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Walking Inside Volcanoes
Overview
Introduction
The volcanic structure of the island of São Miguel has bestowed it with overwhelming beauty; vast craters housing gleaming lakes, hot mineral springs and lush rolling valleys. Located on the eastern side of the archipelago, the island is made up of six volcanic complexes and municipalities. Our suggested itinerary takes you on a self-guided walking tour of São Miguel, using a route-book for guidance, and passing through areas of geological interest. It is also possible to extend the itinerary by 7-nights, taking in other volcanic points of interest such as the lava caves: Gruta das Torres on Pico; Furna do Enxofre on Graciosa; and Capelinhos on Faial, the site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores.
Itinerary includes:
- Flights from London Heathrow to Ponta Delgada, São Miguel with British Airways (Saturday departures) - other routes on request
- 4 Nights at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Furnas - Cosy Art Deco Room (Bed and Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Azoris Royal Garden Hotel, Ponta Delgada - Classic Room with balcony and garden view (Bed and Breakfast)
- All transfers included for hotels and walks (excluding the walk on Day Two)
- Six half-day, self-guided walks including a guidebook for the walks with trail descriptions and maps
- Entrance to the Monitoring and Research Centre of Furnas & plantation of one endemic plant
- Symbolic contribution to social & environmental institutions: Rabo de Peixe Sabe Sonhar & Life Priolo is 1 Euro per person
Grading of Walks: 1 for Easy; 2 for Medium; and 3 for Difficult.
Note: we cannot guarantee that you will be on a tour with other people.
What to bring:
- Comfortable light clothes
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Sweater, raincoat
- Sunscreen, hat and backpack
- Swimsuit & towel
- Water and snacks
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival - Sao Miguel
Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel
Day 2 - Furnas Lake (Lagoa do Fogo)
Today you will walk to (and back from) Furnas Lake (9.6km / 2 hours) where you will visit the Monitoring & Research Centre (entrance included) – a local project initiated to protect the ecosystem of the valley and improve the quality of the lake water. Grade 1-2 (easy-medium level).
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Furnas Lake, Sao Miguel
Day 3 - Furnas - Lomba do Cavaleiro
Transfer from your hotel to the beginning of the trail.
This 7km (2 hours) walk starts from Lomba do Cavaleiro and descends a track between green pastures until you reach a small stream. The trail then passes through a wood of Australian cheesewood, acacias and vinhática, crossing over a wooden bridge and following the stream as far as Ribeira Quente (opportunity to swim and have lunch - not included), where the trail ends. Transfer back to your hotel in Furnas. Grade 2 (medium level).
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Furnas, Sao Miguel
Day 4 - Furnas - Salto do Prego
Transfer from your hotel to Faial da Terra to the beginning of the walk Salto do Prego, also known as Walk Sanguinho / Walk Faial da Terra.
This 5km (2 hours) walk takes you past woods, orchards, the Salto do Prego waterfall where it is possible to swim, a deserted watermill and the deserted village of Sanguinho, uninhabited since 1970. It ends at the village of Faial da Terra. Grade 2 (medium level).
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sao Miguel, Azores
Day 5 - Furnas - Ribeira Funda
Transfer from your hotel to the beginning of the trail Ribeira Funda / Maia.
This trail begins in Ribeira Funda, passing along the beach of Praia da Viola, and ends in Maia. This 7km (3 hours 30 minutes) walk, along the North coast of the island, takes in the contrasting landscape passing by dense vegetation, running streams, waterfalls and wonderful sea views as you walk down towards the beach of Praia da Viola. At the end of the walk, transfer by taxi to your hotel in Ponta Delgada. You will visit a panoramic viewpoint en route as well as a tea plantation. Grade 2 (medium level).
Overnight at the Azoris Royal Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sao Miguel
Day 6 - Ponta Delgada - Lagoa do Fogo
Transfer from your hotel to the beginning of the trail.
This 14km (5 hours) walk will follow a route along a Levada (a derivation channel) passing through mountains and valleys. You will head to the spectacular Lagoa do Fogo ‘Fire Lake’ - one of the most beautiful crater lakes in the Azores. The walk ends at Água d’Alto beach where you will have the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic waters. This is a long walk which climbs up nearly 2,000 feet. Return transfer to your hotel in Ponta Delgada. Grade 2 (medium level).
Overnight at the Azoris Royal Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Lagoa do Fogo, Sao Miguel
Day 7 - Ponta Delgada - Sete Cidades (option B)
Transfer from your hotel to the beginning of the trail of Sete Cidades.
