Azores Islands Easy Walking Tour – Dolphins, Hot Springs & Waterfalls

Get ready for an unforgettable journey as we kick off our Azores Easy Walking Tour in São Miguel! We gather at our hotel in Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel, Azores (Portugal) for our customary welcome brief before we transfer to the the breathtaking trailhead at Vista do Rei.  We begin our first hike along a trail offering awe-inspiring views of the iconic Lagoa Sete Cidades (“Lake of the 7 Cities”) with two connected crater lakes. As we walk you’ll learn about the fauna, flora and geography of the Azores, as well as some local secrets and legends.  Following lunch by the crater lake, we’ll enjoy a visit and tasting at a local pineapple farm, where we discover the secrets behind this exotic fruit which has been cultivated on the island since the mid 18th c. Our day ends with a delectable dinner at a seaside restaurant in São Roque, featuring local specialties. We spend the night in comfort back at our hotel in Ponta Delgada. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: Sete Cidades: 4.6 miles (7.5 km);  Driving: 30 min  + 40 min.

As the sun rises over São Miguel, we begin our second day with a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel. Today’s adventure takes us on a journey through the landscape of Serra da Devassa. After a short transfer, we begin our hike at Lagoa do Canário following a picturesque trail through forests of Japanese cedar (cryptomeria japonica), introduced to the island in the mid-18th c. for wood and as a windbreak for pastures.  the Aqueduto de Carvão, an aqueduct built in the mid-17th c. to bring much needed water from Lagoa do Canário to Ponta Delgada during a water shortage. After lunch, we change gears and transfer to the singular Ponta da Ferraria, for an refreshing dip* in the hot spring waters bubbling out of the ocean in a cove by the lava cliffs. We return to our hotel in Ponta Delgada, for a well-deserved rest and time to enjoy the pool and pick up some souvenirs in town. All meals included.*Bring a swimsuit and footwear for walking on lava rock to ocean hot springs.

Hiking:  2.1 miles (3.4 km); Duration: 2.5hrs; Driving: 25 min + 45 min.

Wake up to another exciting day in São Miguel and catch an early breakfast in time to leave at 8 am for a thrilling whale watching adventure. We’ll walk to the pier where our local guide awaits us in a zodiac boat to explore the pristine Atlantic waters to search for dolphins, whales and other marine life. After freshening up at our hotel, we’ll head to the north side of the island to a special restaurant to partake of the most buttery, tender beef you’ll ever try, having grazed on the island’s lush pastures. Our bellies full, we’ll walk through the hills of the Gorreana tea plantation, founded in 1883, and the only remaining tea plantation in Europe. This evening you have time to explore the center of Ponta Delgada and dine at leisure on your own. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 2 miles (3 km); Duration: 2 hrs; Driving: 25 + 15 min.

Our walk today is called Moinho do Félix or Felix’s Watermill. We’ll start on a dirt trail and descend towards the ocean, stopping to admire the stunning views before reaching the Homem (“Man”) waterfall and the ancient ruins of a “moinho” or watermill which once milled grain, providing flour for the local population. Along the way we will frequently stop for pictures as there are so many places of immense beauty to remember! We’ll savor lunch and the view of the ocean with a casual picnic. Tonight we stay in the unique town of Furnas, located in the crater of a spitting and steaming active volcano! This afternoon, explore the Terra Nostra botanical gardens, established in 1775 by a wealthy Bostonian merchant who was Honorary Consul to São Miguel. The garden contains among other exotic flora, an impressive collection of 800 camellias and an avenue lined with gingko trees.  You can also enjoy a dip in the iron rich hot springs (40ºC / 104º F) in the gardens. As the day winds down, we gather for a delightful dinner of local cuisine at our spa hotel where we’ll spend a restful evening. All meals included.

Hiking: 1.8 miles (2.9 km); Duration: 2hrs; Terrain: some steeper sections but nice trails through the forest. Allow 1-2h to walk in the botanical gardens; Driving: 40 + 30 min.

Today we make our way north to the Ribeira do Faial da Terra trailhead for a hike down to the coast to see the spectacular Faial da Terra and Salto do Prego waterfalls, as well as a hidden mountain village of Sanguinho. Keep your swimsuit handy, since you may want to freshen up under the cascades. After lunch we return to our hotel to enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools or visit the many local hot springs “caldeiras” and nearby Courela Park. This evening we enjoy a special dinner made with local ingredients and creativity. All meals included.

Hiking (partial loop): 4.3 miles (7 km); Duration: 2.5h; Driving: 40 min.

Today we’ll follow the trail around the Lagoa das Furnas (Furnas Lake) by an eerie abandoned gothic style church, abundant flowers and bamboo forest as we learn about the local ecosystem and volcanic activity. One of the highlights of today’s walk are the areas of geothermal activity, smelling strongly of sulfur, where the locals cook traditional “cozido das furnas”, a hearty stew made of a variety of meats, sausages, sweet potato, carrots and cabbage, in pots immersed in the boiling hot spring waters dotted with sulfur fumaroles. The day concludes after our farewell lunch of “cozido” and transfer to Ponta Delgada airport or a centrally located hotel in Ponta Delgada by approximately 4 pm. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 3 miles (5 km); duration: 3h; Driving: 10 + 45 min.