AZORES: Hike + Chill + Hot Springs with island connoisseurs

We have 1-2 rental cars (depending on the number of participants) and drive directly to the villa. In the evening we get to know each other better over the first meal together. When entering the Azores by plane from the mainland, travelers can have a free COVID-19 test carried out immediately upon arrival. Alternatively, a negative COVID-19 test must be presented that was carried out no more than 72 hours before departure. . . We made both experiences and everything went very professional and straightforward! In the first case, precautionary self-isolation is required until the negative test result is presented. (a maximum of 12 hours, i.e. we can start right away on the first real day)

Start at 10.30 a.m. If you feel like it, come with us: Hike to Lagoa do Fogo. For many, the Lagoa do Fogo - Lake of Fire - is considered the most beautiful lake in the Azores. The breathtaking views of the lake & the volcanic landscape, but also a special kind of magic & mysticism that the Lagoa do Fogo exudes, casts every visitor under its spell. A place of power in the middle of untouched nature in São Miguel. This circular hike leads from the beach west of the village of Água de Alto along a wide water channel and the upper reaches of the Ribeira da Praia stream up to the south bank of the picturesque crater lake Lagoa do Fogo and back again. It lasts 4h00 and is 11 km long.

The hike to Salto do Cabrito is a relatively short circuit with start and end in Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, a small oasis of relaxation, where we find hot springs, a thermal pool and a restaurant. But since the day is long, we visit alternative hot springs and, depending on the weather, I'll either show you vantage points. The day is rounded off by the hot springs mentioned above, which give us a bath at 40 degrees. A dreamlike atmosphere, see picture.

The Lagoa das Furnas is one of the other lakes. It is located near Furnas, in the east of the island, around 43 km from the capital, Ponta Delgada. The Lagoa das Furnas is famous for the hot sulfur springs (Fumarolas da Lagoa das Furnas) on the north bank. The lake can be explored on a 9.5 km circular hike, which we will do. We also take a lookout point with us, which extends the hike by 3 km. Attention, it will be a little steeper for the first time on our trip ;-) After that we can look forward to the hot thermal baths in Furnas. It will be a great and unforgettable experience.

Hike on the promising western edge of the crater and descent into the Caldeira to the blue volcanic lake Lagoa Azul in Sete Cidades and to the green Lagoa Verde. Ascent to the royal viewpoint "Vista do Rei" on the crater rim. The longest hike, permanently promising with spectacular highlights, is waiting for us ... Here we pass the famous viewpoint (see picture above). The classic Azores picture from every travel catalog ... Time for a photo ;-)

Free day ... Everything can, nothing has to be done. Cars are available to us and we agree in the group what we want to do. The rule here is: everything can, nothing has to be done. I suggest we see more springs where we can even bathe under a waterfall ...

I hope that the weather will cooperate and that I can show you the spectacular and highest peak Pico do Vara. Don't worry - we don't start at 0, but at 800 meters and only have to go up to about 1100 meters in total. For a good hour it is now up through the forest, then just above the tree line, which is around 1,000 meters here, on a ridge towards the summit. This section offers the most beautiful - if not to say the only - views, far over the north coast of Sao Miguel. A dense cloud cover could well be above us. The last part now leads into the clouds, on a path that is well marked from the beginning, but quite muddy, steeply up the summit. On the summit of Pico da Vara (1,103 m) we received a noticeably alpine atmosphere last year. After a long rest, we make our way back. After another hour we are back at the car. A great end to a wonderful Azores trip!