The Azores: Walking on São Miguel Island
The Azores: Walking on São Miguel Island
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The Azores, a unique archipelago in the heart of the Atlantic, are a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts, where unspoiled nature and volcanic landscapes blend with a rich cultural history. This trip will take you to discover São Miguel, the green island of the Azores, where crater lakes, hot springs and lush vegetation combine to create routes that are as varied as they are breathtaking.
- Walk along trails that border the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, enjoying spectacular views from lookouts like Boca do Inferno.
- Hike up to the crater of Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most stunning on the island, and descend to hidden beaches where you can swim in crystal-clear waters.
- Explore the Salto do Prego waterfall in the southeast of the island, following a path that winds through giant ferns and laurel forests to the charming village of Sanguinho.
- Stroll through the Furnas area, where steam rises from the ground and bubbling caldeiras line the trails.
- Savor the delicious local cuisine in the vibrant capital, Ponta Delgada, featuring fresh seafood dishes and excellent regional wine.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in São Miguel Island
Upon your arrival at São Miguel Island, a transfer will be included to take you to your accommodation in the charming village of Capelas. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a stroll around the village, with its steep coastline and breathtaking views of the Atlantic. If you prefer, you can relax in one of the nearby natural pools, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions and surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Overnight in Capelas
Solar do Conde Garden Hotel
This accommodation stands out for its extensive botanical garden with century-old trees. It offers fully equipped rooms with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a restaurant and a bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day in the Sete Cidades crater 7,8 miles | 12,5 km
At the start of the route, an included transfer will take you from Capelas to Mata do Canario, where you’ll begin a challenging but highly rewarding ascent to the summit of the volcanic crater of Lagoa Azul. As you climb, the landscape will gradually unfold, offering spectacular views: the intense blue of the lake, the caldera covered in lush vegetation and in the distance, the Atlantic coastline outlining the horizon.
At the end of this route, if you wish, you can extend the walk with a short detour to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint, one of the most impressive spots along the route, where you’ll have an unrivaled view of the crater and its surroundings.
At the end of the day, an included transfer will take you from Sete Cidades to your accommodation in Capelas, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 105m (344ft) / Descent: 574m (1,883ft)
At the end of this route, if you wish, you can extend the walk with a short detour to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint, one of the most impressive spots along the route, where you’ll have an unrivaled view of the crater and its surroundings.
At the end of the day, an included transfer will take you from Sete Cidades to your accommodation in Capelas, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 105m (344ft) / Descent: 574m (1,883ft)
Overnight in Capelas
Solar do Conde Garden Hotel
This accommodation stands out for its extensive botanical garden with century-old trees. It offers fully equipped rooms with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a restaurant and a bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Loop walk around Rota da Agua 4,6 miles | 7,4 km
At the beginning of the route, an included transfer will take you from Capelas to Remedios. From there, you’ll start a walk along a dirt path that leads to the Janela do Inferno, an imposing rock wall covered with moss and ferns, with multiple springs and a large cavity that has been sculpted by centuries of water erosion.
On the way back, you will cross an old aqueduct and pass through tunnels carved into the rock, some up to 50 metres long, wrapped in a humid and mysterious atmosphere. The route ends back in Remedios, where a transfer will take you to Furnas.
The town of Furnas is known for its caldeiras—fumaroles and bubbling hot springs—and for its famous Cozido das Furnas, a stew slowly cooked underground using volcanic heat.
Ascent: 247m (810ft) / Descent: 247m (810ft)
On the way back, you will cross an old aqueduct and pass through tunnels carved into the rock, some up to 50 metres long, wrapped in a humid and mysterious atmosphere. The route ends back in Remedios, where a transfer will take you to Furnas.
The town of Furnas is known for its caldeiras—fumaroles and bubbling hot springs—and for its famous Cozido das Furnas, a stew slowly cooked underground using volcanic heat.
