Walking in the Azores : crater lakes and volcanic pools of Sao Miguel

8 days
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Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
A paradise lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean; the Azores are a string of little-known islands that pride themselves on being the best kept secret in Europe. Yet this archipelago is incredibly beautiful. Of the 9 islands that make up the archipelago, the central islands are the closest and easily discovered by boat. This self-guided walking holiday ta...
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Wild crater lakes and incredible volcanic fumaroles
    • Bathing in natural volcanic pools and hot springs
    • The freedom of the rental car
    • Exploring Nordeste, one of the wildest regions of Sao Miguel
    • Less frequented, off the beaten track hiking trails

What's this trip about?

    A paradise lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean; the Azores are a string of little-known islands that pride themselves on being the best kept secret in Europe. Yet this archipelago is incredibly beautiful. Of the 9 islands that make up the archipelago, the central islands are the closest and easily discovered by boat. This self-guided walking holiday takes you to 3 authentic and preserved islands: Faial, the ‘Blue Island’ home to sailors from all over the world. Sao Jorge, the wildest island with excellent hiking trails. And finally Pico, the volcano island dominated by Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, culminating at 2351m above sea level. The exuberant nature, the gentle way of life and the mild climate make this Azores walking trip an absolute must!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 5 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPunta Delgada
End CityPunta Delgada

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Photography

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Portugal

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Independent
  • Self-Guided & Independent

Trip includes

    • 7 nights double occupancy with private facilities
    • 7 breakfasts
    • All transfers included from the airport on day 1 to the airport on day 8
    • Ferries Faial / Sao Jorge / Pico / Faial
    • Ascent of Pico with a local certified guide in a international group
    • Day 2 to day 8: luggage transfers
    • Our Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps
    • 1 road map of the region
    • GPS files
    • 24/7 phone assistance

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1 - Arriving in Sao Miguel

Arrival on the island of Sao Miguel, the most important of the archipelago. It is home to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores, and also to the three unique crater lakes that you will discover during your trip. Pick up your hire car and drive to the north coast. D...

Day 2 - The Sete Cidades crater

Walk - Vista do Rei > Sete Cidades > Vista do Rei 4 hours - 15.5km / 9.5 miles - Ascent: +40m / Descent: -450m For your first hiking day, explore the Caldeira de Sete Cidades, one of the most beautiful and emblematic sites of the Azores. Nestled at the bottom of...

Day 3 - Tea plantations and water mills

Walk - Loop walk in the tea plantations + Maia > Costal walk > Maia 2 hours - 5.5km / 3 miles - Ascent: +240m / Descent: -240m Today, you head to the northeast coast to visit the last remaining tea plantation in Europe, operated by the same family since 1883. Af...

Day 4 - Pico da Vara, the highest peak

Walk - To the crest of the Pico da Vara 3 hours 40 - 7km / 4.3 miles - Ascent: +480m / Descent: -480m This route takes you to the highest peak of Sao Miguel, the Pico da Vara with the summit soaring 1105m above sea level. This area is well protected as it is home to a...

Day 5 - East Coast lookouts and Faial da Terra

Walk - Faial da Terra > Salto do Prego waterfall > Sanguinho > Faial da Terra 1 hours 30 - 4.5km / 2.5 miles - Ascent: +265m / Descent: -265m This morning you head to the south coast on a beautiful scenic road full of belvederes with breathtaking views. Ponta...

Day 6 - Furnas Lake fumaroles and sulfur springs

Walk - Loop Furnas village > Furnas lake > Furnas village 3 hours - 14km / 8.6 miles - Ascent: +275m / Descent: -250m Today is a car-free day! You hike on a loop from the village of Furnas. On foot you reach the shores of the lake to attend the cooking scene of ...

Day 7 - The Mysterious Lake Fogo

Walk - Agua do Alto > Lake Fogo > Agua do Alto 3 hours - 11.5km / 6.8 miles - Ascent: +520 m / Descent: -500 m For this last day of hiking, you will explore another iconic site of Sao Miguel: the mysterious Lake Fogo. A beautiful hike to the most extraordinary a...

Day 8 - End of your walking trip in the Azores

End of your trip in Ponta Delgada after breakfast. Drive to the airport and drop off your car hire Meals included: Breakfast

We recommend:

- Extending your trip in the Azores on one of our itineraries to the central islands or to Flores / Corvo

Co...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $859
Price per day$107
Last Updated: 4/19/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intura Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intura Travel Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
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Other Intura Travel Reviews

J

Jennifer & Thomas

Jan 2023

Provided byIntura Travel

The variation in the scenery from La Brigue to Menton was spectacular

The variation in the scenery from La Brigue to Menton was spectacular, especially as we took it day by day and could see the gradual difference as we descended throu...

D

David & Mary

Jan 2023

Provided byIntura Travel

We really enjoy the variation and quality of the scenery and options en route.

We really enjoy the variation and quality of the scenery and options en route. We really enjoy your trips through the small towns and villages. For us this is better...

A

Anthony & Hazel

Jan 2023

Provided byIntura Travel

The scenery is spectacular and the walk had its challenges with many ascents & descents

What a wonderful week walking through the Southern Alps to the French Riviera! The scenery is spectacular and the walk had its challenges with many ascents & des...

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Tour Operator

Intura Travel

Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
View Profile

We are the walking & cycling specialist, off the beaten tracks, for all budgets, all physical levels, and all accommodation levels. We run trip sin: France, Italian Lake region, Portugal, Madeira, Azores, Cape Verde.

Why we love this operator
They are true experts in walking & cycling trips in France & Portugal, exploring places and routes few other operators offer.
What they’re known for
Cycling and walking holidays in France, Portugal, Italy, and Cape Verde.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • All lunches & dinners not noted/included in your itinerary
    • Entrance fees into museums (Faial Island day 7: Capelinhos interpretation centre on Faial around 10€ per person)
    • Insurance
    • Drinks
    • Items of personal nature
    • Single room supplement - applicable on base 3,5,7... and so on.

Accommodation

,Standard 3*
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 breakfasts

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
intura-intura-L1201

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