Azores: São Miguel Island walking tour

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’ 

Challenge: 12 km / 7 mi, 130 m ascent, 570 m descent, 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

Challenge: 9 km / 6 mi, 250 m ascent and descent, 2.5 - 3 hrs

Today you drive for approx. 40 minutes until Furnas. If Furnas is known for something, it is for its Caldeiras, hot springs where the ‘Furnas stew’ is boiled. 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)

Challenge: 12 - 15 km / 7 -9 mi, 150 / 380m ascent and descent, 3 / 4 hrs

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.

Challenge: 11 km / 7 mi, 500 m ascent, 650 m descent, 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!

Challenge: 5 km / 3 mi, 330 m ascent and descent, 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.

Challenge: 11 km / 7 mi, 480 m ascent and descent, 3 hrs

Your arrangement comes to the end today after breakfast.