue to Faja dos Cubres. These fajas, or small plains at the foot of the cliffs, are dotted with traditional hamlets and fertile orchards.

Today is yours to explore Sao Jorge at your own pace. Your tour leader can advise on various optional walks. You might choose to hike the Pico da Esperanca ridge for stunning views of the surrounding islands, or walk along the fajas on the south coast for a change of scenery.

Today, we take a boat to Pico and transfer to our accommodation in Madalena. Pico is known for its volcano, Pico Alto, and its rich whaling history. In the afternoon, we visit the Pico Wine Cooperative to learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a tasting. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the small fishing port or visit the Grota do Torres Lava Tunnel.

We start the day with a visit to Lajes do Pico, where you have the opportunity to take a whale-watching trip. We then transfer to Porto do Calhau in the village of Candelaria to begin our walk through the UNESCO World Heritage landscape back to Madalena. The trail takes us along the coast and through vineyards, offering views of Mount Pico and the island of Faial. For those seeking a challenge, an alternative option is to ascend Pico, a strenuous six to seven-hour climb.

Today's walk takes us along the south coast of Pico. We start in the Forest Reserve and pass by the lava landmarks of Misterio de Sao Joao and the Misterio da Silveira, remnants of historic volcanic eruptions. Along the route, we see the red Ponta Rasa windmill and pass through the villages of Silveira and Sao Joao, home to the Cheese Museum where you can sample local delicacies.

We cross by ferry to the charming island of Faial, known for its harbor filled with yachts on their transatlantic crossing. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the streets and harbor of Horta. There's also an optional circular walk from the hotel on the Monte da Guia headland, offering views over the town.

Today, we tour the Ilha Azul by private bus. We visit the stunning Caldeira, where we walk along its edge and enjoy the lush green-carpeted crater. We then head to the western end of the island to visit the extinct Capelinhos volcano. You can choose to walk around or visit the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. We return to Horta later in the day, where you can enjoy a meal at one of the town's excellent restaurants.

Today's trail begins and ends at Praia do Norte Parish, descending to Faja da Praia do Norte, a headland formed by lava from the eruption of the Cabeco do Fogo volcano. We follow the path through cultivated fields and along the cliff path through laurel forest woodland to reach Praia do Norte beach, a prime surfing spot. We pass by an area for the protection of endemic plants and walk through the center of Praia do Norte, passing by the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha de Franca.

Our unforgettable journey through the Azores comes to an end today. After breakfast at our hotel in Horta, you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and stories to share from your Azorean adventure.