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 £805 pp
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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 Fumas, visit the famous fumaroles and taste gasocarbonic mineral waters from different springs.

Go whale and dolphin watching along the stunning Portugese 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 magnificient 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 life time!

Arrival Day

Land in the stunning São Miguel, where you will be transferred to your 4 star hotel in Ponta Delgada.

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

Accommodation

Hotel do Colégio 4* (or similar, subject to availability)

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. 

Meals: Breakfast

Hiking Serra Devassa & Nascentes do Canário

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up at 9am to embark on today’s adventure.

You will join a small group to hike this circular walk that starts next to the Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande. It is about 4km long and a relatively easy walking route although it has some steep slopes. On this trail, our guide will share interesting information about the water resources of Sao Miguel island.

Hidden inside a lush forest and set in a scenery straight out of a fairy-tale, Salto do Cabrito is an impressive waterfall about 40 meters high. In the crystal clear waters at the bottom, you can take a swim and feel totally connected to nature.

This is a great opportunity to be in contact with nature and discover how the natural landscape and resources of the Azores have been harnessed and put to use in the lives of the community.

After this, you will be driven back to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Enjoy dinner in the luxury of your hotel.

Accommodation : Hotel do Colégio 4* (or similar, subject to availability)

 

Meals: Breakfast

Full Day Hiking Lagoa Do Fogo

Enjoy a great start to the day with a delicious breakfast included at your hotel. Your driver will then pick you up at 9am for today’s adventures.

The path to Lagoa do Fogo runs through a great variety of native and endemic vegetation, and offers the opportunity to enjoy the lake from a less well known but equally wonderful perspective. You will discover the story behind the water springs and the old ruins of
the flax factory, where materials and fabric were produced.
First stop is at Miradouro do Pisão, an amazing viewpoint from where you will see the natural pools and the convent of Caloura, before reaching the starting point of the hiking trail near Agua d’Alto beach.
Come with us to discover this paradise. If you like to walk in nature and you want to see the most pristine places of this island, this hike is the perfect choice.

The hike spans approximately 11 kilometers, featuring challenging ascents and descents to reach the lake. However, the exertion is rewarded with breathtaking views! As the day concludes, consider a rejuvenating swim at Agua d’Alto beach or Caloura to refresh and unwind by the ocean.

At the end of the hike you will be returned back to the hotel.

 

 

 

 

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before you will be picked up at 9am to be taken to enjoy a van tour of Furnas.

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

You will start by a visit to the local tea factory Gorreana before reaching the viewpoint over Furnas: Pico do Ferro. Learning about the local culture whilst enjoying the stunning views, this is sure to be a truly breathtaking experience. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before you will be picked up at 9am to be taken to enjoy a van tour of Furnas.

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

You will start by a visit to the local tea factory Gorreana before reaching the viewpoint over Furnas: Pico do Ferro. Learning about the local culture whilst enjoying the stunning views, this is sure to be a truly breathtaking experience.

You will definitely have time to take photos and enjoy the gorgeous Azores. Then, you

You will definitely have time to take photos and enjoy the gorgeous Azores. Then, you will go to the Caldeiras das Fumas to visit the famous fumaroles and taste gasocarbonic mineral waters from different springs.

For lunch, you will be able to enjoy a “Cozido” lunch at a local restaurant, immersing you into the delicious cuisine.

After this, you will be dropped off at your hotel to spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Enjoy dinner in your beautiful hotel then turn in for the evening.

Accommodation

Hotel do Colégio or similar

Hotel do Colégio double room

Meals: Breakfast

Hiking Faial de Terra & Van Tour of Nordeste

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up at 8.15am by your driver to begin your tours for the day.

Embark on an unparalleled adventure by seamlessly blending the splendour of one of Sao Miguel Island’s most captivating hikes with the comfort of a van tour to Nordeste, all within one immersive experience. Our journey commences with the Faial da Terra – Salto do Prego circular trail, encompassing a visit to the secluded mountain village of Sanguinho.

Along the hike, find rejuvenation by enjoying a swim in the breathtaking Salto do Prego waterfall, a perfect oasis, especially during the summer months.  After your hike you will pause in the heart of Faial da Terra village to unwind and savor the charm of the old whalers’ harbor, before embarking on the second leg of our day in the comfort of a mini van. The road leads us to various coastal viewpoints in Nordeste, offering a panoramic views of the stunning coastline.

At the end of the day, you will be taken back to your hotel to unwind for the rest of the evening.

Accommodation :  Hotel do Colégio or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Van Tour of Furnas

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before you will be picked up at 9am to be taken to enjoy a van tour of Furnas.

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

You will start by a visit to the local tea factory Gorreana before reaching the viewpoint over Furnas: Pico do Ferro. Learning about the local culture whilst enjoying the stunning views, this is sure to be a truly breathtaking experience. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before you will be picked up at 9am to be taken to enjoy a van tour of Furnas.

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

You will start by a visit to the local tea factory Gorreana before reaching the viewpoint over Furnas: Pico do Ferro. Learning about the local culture whilst enjoying the stunning views, this is sure to be a truly breathtaking experience.

You will definitely have time to take photos and enjoy the gorgeous Azores. Then, you

You will definitely have time to take photos and enjoy the gorgeous Azores. Then, you will go to the Caldeiras das Fumas to visit the famous fumaroles and taste gasocarbonic mineral waters from different springs.

For lunch, you will be able to enjoy a “Cozido” lunch at a local restaurant, immersing you into the delicious cuisine.

After this, you will be dropped off at your hotel to spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Enjoy dinner in your beautiful hotel then turn in for the evening.

 

Accommodation

Hotel do Colégio (or similar)

Double room in Hotel do Colégio

Full Day Hiking Moínho do Félix

After breakfast your driver will pick you up at 9am.

Today you will embark on a captivating 5.5 km circular hike taking approximately two and a half hours, starting from near São Pedro church. The trail unfolds along a dirt path descending towards the ocean, leading us to the awe-inspiring Miradouro da Rocha viewpoint and the picturesque Homem waterfall. Continuing our exploration, we’ll encounter the historic ruins of Felix’s watermill, the enchanting Teofilo’s waterfall, the cascading Gruta waterfall, and the tranquil Trout’s well — each a testament to unparalleled natural beauty to be etched into your memory and captured in photographs.

Our scenic journey concludes with a glimpse of old fountains, once vital for supplying water to nearby villages. After this exhilarating day, we make our way back, enriched by the breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences encountered along the trail.

Accommodation: Hotel do Colégio (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast 

 

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!

What's included

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation and breakfast
  • Airport transfers and all transport
  • Hiking Serra Devassa & Nascentes do Canário
  • Tour of Furnas
  • Whale Watching & Tour of Lagoa do Fogo
  • Hiking Faial da Terra & Tour of Nordeste
  • Setes Cidades Active Jeeps and Lakes
  • English speaking guide
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 Portugese 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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