Your adventure begins as you arrive in Portugal, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Ponta Delgada Airport and take you to the accommodation. On the first day you’ll have time to settle in and it’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers. We can also recommend accommodation for the night before if you plan to arrive earlier. Ponta Delgada will be the base for the whole trip, which is great because you don’t need to carry all your stuff around and after a long day walking you know your warm shower and bed is awaiting you.
Distance – 7.5km, Elevation – 1100m, Time – 5 Hours
The Pico da Vara hike takes you to the highest point on São Miguel, rewarding the effort with sweeping views across the island’s wild interior and out to the Atlantic on clear days. Beginning in the lush Laurisilva forest, the trail climbs steadily through a landscape of mossy trees, ferns, and thick greenery that feels untouched by time. As you gain elevation, the vegetation opens up to reveal ridgelines and rolling volcanic slopes, with glimpses of crater lakes and distant villages far below. The final approach to the summit is exhilarating, with the path narrowing and the horizon expanding in every direction. Standing at 1,103 meters, you feel on top of the Azores, with the sense that the whole island is laid out at your feet. The hike is moderately demanding, taking most of a day at a steady pace, but it’s also one of the most rewarding, combining rich biodiversity with dramatic high-mountain scenery. For hikers seeking a challenge that captures both the wildness and beauty of São Miguel, Pico da Vara is unforgettable.
Distance – 14,5km, Elevation – 650m, Time – 5 Hours
The Sete Cidades hike is often described as the most breathtaking walk in the Azores, and it truly lives up to its reputation. The trail follows the rim of a vast volcanic caldera, where two lakes sit side by side in strikingly different shades of blue and green, creating one of the island’s most famous views. As you make your way around the crater edge, the scenery shifts constantly. On one side you see the shimmering Atlantic stretching out into the horizon, and on the other the lush green slopes of the caldera descend into the lakes far below. The path itself is lined with wildflowers and hydrangeas in summer, and there are plenty of gentle ascents and descents that make the hike engaging without being overly difficult. At several points you can pause to take in panoramic views of São Miguel’s rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and the small villages nestled into the crater. It’s the kind of hike that combines drama and tranquility, giving you both sweeping vistas and quiet moments among nature. For many visitors, it becomes the defining memory of their time in the Azores.
Distance – 9,5km, Elevation – 234m, Time – 4 Hours
The Furnas hike is a wonderful way to experience the gentler, more mystical side of the Azores. Rather than dramatic crater rims, this walk leads you through lush valleys, steaming geothermal vents, and the peaceful shores of Furnas Lake. The trail circles the lake itself, offering a mix of shaded forest paths, open views across the water, and stretches where you can see bubbling hot springs along the shoreline. The scent of sulfur in the air and the occasional rising plume of steam remind you that the island’s volcanic heart is still very much alive. Along the way, you pass through small gardens and quiet spots that invite you to pause and take in the stillness. It is less strenuous than some of São Miguel’s bigger hikes, but it makes up for that with atmosphere, variety, and the chance to enjoy one of the island’s most unique landscapes. Many walkers like to finish with a visit to the nearby town of Furnas, where traditional cozido stew is cooked underground in the geothermal soil, rounding out the day with a true taste of Azorean culture.
A chance to explore the town, rest your legs, or head out on another adventure. Ponta Delgada, set on São Miguel’s southern coast, offers a perfect mix of Azorean charm, history, and island life. Stroll through its cobbled streets lined with whitewashed churches and colorful plazas, or linger in the bustling markets where you can taste local specialties such as fresh cheeses, pineapples, and sweet pastries. The town’s waterfront is ideal for a relaxed walk, with views across the harbor and plenty of cafés to pause for an espresso or a glass of local wine. Culture lovers can step into historic convents and museums that reveal the island’s rich past, while those craving greenery will find peaceful gardens dotted throughout the city. For more adventure, it’s easy to venture out to nearby hot springs, crater lakes, or coastal viewpoints before returning to the comfort of town. With its easy pace and warm atmosphere, Ponta Delgada makes an inviting base to soak up the essence of the Azores.
Distance – 12,5km, Elevation – 675m, Time – 5 Hours
The Lagoa do Fogo hike is one of the most memorable experiences on São Miguel, leading to a volcanic crater lake that feels untouched and wild. The trail begins with a steady climb through green slopes and quiet forests, gradually opening up to sweeping views of the island’s rugged interior. As you ascend, the air grows cooler and the scenery more dramatic, until suddenly the vast bowl of the crater comes into view, with the deep-blue waters of Lagoa do Fogo shimmering below. The descent to the shoreline reveals a tranquil world of black sand beaches and quiet coves, where the only sounds are wind and water. This is a moderately challenging hike that rewards the effort with a sense of remoteness rarely found on such a small island. On clear days, you can see across to the ocean, while misty weather adds an otherworldly atmosphere. Lagoa do Fogo perfectly captures the wild and elemental beauty that makes the Azores such a unique hiking destination.
Distance – 9km, Elevation – 300m, Time – 4.5 Hours
The Faial da Terra hike is a journey into one of São Miguel’s most enchanting valleys, where dense forest, waterfalls, and a sense of timelessness make every step feel special. The trail begins in the small fishing village of Faial da Terra and winds gently upward through lush greenery, with ferns and moss-covered stone walls lining the path. Before long you arrive at Salto do Prego, a beautiful waterfall cascading into a cool pool that invites you to pause and take in the sound of rushing water. Continuing on, the route passes through Sanguinho, an abandoned village slowly being reclaimed by nature, its stone houses adding a touch of mystery to the walk. The circular path eventually loops back to the village, giving the hike a satisfying sense of discovery and return. It is a moderate walk in length and difficulty, making it accessible but still full of variety. More than just a hike, Faial da Terra feels like a step back in time into the heart of the Azores.
It’s time to pack your bags and move onwards. We arrange transport back to the airport so you can catch your flight home or continue to explore this majestical island. We have lots of recommendations if you’re going to spend more time in Portugal.
Please note: The itinerary may be change due to weather or closures. Your safety is always are upmost priority. Yur local guide will always keep you updated on what’s coming the next day and if there are any changes.
Please note: Airfares and meals are not included in the trip price unless mentioned above. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred flights and enjoy local dining experiences at your own pace.
You’ll be staying at Hotel Ponta Delgada in the centre of Ponta Delgada and 2 minutes walk to the sea. You will be staying in a twin room with private bathroom. Private rooms are available on request for a supplemetal cost. There is a hearty breakfast included in the price. There is also Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, garden, restuarant, hair dryers and laundry (paid).
Join fellow adventurers on an unforgettable trek through Madeira’s stunning trails. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait – lock in your dates now.
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. When booking a trip starting within 30 days, deposit payments are not accepted.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 30 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Please inquire about supplemental costs for a private room for each individual trip.
Arriving
Sat 17 Oct 2026Leaving
Sat 24 Oct 2026Trip status
Secure your place with a deposit of 30%. Final payment is due 30 days before departure. You can also pay in full immediately if you wish.
If your circumstances change and you can no longer make it, you can transfer your deposit to another trip up until 10 days before departure.
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Any supplemental costs will be shown on the next screen.
