Deep green islands. A mild sub-tropical climate. Rich coastal waters filled with hundreds of whales and dolphins. The Azores Islands are a paradise of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures, tucked away in the mid-Atlantic – waiting for your discovery. A mixture of picturesque villages and protected lakes, hills, and forests, this 9-island archipelago is part of Portugal but with its history, identity, and laid-back lifestyle. I'm Cátia, born and raised in the magnificent Azores archipelago. A true nature lover and outdoor activities' enthusiast. Join me on this magical adventure! Here in the Azores, we like to say, “pertinho” – it means “very close”. And that sums up our lifestyle. We’re always close to the land, the sea, the hills, and the adventures they bring. Life here is on island time – perhaps a bit slower than you’re used to… but we like it. No traffic jams or stress – just the hills, forests, and an endless ocean. Perhaps that’s why Azoreans are so friendly and welcoming. We want to share our natural wonders, our culture, and our cuisine with our visiting friends. That's why I made this 6 days itinerary that will allow you to explore the hidden gems of the biggest island of the Azores archipelago. A hiking-focused itinerary for those looking to wander around whilst immersing themselves in our nature. The costs include: - 5 days of activities (4 walking tours + 1 sightseeing and relaxing) - 5 nights at a 4* hotel with breakfast included (It does not include arrival/departure transfers or extra meals) Let me know if you have any questions!
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Trip Itinerary
1
Ribeira Grande
Day 1-2
For this experience, we will leave from Ponta Delgada to Lomba de São Pedro , in the municipality of Ribeira Grande. The hike is located along the north coast of São Miguel island. It is the ideal hike for you if you enjoy nature, waterfalls and coastlines! You could discover more about old agricultural production and about th e watermills that were used in this area. It is a circular walk of 5,5 km that will take about two hours and 30 minutes in total. The hike starts near the church of São Pedro with a dirt path that goes down in the direction of the ocean. We will first stop by the viewpoint of Miradouro da Rocha and then reach the waterfall of Homem. From now on, the path will take us to the ancient ruin of the watermill of Felix, Teofilo's waterfall, Gruta's waterfall and the Trout's well. These places are of an immense beauty, and surely you want to keep them in your memories and on pictures! At the end of our hiking trail, we will be able to see as well some old fountains once used to supply the villages with water. After this amazing day, we will then head back to Ponta Delgada.
2
Lagoa do Fogo
Day 2-3
On this day, we will take you to one of São Miguel's most beautiful lakes: Fogo lake. It is a complete experience full of landscapes, History and nature. The path to Lagoa do Fogo runs through a great variety of native and endemic vegetation, and offers the opportunity to enjoy the lake from a less famous but as well wonderful perspective. You will discover the story behind the water springs and the old ruins of the flax factory, which produced materials and fabric from it. We will depart from Ponta Delgada at 9am for a first stop at Miradouro do Pisão , an amazing viewpoint that looks upon the natural pools and the convent of Caloura, before reaching the starting point of the hiking trail near Agua d'Alto beach. We will have our picnic on the shore of the lake, enjoying its landscape and the crystal clear water, as well as the caldeira of the volcano where the lake sits. Come with us to discover this paradise. If you like to walk in nature, and you want to see the most pristine places of this island, this hike is the right choice. The walk is around 11 km long and could be quite challenging with its ways up and down to reach the lake, but the effort is worth it all!
3
Sete Cidades
Day 3-4
This full-day adventure will allow you to discover the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades on a different path, but always including the most emblematic sites. This hike is, by the way, challenging, but the landscapes are incredible with hidden lakes, aqueducts and water springs, all surrounded by endemic vegetation. It will lead us to the highest point of Sete Cidades: Pico das Éguas. This circular trail starts at Muro do Carvão, where our guides will tell you about the places of interest that we will visit during the day. Hiking through Serra Devassa, we will have the chance to see Lagoa do Caldeirão , pass by the Pico das Éguas, Lagoa das Éguas and Lagoa do Canário . There, it will be time for a break to have our light meal. Have you already heard about the Grota do Inferno viewpoint? It is one of the most famous places in São Miguel island. We will go there and then continue along Canario springs to reach Serra Devassa back. Taking a different route, we will be able to see another lake, Lagoa Rasa, and enter the area of Lagoa das Empadadas to go back to the starting point. Learning about the geomorphology of the island, this is the perfect way to discover Sete Cidades on a complete but least known path.
4
Furnas
Day 4-5
On this complete tour, you will feel and experience the volcanic origins of the island in Furnas, a magical place full of geothermal activity. After the pickup in Ponta Delgada at 9am, we will start by a visit to the local tea factory Gorreana before reaching the viewpoint over Furnas: Pico do Ferro . You will definitely have to take pictures for your album about the Azores. Then, we will go to the Caldeiras das Furnas to visit the famous fumaroles and taste gasocarbonic mineral waters from different springs. Passing by the Lagoa das Furnas , the local restaurant is our next stop to taste the famous “Cozido”, one of the most emblematic dishes of the Azores. It is a mixture of regional vegetables and meats cooked with the help of volcanic activity. A gastronomic experience you cannot miss. This is a very special meal cooked only with the steam of the Earth. After lunch, we will visit the centenary Terra Nostra botanical garden, famous for its extraordinary collection of native plants from the Azores, as well as others from all over the world that have adapted to the local conditions. At the end of the visit, you are invited to go for a dip in an iron-rich hot water swimming pool that has a temperature of 35-40ºC (95-104°F), a relaxing experience.
5
Pico da Vara
Day 5-6
Hiking Pico da Vara means visiting one of the two Natural Reserves of the island and being completely surrounded by endemic vegetation. This area is also very important for its natural hydric resources. Starting from the Planalto dos Graminhais , we are going to see the wind turbines that produce part of the green energy of the island, and we will enjoy the sights of an area dedicated to the endemic vegetation protection and conservation. We will cross the volcanic complex of Nordeste, looking over the beautiful landscape of Povoação caldeira and reach Pico da Vara. Here, at the altitude of 1,103 m above the sea level, enjoying the views of São Miguel, we will take a break and rest a bit. When ready, we will follow the path down and continue in the direction of our last stop, the park of Ribeira dos Caldeirões, before returning to Ponta Delgada.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel & Hostel
6 days trip
Ribeira Grande, Lagoa do Fogo & 3 more
Transportation
Car
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