The unspoiled Açores hiking trails

The Açores is an archipelago composed of nine beautiful islands, that are very often described as being unspoiled. That is the case, because only as of recently has this territory of Portugal started to gain traction as a tourist destination, which means that what you end up seeing in these islands is in no way something fabricated for visitors. The volcanic origins of the archipelago also grant it the most remarkable differences in topography, vegetation and even the different crops that one can grow here, from tea to pineapples. As of more recently, a small number of hikers from around the world have started to notice how diverse the hiking trails are, and the Açores islands are being positioned as one of the most amazing places for the practice of this activity.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival at Ponta Delgada Airport and Rental Car collection. Departure to the center of the city

Today as you reach the Ponta Delgada International Airport, you’ll collect your rental car so that you can explore the island independently. A package will also be delivered with all of the important travel documentation. A former fishing village, Ponta Delgada’s importance as an international trade port grew during the 18th and 19th centuries, accounting for the rich architectural heritage of the city.

Day 2 - Explore Ponta Delgada and its main monuments

In order to ease you into the time difference, we suggest that you do a walking tour around the Azorean capital. The distinctive architecture of whitewash and black basalt lend Ponta Delgada a monochrome complexion, but this is a town full of colorful character. You will discover cobbled squares, museums, well-tended gardens, and handsome monuments built when Ponta Delgada was an important trading port, such as the Convent of Our Lady of Hope, or the Fortress of São Brás.

Day 3 - Hiking Activity at Sete Cidades Lagoon with guide

This will be your first proper hiking trail in the Azores, and it is nothing short of spectacular. You will have to drive to the Vista do Rei viewpoint, from where this 2-hour walk will start as you marvel at the view from this volcanic crater, today filled with the most beautiful greenery and the two twin lakes that reflect the sunlight differently, creating the visual impression that you are looking at a green and a blue surface. A local hiking guide will accompany you on this experience.

Day 4 - Morning Whale and Dolphin Watching activity. Visit the West Coast of the Island.

In the morning, you’ll enjoy a special whale and dolphin watching activity. Although exploring volcanic craters and inland landscapes is fun, we suggest something a little different for this day. This partly coastal trail, will allow you to see endemic flora such as the Azorean Blueberry (Vaccinium cylindraceum), the Azorean Heather (Erica azorica), and the Laurustinus (Viburnum treleasei) among others. Because the trail has some areas with mud, we recommend that you take boots. Also beware of the large groups of seagulls, because they are very territorial.

Day 5 - Departure to the Eastern part of the Island: Furnas. Visit a Tea Plantation in the afternoon

In the morning, after checking out from your hotel, you should depart to a different area of the island: Furnas. Located in the Eastern part of São Miguel, this is where the highest concentration of thermal waters in Europe can be found, a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. After two days of amazing hiking, we propose something a bit different, a visit to the oldest tea plantation in Europe. It is a great place to go for a nice short hike and at the end relax as you gaze upon the Atlantic with a cup of tea in your hands.

Day 6 - Explore the Northernmost part of the island

The Northernmost part of the island may be one of its most isolated, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Our suggestion for today will require a lot more strength and skill from you. After you drive to the guard’s cottage at the Atalhada Natural Preserve you will start your climb all the way up to the Pico da Vara, the imposing 1103 meter-high plateau that is also the highest peak in São Miguel. And the views... We will leave it up to you to decide which adjective to use.

Day 7 - Visit Furnas and its lagoon. Kayaking activity in the area

It is impossible to be spending time in Furnas and not want to discover its incredible lagoon. Known for its thermal waters and pools powered by the islands volcanic energy, this is a day that you cannot miss. Enjoy a special kayaking activity in the lagoon. The hike will then start on the valley and end at the “caldeiras”, where the very famous Cozidos das Furnas is cooked. The locals prepare this assortment of meats and vegetables by placing the ingredients in a special pot and burying it underground. Then you just have to wait for the natural geothermal energy that comes from below to slowly cook it. Delicious!

Day 8 - Departure to the Ponta Delgada Airport. Rental Car Drop off.

This is your departure day. Make sure you deliver your rental car at the airport before you start your flight boarding procedures. Have a safe flight home!

Highlights

The Açores and the whales

Did you know that in the 19th century the Açores were one of the largest whaling centers in the world? People would make use of every part of the sperm whale. Fat would become oil, which would be exported and then used as fuel and lubricating oil or even sold to the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries to make soaps and perfumes. Bones, when transformed into flour, were used as fertilizers or cattle feed. Even Herman Mellville mentions the archipelago in his Moby Dick: “No small number of these whaling seamen belong to the Açores, where the outbound Nantucket whalers frequently touched to augment their crews”.

Highlights

Don’t forget to try the traditional Cozido das Furnas!

One thing you must try is the Cozido das Furnas. To have a meal cooked underground using the natural volcanic heat present in the island of São Miguel. Trust us! There is no better way to end your hiking trail than to try the quintessential Azorean dish.

Highlights

Sete Cidades, the twin lake

The Sete Cidades Twin lake is a must-see as you explore São Miguel. To think that something so beautiful was created inside the crater of an active volcano. Not only is this area filled with amazing vegetation, but the fact that the sun shines with different intensities in the two lakes creates the illusion that the reflections have different colors, which explains their nicknames of Blue and Green Lake.

Highlights

The oldest tea production in Europe

This is one of those little-known facts that are quite interesting. The island of São Miguel produces exquisite tea. There are two main producers, of which Gorreana is the most famous since its tea plantations are the oldest in Europe. We suggest that you go for a nice hike in the area and try this fabulous black tea.

Prices

From 1195€

Per Person, for a minimum of 2 travelers

8 days

The unspoiled Açores hiking trails

4 nights at the Hotel Marina Atlântico in a Standard Room (Ponta Delgada) or similar
3 nights at the Hotel Terra Nostra Garden in a Standard Cosy Art Deco Room (Furnas) or similar

Daily Breakfast included, for 2 people.