Hiking and Exploring Azores, Portugal in Summer

A bit about me, Maddy here, I am a Kiwi Indian living presently in Berlin having moved here in May last year with my partner from Sydney. Having lived in 5 countries & travelled to just under 40 countries covering 4 continents featuring numerous solo trips and creating new friendships along the way, I can say with a lot of assurance, you are going to have a great time on my trips. WHY GO? Natural beauty: The Azores are known for their stunning landscapes, including lush green hills, crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Adventure activities: The Azores offers a range of adventure activities, such as hiking, diving, whale watching, and surfing, making it a great destination for adventure-seekers. Wildlife: The Azores is home to a unique and diverse array of wildlife, including endemic species of birds, dolphins, and whales. Relaxation: With its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, the Azores is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in a tranquil and scenic environment. Cultural heritage: The Azores has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Portuguese, European, and indigenous influences. Visitors can explore the region's history and traditions through its charming villages, museums, and festivals. Overall, the Azores offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for tourists who want to experience the best of what Portugal has to offer. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS? Sete Cidade: Sete Cidades is a civil parish located in the western part of the island of São Miguel, in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. It is named after the seven dormant volcanic craters that form the Sete Cidades Massif. The parish has a population of around 800 people and covers an area of 19.22 km². The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Sete Cidades Lake being a major attraction. The lake is actually a twin lake, formed by the two volcanic craters that make up the Sete Cidades Massif. The two lakes are connected by a narrow strait, and their waters have different shades of blue and green, creating a striking contrast. Islet of Vila Franco do Campo: The Islet of Vila Franco do Campo is a volcanic islet located off the coast of Vila Franco do Campo on the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago. It is a natural reserve and a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The islet is formed by the caldera of an extinct volcano and is part of a protected marine area due to the rich variety of marine life found in its waters. Visitors can access the islet by boat, and there are guided tours available to explore its natural wonders. Lagoa do Fogo: Highest lake in the Azores, with an altitude of 575 meters above sea level, and it has a depth of approximately 30 meters. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Visitors can hike to the lake or take a guided tour to enjoy the scenic views and explore the surrounding area. The area around Lagoa do Fogo is a protected natural reserve, and visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and adhere to the regulations to ensure the preservation of the ecosystem. Caldeira Velha: is a natural park located on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. It is situated within the Água de Pau Massif, a volcanic complex that covers the western part of Sao Miguel. The park is known for its thermal pools and natural hot springs, which are heated by geothermal activity in the area.The park features several pools and waterfalls, surrounded by lush vegetation and towering trees. The water in the pools ranges from warm to hot, and the area is popular with visitors looking to relax and soak in the healing waters. Ponta Delgada: is the largest city on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, Portugal. It is located on the south coast of the island and is the administrative, cultural, and economic center of the Azores. Ponta Delgada is known for its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Portas da Cidade (City Gates), a historic gateway to the city that dates back to the 18th century. What is included in the price? - TripLeader & guide for the entire duration (Guide can speak German as well). Note: English is the main language spoken on all our trips. - 4 x nights shared accommodation in Ponta Delgada. (Shared rooms) - Organizing places to eat during the trip (participants to pay themselves). - Guided hikes. - Whale watching from a boat. - Boat trip to the incredible island of Vila Franca. - Road trip around Island to discover waterfalls, parks & possible whale sightings. - Entry to Caldeira Velha hot springs. - Transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location. Note: You will be driven around in vans by your guide(s) on this trip. - Access to a dedicated WhatsApp group for this event to connect with other TripMates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch (link to WhatsApp group in the ticket). - Access to a shared Google photo album where you can share & view all amazing pictures & videos from the trip (link to google photos album in the WhatsApp group description). Do you have any questions? Let me know in the Q&A section! I will come back to you as soon as possible! Afterwards, we can set a call to check if this trip fits your expectations!