MAY 2024
JULY 2025
8 DAYS | 7 NIGHTS | PORTUGAL
Walking In The Azores
Walking In The Azores
Trek in the undiscovered volcanic archipelago of Europe. It is hard to believe the Azores are part of Europe. Born from the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, this lush, green archipelago of volcanic islands is a far cry from continental Portugal. Each of the nine islands has its own characteristics, from steep craters to abundant wildlife to sites of historical interest. All, however, are best explored on foot. We visit three of the most interesting islands, walking through Unesco-listed vineyards, lava plateaux (or fajãs) and sunken volcanoes to showcase the Azores at their best.
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
8 days 7 nights
Prainha Forest Park
Cabeço do Mistério
WhaleWatching
Caldeira Crater Walk
Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: MADELENA, PICO
Start in
Madalena!
Arrive at the hotel in Madalena, Pico, our base for the first three nights of the trip. Depending on when everyone arrives, there will be a welcome briefing either this evening or tomorrow morning.Pico is known as the Black Island thanks to the black volcanic earth used to build walls on many of the Unesco-listed vineyards. It is also home to the highest peak in Portugal, Mount Pico, which stands at 7,713ft (2,351m) and dominates the horizon.
DAY 02: MADELENA, PICO
Cabeço do
Mistério
We start the week with a transfer to the central highlands of Pico, by Caminho das Lagoas, where we begin our hike. After following a dirt track, we take a path that leads close to the Cabeço do Mistério volcanic zone.Descending towards Pico's northern coast, we traverse pastures and witness vegetation growth. Passing through the Prainha Forest Park's acacia and Azores laurel forest, we reach today's destination, Baía das Canas.Alternatively, participants can opt for a challenging trek to Mount Pico's summit, a strenuous six-to-seven-hour climb led by a local guide. Pre-booking is necessary, and availability depends on favorable weather conditions.
Distance covered: 6mi (9km)
Ascent: 49ft (15m); Descent: 2,625ft (800m); Activity hours: 4
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 03: MADELENA, PICO
Coastal
Strolls
Apart from offering unique walking opportunities, the Azores is among the best places on the planet to spot whales and dolphins.If you choose to go on an excursion, you will have the chance to observe the behaviour of these wonderful creatures and learn more about their habitat with the help of the knowledgeable local experts on board.In the afternoon, we embark on a largely coastal trail, and which connects the village of Candelária to Areia Larga (part of Madalena town). We end by walking along the ocean-front until we reach Areia Larga.
Distance covered: 4mi (7km)
Ascent: 246ft (75m); Descent: 246ft (75m)
Activity hours: 2hr 30min
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 04: SÃO JORGE
Ferry to
São Jorge
This morning, we take a ferry to the fascinating island of São Jorge, well known throughout the Azores for producing delicious cheese, one of its main exports.We start in the small village of São João, and then head inland and cross agricultural fields. On our way to Lourais, the highest point of our walk, we cross the Ribeira do Salto stream, named for the nearby waterfall that plunges into a pool. Returning to the coast, we end today’s walk in Fajã dos Vimes, where we can taste locally produced coffee or visit a handicraft workshop where traditional quilts are made (time permitting).
Distance covered: 6mi (10km)
Ascent: 2,379ft (725m); Descent: 2,224ft (678m);
Activity hours: 4
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: SÃO JORGE
Walk to
Fajã dos Cubres
We begin the day close to Serra do Topo wind farm and head north on a path rich with native flora and birds – if we’re lucky, we may spot Eurasian whimbrels, São Miguel goldcrests and buzzards.As we descend towards the northern coast, we pass an inviting waterfall where it’s possible to stop for a swim. We then come to the Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake, a protected landscape and place of cultural and scenic interest.We follow the coast northwest until we arrive at the scenic Fajã dos Cubres, near the church of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes.
Distance covered: 6mi (10km)
Ascent: 1,293ft (394m); Descent: 3,481ft (1,061m);
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 06: FAIAL
Ferry to
Faial
This morning, we ferry to Faial, the "Blue Island," adorned with summer-blooming hydrangeas. Later we hike along the volcanic ridge of Península do Cabeço. The trail offers views of Praia do Norte before descending to the 180ft (55m) deep lava cave, Furna Ruim. We pass the Algar do Caldeirão cave, proceeding to Cabeço do Canto via a stairway for breathtaking views of Capelinhos Volcano. There may be time for an optional visit to the Interpretation Centre to learn more about the volcanic eruptions of 1957-58, which changed the shape of Faial.In the afternoon, we transfer to our hotel on Faial, our base for the last two nights of the trip.
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Ascent: 1,276ft (389m); Descent: 1,673ft (510m);
Activity hours: 2hr 30min
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 07: FAIAL
Caldeira
Crater Walk
Our final walk in the Azores is an impressive circular hike around Faial’s iconic volcanic crater, Caldeira. We start the day’s walk at the principal viewpoint of Caldeira, taking a tunnel to the vast interior of Cabeço dos Trinta’s volcanic cone. Returning to the trail, we follow a route that circumnavigates the crater, all the while taking in spectacular views into the crater on one side and marvellous coastal vistas on the other. Along the way, it’s possible to spot several endemic species including Azorean blueberry and Azorean angelica.We return to our hotel in Faial and the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.
Distance covered: 4mi (7km)
Ascent: 1,083ft (330m); Descent: 1,083ft (330m);
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 08: FAIAL
Farewell
Faial!
