São Miguel Island Hiking Adventure in the Azores

Highlights

  • Explore the volcanoes and waterfalls in the stunning landscape
  • Go whale and dolphin watching in the clear seas
  • Enjoy tours which showcase the highlights of the island
From £893 pp*
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6 Nights

Trip Dates
Request Availability'
Please select

Guests

Room #
Adults
- +
Children
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What you'll do

Overview

This 7 day trip in the São Miguel Island is sure to leave you in awe at its beauty, immersing yourself into the landscapes and all of the true highlights this island has to offer.

Discover the volcanic complexity of Sete Cidades, with incredible landscapes containing hidden lakes, aqueducts and water springs, all surrounded by endemic vegetation.

Experience the volcanic origins of the island in Dimas, a magical place full of geothermal activity, whilst on a van tour in Furnas!

Whilst in the Caldeiras das Furnas, visit the famous fumaroles and taste gas carbonic mineral waters from different springs.

Go whale and dolphin watching along the stunning Portuguese coast, where you will have the opportunity to watch more than 25 cetacean species.

Whale and dolphin watching is sure to be the perfect opportunity to learn about the sea and marine life conservancy, especially regarding animals in captivity versus in the wild.

Embark on a tour of the gorgeous Lagoa do Fogo, seeing some of the most magnificent highlights of São Miguel Island.

Enjoy the beauty contained in the Nature Reserve of Fogo, witnessing secondary volcanic activity and bathing in the natural warm waters of Fogo volcano.

Hike through the circular trail Faial da Terra, refreshing yourself in the amazing waterfall Salto do Prego.

This tour includes a full immersion into the beautiful nature in Portugal, as well as the culture and cuisine here. You will leave with memories that will last you a lifetime!

*From price based on 2 people travelling during low season.

Please note:
this is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.
Accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.

Arrival Day

Land in the stunning São Miguel, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, settling in to your hotel and unwinding for the rest of the day.

Meals: none

Hiking Serra Devassa & Nascentes do Canário

This full-day adventure will allow you to discover the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades on a different path, but always including the most emblematic sites. This hike is, by the way, challenging but the landscapes are incredible with hidden lakes, aqueducts and water springs, all surrounded by endemic vegetation.

It will lead us to the highest point of Sete Cidades: Pico das Éguas. This circular trail starts at Muro do Carvão, where our guides will tell you about the places of interest that we will visit during the day.

Learning about the geomorphology of the island, this is the perfect way to discover Sete Cidades on a complete but least known path.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Minivan Tour Furnas

Today you will feel and experience the volcanic origins of the island in Dimas, a magical place full of geothermal activity.

We will start by a visit to the local tea factory Gorreana before reaching the viewpoint over Furnas: Pico do Ferro.

You will definitely have to take pictures for your album about the Azores. Then, we will go to the Caldeiras das Furnas to visit the famous fumaroles and taste gas carbonic mineral waters from different springs.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Whale and Dolphin Watching and Lagoa do Fogo

Morning: Whale and Dolphin Watching

There are more than 25 species of whales and dolphins within the Azores so watch closely and see what you can spot.

Although nature offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen along with turtles, seabirds and other marine life. Before the boat trip, our biologists will brief the group to explain which cetacean species can be observed, how we respect the animals and rules of observation at sea, historical facts of the region and safety measures aboard. This is a nice opportunity to learn about the sea and marine life conservancy, especially regarding animals in captivity versus in the wild.

Afternoon: Lagoa do Fogo

This afternoon see some magnificent highlights of Sao Miguel Island – you will be able to see the beauty of the Nature Reserve of Fogo. During this tour, you will witness secondary volcanic activity, bathe in the natural warm waters of Fogo volcano and also know more about the electricity production in Sao Miguel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

Hiking Faial da Terra and Nordeste Tour

You can combine the adventure of one of the most beautiful hikes in Sao Miguel Island with a comfortable minivan tour to Nordeste
all in one experience.

We will start our circular trail Faial da Terra – Salto do Prego, visiting as well a hidden village in the mountain, called Sanguinho.
During the hike, it will also be possible to refresh ourselves in the amazing waterfall Salto do Prego, especially during summer.

After this wonderful hike, we will stop in the center of Faial da Terra village to relax and enjoy the old whalers harbour, before we continue for the second half of the day.

Next the road will take us to various viewpoints on the coastline of Nordeste.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Sete Cidades Active Jeeps and Lakes

This is an active tour that combines dirt paths with kayak and bicycle activities at Lagoa das Sete Cidades.

Enjoy this wonderful landscape from a different perspective in a jeep.

We will take you to the top of Sete Cidades caldera stopping at some points of interest such as Pico do Carvao, Pico da Cruz and Lomba do Vasco viewpoint.

A small stop will be made in the center of Sete Cidades village, followed by a passage next to the Peninsula and then we will stop at the famous viewpoint of Vista do Rei.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Departure Day

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your adventure in the stunning São Miguel, leaving you with memories for life!

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation - FB*
  • Airport transfers and all transport
  • Transport throughout the tour
  • Hiking Serra Devassa & Nascentes do Canário
  • Minivan tour of Furnas including Tea Factory
  • Whale and Dolphin Watching and minivan Tour of Lagoa do Fogo
  • Hiking Faial da Terra & minivan Tour of Nordeste
  • Setes Cidades Active Jeeps and Lakes Tour
  • English speaking guide
  • *FB - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation

Hotel do Colégio 4* (or similar)

Hotel do Colégio is a boutique hotel in a beautiful manor house, built in the 19th century.

It was originally a school for many generations of Azorean students in the 20th century, when it was A Colmeia private school. It was also the first address of the Regional Conservatory of Music of Ponta Delgada.

With a convenient location in the historical city center, this is a unique hotel that combines the charm of the time it was built with all the modern comforts. 

The hotel serves a buffet breakfast. The property's restaurant serves signature cuisine, made from locally grown ingredients.

There is a swimming pool and bar on site as well.

Your local host

Catia

We are committed to sustainability and responsible practices and work closely with a few different projects of environmental conservation such as WCA and associations supporting local development.

Our sea tours are led by qualified marine biologists and land tours by experienced nature guides, many of which specialise in volcanology, botany and Azorean history.

We are dedicated to offer you the best nature experiences in the Azores. Our friendly staff are always happy to help you and offer the best recommendations. Our programs are built to suit all people, from single travellers, to families and groups.

... Read All

We are committed to sustainability and responsible practices and work closely with a few different projects of environmental conservation such as WCA and associations supporting local development.

Our sea tours are led by qualified marine biologists and land tours by experienced nature guides, many of which specialise in volcanology, botany and Azorean history.

We are dedicated to offer you the best nature experiences in the Azores. Our friendly staff are always happy to help you and offer the best recommendations. Our programs are built to suit all people, from single travellers, to families and groups.

Location

The São Miguel Island is the biggest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago. It’s known for its stunning volcanic scenery, vibrant flora, and remarkably rich marine life including whales!

FAQs

Will we have a guide?

Yes! You will have a local guide that can speak English fluently, ensuring you have a personal experience.

Does weather impact the itinerary?

Unfortunately this trip is very dependent on the weather conditions. The weather or sea conditions may restrict the activities, meaning the itinerary may have to be switched in order to leave you with the best experience possible.

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