Ascent: 247m (810ft) / Descent: 247m (810ft)
Overnight in Furnas
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
This charming hotel, located in a valley surrounded by trees, offers elegant rooms with air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a bar and a restaurant where a delicious continental breakfast is served daily.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Loop walk around Lagoa das Furnas 8 miles | 12,9 km
Today's walk starts and ends in Furnas, following a route that circles the crater lake, surrounded by lush nature and calm waters that reflect the landscape.
If you are up for it, you can hike up to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint, where you'll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, the village of Furnas and the green fields that surround it. We also recommend visiting the Mata-Jardim Jose do Canto, a historic garden that features an elegant Gothic-style chapel and a beautiful waterfall hidden among centuries-old trees. Please note that if you would like to visit, you will need to purchase the entrance ticket on your own.
To finish, the final stretch of the route takes you to another viewpoint with a privileged view over the Furnas valley and its famous steaming caldeiras.
Ascent: 408m (1,339ft) / Descent: 408m (1,339ft)
If you are up for it, you can hike up to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint, where you'll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, the village of Furnas and the green fields that surround it. We also recommend visiting the Mata-Jardim Jose do Canto, a historic garden that features an elegant Gothic-style chapel and a beautiful waterfall hidden among centuries-old trees. Please note that if you would like to visit, you will need to purchase the entrance ticket on your own.
To finish, the final stretch of the route takes you to another viewpoint with a privileged view over the Furnas valley and its famous steaming caldeiras.
Ascent: 408m (1,339ft) / Descent: 408m (1,339ft)
Overnight in Furnas
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
This charming hotel, located in a valley surrounded by trees, offers elegant rooms with air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a bar and a restaurant where a delicious continental breakfast is served daily.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Furnas to Lomba do Cavaleiro 5,6 miles | 9 km
After a delicious breakfast, an included transfer will take you to the starting point of the route. You will begin walking along an easily accessible forest path, surrounded by native vegetation, which will lead you to Ribeira Quente, a picturesque fishing village nestled between the mountains and the sea.
From there, you will continue along a coastal trail that offers open views of the ocean and, on clear days, you may even spot the island of Santa Maria on the horizon. The path then winds through a lush forest where Canary laurels stand out—an endemic species of Macaronesian flora, typical of the Azores. Finally, you will reach Lomba do Cavaleiro, a small and quiet village where you can rest and have a drink at its only bar.
To end the day, an included transfer will take you back to your accommodation in Furnas.
Ascent: 375m (1,230ft) / Descent: 550m (1,804ft)
From there, you will continue along a coastal trail that offers open views of the ocean and, on clear days, you may even spot the island of Santa Maria on the horizon. The path then winds through a lush forest where Canary laurels stand out—an endemic species of Macaronesian flora, typical of the Azores. Finally, you will reach Lomba do Cavaleiro, a small and quiet village where you can rest and have a drink at its only bar.
To end the day, an included transfer will take you back to your accommodation in Furnas.
Ascent: 375m (1,230ft) / Descent: 550m (1,804ft)
Overnight in Furnas
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
This charming hotel, located in a valley surrounded by trees, offers elegant rooms with air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a bar and a restaurant where a delicious continental breakfast is served daily.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Walk to Salto do Prego 3,5 miles | 5,6 km
At the beginning of the day, you will have an included transfer from Furnas to Faial da Terra, a quiet village surrounded by lush vegetation. From there, you will follow a loop walk that leads to the stunning Salto do Prego waterfall, hidden within a dense laurel forest. The sound of falling water and the green and wet surroundings make this place a magical spot in the heart of nature.
On the way back, you can take a detour along the path that passes through Sanguinho, a traditional village carefully restored, where time seems to have stood still. If time allows, upon returning to Furnas, we recommend enjoying a relaxing bath in the thermal waters of the Terra Nostra Garden Park or in Poça da Dona Beija, surrounded by tropical vegetation and volcanic steam. If you decide to visit, please note that you will need to purchase the entrance ticket on your own behalf.
At the end of the day, an included transfer will take you back from Faial da Terra to your accommodation in Furnas.
