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Cycling Holiday: Sao Miguel
Overview
Introduction
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 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
Agenda
Day 1 - São Miguel
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
Sao Miguel, The Azores
Day 2 - São Miguel - Arribanas (30km)
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.
Overnight at the Solar do Conde, Sao Miguel
Cycling in Sao Miguel
Day 3 - São Miguel - Sete Cidades (44km)
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
Day 4 - São Miguel - Cycle to Capelas / Furnas (45km)
Today’s route will initially follow the beautiful north coast of São Miguel. 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 of the town, including the picturesque town square, continue your ride to Furnas. Your luggage will be transported to your hotel in Furnas.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel
Day 5 - São Miguel - Furnas and Ribeira Quente (22km)
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 or enjoy a meal before returning to Furnas.
Overnight at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel
Hot springs, Furnas, Sao Miguel
Day 6 - São Miguel - Povoação (8 km)
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 (25km) and back again. 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
Botanical Gardens, Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Sao Miguel
Day 7 - São Miguel - Cycle to Furnas / Vila Franca do Campo (17km)
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 Hotel. Your luggage will be transported to your hotel in Vila Franca do Campo. The 3-star Vinha d'Areia 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 specialities, bar and outdoor swimming pool.
Overnight at the Vinha d'Areia Hotel, Sao Miguel
Cycling holiday, Sao Miguel
Day 8 - Day of departure
Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for your return flight home.
Accommodation
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel - Night 4 to 6
The Terra Nostra Garden is one of the best hotels on the island of São 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 São 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
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT - 1 hour
Currency
Euro
Language
Portuguese
Average flight times
4 hours 5 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
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- JUN
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- SEP
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- NOV
- DEC