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Overview map
Azores: São Miguel Island walking tour
The Green Island
- Volcanic lakes with colourful and thermal waters
- Lush green aromatic forests
- Picturesque villages with their own character
- A seafaring culture linked with the depths of the land
- Beautiful, but rugged coastlines, that also offers the possibility of whale watching
Arrival: Capelas Finish: Ponta Delgada
On arrival in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, you pick up your rental car (not included, to be booked separately) and drive to the first accommodation in Capelas, in the north of the island. In case you arrive early, you’ll have time to take a stroll to get better acquainted with your surroundings
A long drive of approx. 45 minutes will take you today to Sete Cidades, a picturesque village located in the Volcano with the same name and where you will park your car during the walk. A taxi driver will be waiting for you there to take you to the beginning of the walk, in Mata do Canario. After a demanding ascent, you surround the Lagoa Azul volcano, all the time with impressive views of the northern and southern coasts of the islands, the lake, the caldera and the target village down by the lake: Sete Cidades. Option of taking a detour to the amazing and well-known viewpoint ‘Boca do Inferno’
Distance: 12km; 130m ascent/ 570m descent; Duration: 3.5 - 4 hrs
Today’s route begins in Remédios, near Lagoa. After a 30-minute drive, you start an ascent along a dirt track and fields under the watchful eye of the ever-present cows of the island. On the ascent, don’t forget to look back to see Ponta Delgada and Lago in the distance! The most interesting part begins when you enter the wood through series of tunnels, and aqueducts that used to supply water to the alcohol factory in Lagoa and now are used for supplying water to the area. The highest point is Janela do Inferno, a vertical wall with a small spring and home for newts. On your way back to the accommodation don’t miss the chance to stop at the beach in Ponta Delgada
Distance: 9km; 250m ascent/ descent. Duration: 2.5-3hrs
Today you drive for approx.. 40 minutes until Furnas. If Furnas is known for something, it is for its Caldeiras, hot springs where they boil the ‘Furnas stew’. Today’s walk begins in Furnas and surrounds the lake with the same name. If you feel quite fit, climb to the viewpoint at Pico do Ferro, where you’ll get magnificent views of the lake and the area. Don’t miss the chance to visit Jose do Canto Forest Garden, with a Gothic church and a waterfall! (tickets not included). The last demanding part of the route takes you to another viewpoint over Furnas, but this ascent/ descent on tarmac can be avoided. Also you can shorten the route if you leave the car by the lake (parking costs can be applied locally)
Distance: 12km or 15km; 150m or 380m ascent/ descent. Duration: 3hrs or 4hrs
Morning transfer to the beginning of the walk, just leaving Furnas. An easy woodland track and path that takes you at first to Ribeira Quente, a fishing village near Furnas. Then you will follow another well-marked coastal path towards Provoaçao. On the way: magnificent views of Sta Maria Island and fairy-tale woods that will provide shadow in hot days. Pick-up in the afternoon in Ribeira Quente or at the end of the route, in Lomba do Cavaleiro.
Distance: 11km; 500m ascent/ 650 descent. Duration: 3 – 3.5 hrs
After a 35-minute drive you will reach Faial da Terra. Today’s circular route is a short one and leads to Salto do Prego waterfall through a fairy-tale forest. For the return, you will take a detour to a picturesque village with no car access: Sanguinho. Have your camera ready, as everything there will catch your attention!
Distance: 5km; 330m ascent/ descent. Duration: 2 hrs
If you return early to Furnas, visit Terra Nostra Garden or Poça da Beija: 2 thermal options. Terra Nostra’s pool is characteristic for its brownish colour (the water is rich in minerals). If you plan to visit the Botanical garden, it will take you at least 1 hour, so plan accordingly!
In Poça da Beija you have more options and ample opening hours.
On your way back to Ponta Delgada, you will stop mid-way to do a very interesting and varied route to Lagoa do Fogo. With good weather, you will have very nice views of the area of Vila Franca do Campo on your way up and down. First along dirt tracks, the path reaches a forest that is followed by a so-called Levada (water canal) almost until the lake. Once by the lake, take your time to breath fresh air and look at the seagulls flying around. Finish your day by the beach, where you can take a fresh drink, an ice-cream or a dip in the sea if you want! In the evening, soak up the atmosphere in Ponta Delgada.
Distance: 11km; 480m ascent/ descent. Duration: 3 hrs
Your arrangement comes to the end today after breakfast.
The hotels on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. Some of the hotels we work with appear here. If a certain hotel is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a similar one and inform you about the alternative booked.
Extra nights: Extra nights can be booked at any of the accommodations along the way.
NOTE. For reservations between November 23th and March 31st, the hotel in Capela will be the Hotel Vale do Navío
Solar do Conde has four suites and a double room in the main house and 27 villas spread throughout the property. A fusion of the original architectural heritage and the trends of a contemporary lifestyle are reflected in the architecture, in the details, in the style, in the authenticity... Solar do Conde offes a restaurant and a nice swimming pool with terrace.
Comfortable and modern room, a local cuisine that you can enjoy while looking at splendid views of the gardens. It has an outdoor pool, a gym with indoor swimming pool and a masaje service to have a perfect relax at the end of the day. Not far, you are also alble to visit the natural sea pools of Poços de São Vicente, located at the port that was used for whaling in the early 20th century.
A symbol of Furnas, this boutique hotel is surrounded by nature and glamour. It is nestled in one of the World’s top “Green Retreats,” as deemed by Condé Nast Traveler – the 18th century Terra Nostra Garden exudes a breathtaking atmosphere of exoticism in perfect harmony with nature. It offers signature treatments, performed in total immersion with nature in the natural jacuzzies and the thermal pool, the Spa also features a wide variety of options.
Natural light floods the hotel, comprising an incredible Zen garden, ample lounge areas and two splendid swimming-pools (indoor and outdoor) a spa area and much more... This modern hotel offers you comfort, tranquillity and leisure time for an unforgettable experience.
You can start on any day of the week all year
The nearest airport is Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Llegada a Ponta Delgada
Upon arrival, there is a transfer included from the airport to your accommodation. This service is organised by your local agent in São Miguel. Please, provide your flight details when you make the reservation.
Return form Ponta Delgada
There is a transfer included from your last accommodation to the airport to return on the last day. This service is organised by your local agent in São Miguel. You should be at the airport at least 1.5 hrs. before flight departure time. The taxi drive to the airport of Ponta Delgada takes around 10 minutes.
GPS tracks are available on request.
Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in very comfortable hotels on a bed & breakfast basis
- Transfer on Day 2 from Sete Cidades to the beginning of the walk
- Transfers on Day 5 at the beginning and end of the walk
- Detailed maps and route notes in English
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not included
- Lunches and dinners. You can buy provisions in town
- Rental car
- Optional tours
- Tourist Tax
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, etc.
Optional services (to be booked in advance)
- Extra nights at any of the accommodations of the programme
- Whale watching tour
Azores: São Miguel Island walking tour