Ascent: 247m (810ft) / Descent: 247m (810ft)
On the way back, you can take a detour along the path that passes through Sanguinho, a traditional village carefully restored, where time seems to have stood still. If time allows, upon returning to Furnas, we recommend enjoying a relaxing bath in the thermal waters of the Terra Nostra Garden Park or in Poça da Dona Beija, surrounded by tropical vegetation and volcanic steam. If you decide to visit, please note that you will need to purchase the entrance ticket on your own behalf.
At the end of the day, an included transfer will take you back from Faial da Terra to your accommodation in Furnas.
Ascent: 247m (810ft) / Descent: 247m (810ft)
Overnight in Furnas
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
This charming hotel, located in a valley surrounded by trees, offers elegant rooms with air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a bar and a restaurant where a delicious continental breakfast is served daily.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Agua D'Alto to Ponta Delgada 9,9 miles | 16 km
After breakfast, you will have an included transfer from Furnas to Agua D'Alto. From there, you’ll begin the ascent to the crater of Lago do Fogo, located at around 600 metres above sea level.
As you go up, the landscape transforms into a spectacular volcanic environment, offering wide views over the island’s interior and the ocean. Upon reaching the top, you will be greeted by the impressive Lago do Fogo, the largest lake on São Miguel, with its calm waters surrounded by untouched vegetation-covered slopes. It is an ideal spot to take a break, enjoy a picnic, or go for a swim in a peaceful natural setting.
Afterwards, you will leave the crater via a narrower trail that gradually descends toward the coast, passing through ravines and offering sea views, until you reach the beach of Agua D'Alto. Here, you can also take the opportunity for one last swim in the Atlantic.
At the end of the day, an included transfer will take you from Agua D'Alto to Ponta Delgada, where you will spend your final night on the island.
Ascent: 639m (2,096ft) / Descent: 639m (2,096ft)
As you go up, the landscape transforms into a spectacular volcanic environment, offering wide views over the island’s interior and the ocean. Upon reaching the top, you will be greeted by the impressive Lago do Fogo, the largest lake on São Miguel, with its calm waters surrounded by untouched vegetation-covered slopes. It is an ideal spot to take a break, enjoy a picnic, or go for a swim in a peaceful natural setting.
Afterwards, you will leave the crater via a narrower trail that gradually descends toward the coast, passing through ravines and offering sea views, until you reach the beach of Agua D'Alto. Here, you can also take the opportunity for one last swim in the Atlantic.
At the end of the day, an included transfer will take you from Agua D'Alto to Ponta Delgada, where you will spend your final night on the island.
Ascent: 639m (2,096ft) / Descent: 639m (2,096ft)
Overnight in Ponta Delgada
Azoris Royal Garden
Located in the center of São Miguel Island, this modern hotel features a restaurant, a bar and a lovely terrace.
The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Ponta Delgada
After a delicious breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye to the island of São Miguel. A transfer is included to take you to Ponta Delgada airport, where you can catch your flight back to your city of origin.
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour phone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this walking route, which begins in Ponta Delgada, you’ll first need to fly into Lisbon Airport. From there, you’ll take a connecting flight to Ponta Delgada. You can book this leg of the journey with airlines such as TAP Portugal and SATA Air Azores.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What is the best time of year to travel this route?
The climate in São Miguel is mild and pleasant, making this trip available all year long. Springtime and the months of April, May and June are absolutely charming. Generally speaking, July, August, September and October are the warmest months. December is the rainiest month.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route has a medium-low difficulty level, making it ideal for people looking for 3 to 6 hours of walking per day, with some steeper and longer ascents. You don't need to have walking experience; however, it's recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
What walking equipment should I bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack. We suggest you bring insect repellent; in case you need it.
What if I can't complete one of the stages?
You can use public transport or local taxis to travel to your next accommodation. Please, check with the accommodation providers or our local partner, as they are the most qualified to advise you on local transport.
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