This 7.5km walk (2 hours) passes the Vista do Rei viewpoint which offers the best panoramic view over Sete Cidades and the surrounding area before heading down to the lakes. Sete Cidades is an extinct volcano crater of 40 sq.km, within which are two magnificent lakes, one deep blue colour and the other emerald green. Afternoon transfer to your hotel in Ponta Delgada. Grade 2 (medium level).
Overnight at the Azoris Royal Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel
Day 8 - Day of departure
Transfer to Ponta Delgada Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel - Night 1 to 4
The Terra Nostra Garden is one of the best hotels on the island of Sao Miguel and well positioned next to the Terra Nostra botanical park.
The Terra Nostra Garden is one of the best hotels on the island of Sao Miguel. Well positioned next to the Terra Nostra botanical park, the hotel is made up of two adjoining buildings: the Art Deco Wing, built in the 1930’s which has maintained its architectural history; and the Garden Wing, added much later in the 1990’s. Many of the bedrooms, along with the restaurant and indoor swimming pool, enjoy fabulous views over the world famous, extensive botanical gardens - owned by the hotel.
Guests dining here are treated to local Azorean products, with a focus on the Cozido, a sustainable meal fully cooked underground using the natural heat of the volcanic hot springs - a must for any visitor to the islands.
Accommodation
- 86 rooms including cosy art deco rooms, garden view rooms, superior garden view rooms, deluxe garden view rooms, garden suites and suites
- Some garden view rooms interconnect
- Some art deco rooms interconnect – one interconnects with a suite
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant (mostly à la carte) with view over the park and serving regional cuisine including the traditional Azorean dish of Cozido – pre-booking recommended
- Bar with terrace – piano player in summer
- Reading lounges/large sitting areas
- Business centre
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Shop selling local handicrafts and souvenirs
- Wellness centre with two treatment rooms (payable locally), mini gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and indoor heated swimming pool (10 x 14m)
- Sports bar with snooker table (payable locally c.5 Euros per hour)
- 3 Lifts
- Library
- Tennis court (artifical grass) payable locally
- Free access for hotel guests to the 12-hectare botanical gardens and its outdoor thermal pool fed by natural springs – the public pay 8 Euros entrance fee
- Free parking
- 7 restaurants within a 5 minute walk
- 5 minutes’ walk to the centre of Furnas
- Bikes for adults available for hire (local charge 16 Euros per day) including one electric bike
- Irregular bus service (3 services to Vila Franca do Campo and Ponta Delgada and 1 to Ribeira Grande per day – early morning departure/late return)
- 20km to Vila Franca do Campo – local taxi costs c.20 Euros each way; 9km to Ribeira Quente and 35km to Nordeste
- 30 minutes’ drive to Ponta Delgada from Furnas – local taxi costs c.40-50 Euros each way
Azoris Royal Garden Hotel - Night 5 to 7
The Azoris Royal Garden Hotel is located in the capital, Ponta Delgada, just 250 metres from the town’s historic centre and cobbled shopping streets.
The Azoris Royal Garden Hotel is located in the capital, Ponta Delgada, just 250 metres from the town’s historic centre and cobbled shopping streets. Within the grounds is a central Zen garden with water features and seating areas, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, spa, wellness centre with indoor pool, gym, sauna and Jacuzzi and garden restaurant and coffee shop.
The guest rooms are modern and offer options for families or larger groups in suites or executive rooms which interconnect. There is a large covered parking garage, 6 Euros per day, which makes this the convenient location if hiring a car during your stay.
Accommodation
- 193 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms, executive rooms, level family room and suites
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Garden restaurant serving international and regional dishes (buffet and à la carte)
- Bar serving snacks and light meals in the afternoon
- Coffee shop, located near the outdoor swimming pool, open daily Apr–Oct
- Spacious seating areas
- Outdoor swimming pool (8 x 18m) open all year - pool towels on request (free of charge). Pool heated Nov-Mar
- Children’s outdoor pool (2.20 x 2.20m)
- Tennis court (c.20 Euros per hour including equipment)
- Bikes for hire - 7.50 Euros for a half day or 10 Euros per day (payable locally)
- Lotus Spa offering massages and facials (payable locally)
- Wellness centre (free entry) with indoor heated pool (6 x 12m), sauna, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and mini gym
- Snooker room (payable locally c.7.50 Euros per hour)
- 4 Lifts
- ATM machine for cash withdrawals (Visa/Maestro/Mastercard) in the reception area
- Covered indoor parking payable locally - the first 15 minutes are free; after the first 1st hour 1,00 Euro per hour; maximum daily rate 6,00 Euros and lost card charge 10,00 Euros
- 15 minutes walk from the centre and 25 minutes walk from the marina
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
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- SEP
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- NOV
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Time Difference
GMT - 1 hour
Currency
Euro
Language
Portuguese
Average flight times
4 hours 5 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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