Whether you are a keen cyclist or simply enjoy the occasional bike ride at the weekend and just want to give it a go, here is our suggested itinerary to do just that. You cycle mainly on coastal roads and rural tracks, using mountain bikes that are ideal for the terrain. A good level of fitness is required as some routes are partly uphill, although not steep gradients.
Notes:
- Bike rental supplements such as special pedals, GPS, rear carrier or side transport bag are paid for locally. A guarantee deposit of approx. 600 Euros is compulsory and must be paid locally to the bike rental company by credit card. This deposit is returned at the end of the bike rental
- Electronic bikes (E-bikes) can be arranged for a supplement upon request
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Day of arrival
Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport and transfer to the Solar do Conde in Capelas.
The Solar do Conde is located in the village of Capelas on the north coast of the island, approximately 12km from Ponta Delgada and within walking distance of the ocean (600m). The estate, built around an elegant manor house, consists of 27 spacious cottages. Surrounded by extensive gardens, the property is best suited to those wishing to relax in a quiet, tranquil setting or wanting to explore the island by car, bike or on foot.
Overnight at the Solar do Conde, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sao Miguel, The Azores
Day 2 - Pineapple Tour (33km / c.2hr30)
In the morning (09:30), the bicycles will be delivered to the Solar do Conde. After an introductory briefing with our representative, depart for a ride along the north coast, passing through the villages of São Vicente, Ferreira and Aflitos before returning to Capelas.
This circular route will take you to the pineapple plantations, cultivated in greenhouses, where you can stop to visit and taste pineapple liqueur and the fruit itself. You will cross the central part of the island and the areas surrounding Capelas and see the beautiful views over the mountains and the sea. You will also have the opportunity to see an example of an intact Windmill and visit one of the Forest Parks of the Island (Pinhal da Paz) - an ideal spot for a picnic in the middle of nature.
Overnight at the Solar do Conde, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Cycling in Sao Miguel
Day 3 - Sete Cidades (44km / c.3hr30)
Today’s journey will depart Capelas, heading west to the Sete Cidades lakes. This route includes a stop at the ‘Vista do Rei viewpoint from which you can enjoy a spectacular view over the twin lakes, one blue in colour and the other green. Return to Capelas.
Overnight at the Solar do Conde, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sete Cidades, The Azores
Day 4 - Capelas / Furnas (44km / c.3hr)
Today’s route will initially follow the beautiful north coast of São Miguel and head east. You will start with a plain stretch of road followed by a 5km hill climb along the coastal road through the villages of Fenais da Luz, Calhetas and Rabo de Peixe to the town of Ribeira Grande. After a visit to the town, including the picturesque town square, continue your ride to Furnas. En route you will pass by a tea plantation - quite unique in Europe, and be able to visit the factory and taste the local brew. Leaving the tea plantation, the route guides you up the hill and into the middle of Furnas volcano. Your luggage will be transported to your hotel in Furnas.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
North coast of Sao Miguel
Day 5 - Furnas and Ribeira Quente (19 km / c.2hr)
Today’s ride will depart from your hotel in Furnas. This is a gentle route during which you will visit the hot springs (in which the traditional meal, Cozido das Furnas, is cooked), Furnas Lake and the typical fishing village of Ribeira Quente. Take time in Ribeira Quente to relax, stroll along the beach and enjoy a meal before returning to Furnas. En route you will pass by a tea plantation - quite unique in Europe, and be able to visit the factory and taste the local brew. Leaving the tea plantation, the route guides you up the hill and into the middle of Furnas volcano. Your luggage will be transported to your hotel in Furnas.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Hot springs, Furnas, Sao Miguel
Day 6 - Povoacao (17 km / c.1hr30)
Free time in Furnas: Time to relax and enjoy a stroll through the 30-acre Botanical Gardens owned by the Terra Nostra Garden. Alternatively, you can cycle from Furnas to the village of Povoação, one of the two extinct volcanoes on the island and the first village to be settled by the Portuguese in the XV century. This route has many accentuated uphill and downhill stretches but, if you are in shape, this ride will give you ample opportunity to admire the beautiful countryside of the Povoação valley.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Botanical Gardens, Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel
Day 7 - Furnas / Vila Franca do Campo (17 km / c.1hr45 )
Today you will cycle, along the southern coastline, from Furnas to Vila Franca do Campo. The route will commence with an uphill (3km) ride, followed by a more relaxed pace along downhill and flat roads until you reach your overnight accommodation at the Vinha d’Areia Beach Hotel. Your luggage will be transported to your hotel in Vila Franca do Campo.
The 3-star Vinha d’Areia Beach Hotel is located on the waterfront of Vila Franca do Campo and has 49 air-conditioned rooms, all with balcony and sea/marina view. Comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with private facilities (bath and/or shower), telephone and cable TV. There is a panoramic restaurant serving Azorean specialties, a bar and outdoor swimming pool.
Overnight at the Vinha d’Areia Beach Hotel, Sao Miguel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Sao Miguel
Day 8 - Day of departure
Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for your return flight home.