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14 Days
Specific Tour
16 people
English
Embark on a 14-day journey through the unspoiled beauty of the Azores, exploring four stunning islands: São Miguel, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial. This gentle walking holiday is designed to immerse you in the islands’ diverse landscapes, from dramatic volcanic craters and serene crater lakes to lush vineyards, thermal springs, and rugged coastlines. With a mix of guided walks, free time for exploration, and unique cultural experiences, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Your adventure begins in Ponta Delgada, the charming capital of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. This historic city is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque harbor, and notable landmarks like the Municipal City Hall with its reflecting pool in the Baixa district.
Our tour leader will meet you at the hotel reception at 7:00 PM for a welcome meeting, followed by an optional group dinner. If you arrive early, take a leisurely stroll along the harbor promenade, visit the 16th-century Forte de São Brás, or explore the Convent and Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança with its distinctive quadrangular tower.
Start Point: Neat Hotel Avenida, Ponta Delgada, Azores
Accommodation: Hotel Talisman
Today, we explore the western side of São Miguel with a walk around the iconic Sete Cidades volcanic crater. The 500-meter-deep crater is home to two stunning lakes, Lagoa Verde (Green Lake) and Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake). Starting at the Vista do Rei viewpoint, the trail follows the crater ridge, offering panoramic views of the lakes and the coastline.
This leisurely 5-kilometer walk takes approximately two hours, with 270 meters of ascent and descent. The final section before reaching the village is steep and can be slippery.
Accommodation: Hotel Talisman
We begin the day with a visit to Gorreana, Europe’s oldest tea plantation, before heading to Lagoa das Furnas. Here, we’ll walk along the lake’s shores, passing natural volcanic ovens where a traditional Cozido (meat and vegetable stew) is cooked using geothermal heat.
After lunch, we visit the Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, home to a thermal pool perfect for a relaxing dip. Later, we stop at a viewpoint overlooking Lagoa do Fogo, the island’s highest crater lake, before returning to Ponta Delgada.
Today’s 4-kilometer walk takes about 1.5 hours, with 50 meters of ascent and descent.
Accommodation: Hotel Talisman
Enjoy a free day to explore São Miguel at your own pace. Choose from optional walks like the 5-kilometer Serra Devassa trail or the more challenging 8-kilometer Salto do Cabrito trail to a waterfall. Alternatively, join a whale-watching boat trip to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Hotel Talisman
A short flight takes us to São Jorge, a narrow, elongated island shaped by volcanic eruptions. After checking into our hotel in Velas, you can explore this quaint maritime town or take an optional walk to the Miradouro do Morro das Velas, a former whale-watching tower offering panoramic views.
Accommodation: Hotel São Jorge Garden
Today’s walk takes us from the 700-meter-high ridge of São Jorge through the Caldeira de Cima gorge to the coastal Fajã dos Cubres. These fertile plains at the base of steep cliffs are dotted with traditional hamlets and orchards.
This moderate 10-kilometer walk takes about four hours, with 295 meters of ascent and 960 meters of descent.
Accommodation: Hotel São Jorge Garden
Enjoy a free day with optional walks, such as the Pico da Esperança ridge walk (1,053 meters) or a coastal trail along the fajãs on the island’s south side. Your tour leader will provide recommendations based on your preferences.
Accommodation: Hotel São Jorge Garden
We take a ferry to Pico Island, dominated by its towering volcano, Pico Alto. After settling into our hotel in Madalena, we visit Adega do Vulcão Terra Brum for a wine-tasting session, learning about the island’s unique viticulture. The rest of the day is free to explore Madalena or visit the Grota do Torres Lava Tunnel.
Accommodation: Hotel Caravelas
Start the day with an optional whale-watching trip to spot sperm whales and dolphins. In the afternoon, we walk through Pico’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyards, surrounded by volcanic stone walls, with views of Mount Pico and Faial Island.
This leisurely 8-kilometer walk takes about three hours. Alternatively, adventurous travelers can attempt the challenging ascent of Mount Pico (2,350 meters).
Accommodation: Hotel Caravelas
Today’s walk along Pico’s south coast takes us past lava fields from the 1718 and 1720 volcanic eruptions, known as “misterios.” We’ll also visit the Cheese Museum in São João and enjoy local delicacies.
This 8.5-kilometer walk takes approximately three hours, with 80 meters of ascent and descent.
Accommodation: Hotel Caravelas
We take a ferry to Faial, known for its vibrant harbor filled with yachts. Spend the day exploring Horta or take an optional walk on the Monte da Guia headland for stunning views.
Accommodation: Azoris Faial Garden
Today, we explore Faial’s Caldeira, a lush green crater, and visit the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. The day ends with a leisurely walk along the Calderia trail, offering breathtaking views of the island.
This 7-kilometer walk takes about 2.5 hours, with 280 meters of ascent and descent.
Accommodation: Azoris Faial Garden
Our final walk takes us to the north of Faial, descending to Fajã da Praia do Norte, a lava-formed headland. The trail passes through laurel forests and cultivated fields, ending at Praia do Norte beach, a popular surfing spot.
This moderate 5-kilometer walk takes about two hours, with 265 meters of ascent and descent.
Accommodation: Azoris Faial Garden
The trip concludes after breakfast at our hotel in Horta. Depart at your convenience, with airport transfers available to Horta Airport (HOR).
End Point: Azoris Faial Garden, Horta, Portugal
São Miguel Island, Portugal
São Miguel Island, Portugal
Pico Island, Portugal
Terceira Island, Portugal
