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
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Day of arrival
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
This 7km (2 hours) walk descends a track between green pastures until you reach a small stream. The trail then passes through a wood of Australian cheesewood, acacias and vinhatica, crossing over a wooden bridge and following the stream as far as Ribeira Quente (opportunity to swim), where the trail ends. Grade 2.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Furnas, Sao Miguel
Day 4 - Furnas - Salto do Prego
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. Grade 2.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sao Miguel, Azores
Day 5 - Furnas - Ribeira Funda
This 7km (3 hours 30 minutes) walk takes you to the North coast of the island. Take 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.
Overnight at the Azoris Royal Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sao Miguel
Day 6 - Ponta Delgada - Lagoa do Fogo
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 a 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. Grade 2.
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)
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. Grade 2.
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.