We enjoy our final breakfast of the tour before making our return journey home. If you’d prefer to spend a bit more time on the island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: MADELENA, PICO
Start in
Madalena!
Arrive at the hotel in Madalena, Pico, our base for the first three nights of the trip. Depending on when everyone arrives, there will be a welcome briefing either this evening or tomorrow morning.Pico is known as the Black Island thanks to the black volcanic earth used to build walls on many of the Unesco-listed vineyards. It is also home to the highest peak in Portugal, Mount Pico, which stands at 7,713ft (2,351m) and dominates the horizon.
DAY 02: MADELENA, PICO
Cabeço do
Mistério
We start the week with a transfer to the central highlands of Pico, by Caminho das Lagoas, where we begin our hike. After following a dirt track, we take a path that leads close to the Cabeço do Mistério volcanic zone.Descending towards Pico's northern coast, we traverse pastures and witness vegetation growth. Passing through the Prainha Forest Park's acacia and Azores laurel forest, we reach today's destination, Baía das Canas.Alternatively, participants can opt for a challenging trek to Mount Pico's summit, a strenuous six-to-seven-hour climb led by a local guide. Pre-booking is necessary, and availability depends on favorable weather conditions.
Distance covered: 6mi (9km)
Ascent: 49ft (15m); Descent: 2,625ft (800m); Activity hours: 4
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 03: MADELENA, PICO
Coastal
Strolls
Apart from offering unique walking opportunities, the Azores is among the best places on the planet to spot whales and dolphins.If you choose to go on an excursion, you will have the chance to observe the behaviour of these wonderful creatures and learn more about their habitat with the help of the knowledgeable local experts on board.In the afternoon, we embark on a largely coastal trail, and which connects the village of Candelária to Areia Larga (part of Madalena town). We end by walking along the ocean-front until we reach Areia Larga.
Distance covered: 4mi (7km)
Ascent: 246ft (75m); Descent: 246ft (75m)
Activity hours: 2hr 30min
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 04: SÃO JORGE
Ferry to
São Jorge
This morning, we take a ferry to the fascinating island of São Jorge, well known throughout the Azores for producing delicious cheese, one of its main exports.We start in the small village of São João, and then head inland and cross agricultural fields. On our way to Lourais, the highest point of our walk, we cross the Ribeira do Salto stream, named for the nearby waterfall that plunges into a pool. Returning to the coast, we end today’s walk in Fajã dos Vimes, where we can taste locally produced coffee or visit a handicraft workshop where traditional quilts are made (time permitting).
Distance covered: 6mi (10km)
Ascent: 2,379ft (725m); Descent: 2,224ft (678m);
Activity hours: 4
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 05: SÃO JORGE
Walk to
Fajã dos Cubres
We begin the day close to Serra do Topo wind farm and head north on a path rich with native flora and birds – if we’re lucky, we may spot Eurasian whimbrels, São Miguel goldcrests and buzzards.As we descend towards the northern coast, we pass an inviting waterfall where it’s possible to stop for a swim. We then come to the Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake, a protected landscape and place of cultural and scenic interest.We follow the coast northwest until we arrive at the scenic Fajã dos Cubres, near the church of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes.
Distance covered: 6mi (10km)
Ascent: 1,293ft (394m); Descent: 3,481ft (1,061m);
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 06: FAIAL
Ferry to
Faial
This morning, we ferry to Faial, the "Blue Island," adorned with summer-blooming hydrangeas. Later we hike along the volcanic ridge of Península do Cabeço. The trail offers views of Praia do Norte before descending to the 180ft (55m) deep lava cave, Furna Ruim. We pass the Algar do Caldeirão cave, proceeding to Cabeço do Canto via a stairway for breathtaking views of Capelinhos Volcano. There may be time for an optional visit to the Interpretation Centre to learn more about the volcanic eruptions of 1957-58, which changed the shape of Faial.In the afternoon, we transfer to our hotel on Faial, our base for the last two nights of the trip.
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Ascent: 1,276ft (389m); Descent: 1,673ft (510m);
Activity hours: 2hr 30min
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 07: FAIAL
Caldeira
Crater Walk
Our final walk in the Azores is an impressive circular hike around Faial’s iconic volcanic crater, Caldeira. We start the day’s walk at the principal viewpoint of Caldeira, taking a tunnel to the vast interior of Cabeço dos Trinta’s volcanic cone. Returning to the trail, we follow a route that circumnavigates the crater, all the while taking in spectacular views into the crater on one side and marvellous coastal vistas on the other. Along the way, it’s possible to spot several endemic species including Azorean blueberry and Azorean angelica.We return to our hotel in Faial and the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.
Distance covered: 4mi (7km)
Ascent: 1,083ft (330m); Descent: 1,083ft (330m);
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 08: FAIAL
Farewell
Faial!
We enjoy our final breakfast of the tour before making our return journey home. If you’d prefer to spend a bit more time on the island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
Inquire for Pricing
The itinerary has a service based option. You can pick the events and experiences you want to be a part of. Fill out this with a small message as to what all you'll be interested in and we'd love to get things rolling for you!
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
What's
Included
All breakfasts and six lunches
All accommodation
Tour leader throughout
All transport and listed activities
Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's not
Included
Single accommodation (available on request)
Travel insurance
Visas or vaccinations
Optional activities: Visit to Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, Pico climb and whale watching
