The Azores

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.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  4–5 h  ~700 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

Pico da Vara (1,103 m) is the highest peak on São Miguel and a protected nature reserve home to the rare Azores bullfinch. The trail begins near Santo António Nordestinho and follows a steady climb along old forestry tracks and boardwalks through lush laurel forest.

As the path rises, the vegetation thins and wide views open over the island’s green ridges and volcanic valleys. The final section leads along a narrower crest to the summit, where the panorama stretches from the Nordeste coast to Sete Cidades in the west on a clear day.

The return follows the same route, with changing perspectives of the forest and coast. With its mix of rich biodiversity, steady ascent, and a true high-point summit, Pico da Vara is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Azores.

Click for Route Map :  14 km  5 h  ~400 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

Sete Cidades is the most famous volcanic crater in the Azores, with its twin lakes — one green, one blue — set in a vast caldera. The hike begins near Vista do Rei, where the classic viewpoint looks down over the lakes framed by steep crater walls.

The trail follows the rim of the caldera, winding through hydrangea-lined paths and forest tracks with constant views of the lakes below, the Atlantic Ocean, and the green fields of the surrounding countryside. The gentle ups and downs along the ridge make for a varied but accessible route.

The descent leads toward the village of Sete Cidades at the lakeshore, where quiet lanes and bridges offer a closer look at the water. With its mix of crater views, volcanic landscape, and lakeside charm, this hike captures the essence of São Miguel

Click for Route Map :  18 km  7–8 h  ~1,100 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This extended route begins in the village of Faial da Terra, climbing through lush woodland and past the Salto do Prego waterfall before joining higher trails that lead into the wild interior of São Miguel. Passing the old hamlet of Sanguinho, the path continues through dense laurel forest with streams and birdlife all around.

The ascent gradually opens onto steeper volcanic ridges, with views back toward the southeast coast before the trail joins the approach to Pico da Vara, the island’s highest point at 1,103 m. From the summit, the panorama stretches across São Miguel from the Nordeste headland to Sete Cidades, with the Atlantic visible on both sides.

The return retraces the same path, descending through forest and waterfalls back to Faial da Terra. Demanding but rewarding, this hike combines cultural landmarks, untouched forest, and the island’s highest summit in one full-day adventure.

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.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  4–5 h  ~600 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

Lagoa do Fogo, the Lake of Fire, is a vast crater lake at the heart of São Miguel and one of the island’s most beautiful natural sights. The trail begins near Água d’Alto and climbs steadily through farmland and forest before reaching the open ridges above the crater.

From here the views widen dramatically, with the turquoise lake set against steep crater walls and the Atlantic visible on both coasts of the island. A descent path leads to the lakeshore, where quiet beaches and birdlife make for a perfect rest stop before the climb back out.

The return follows the same route down, offering fresh views of the southern coastline and green valleys below. With its mix of lush slopes, panoramic ridges, and a pristine volcanic lake, Lagoa do Fogo is a highlight of hiking in the Azores.

Click for Route Map :  15 km  5–6 h  ~550 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

This extended route explores both the volcanic lake and the high viewpoint above Furnas. Beginning in the village, the trail climbs gradually to Lagoa das Furnas, circling its shores past fumaroles, chapels, and steaming vents where the traditional cozido stew is cooked underground.

From the lakeside, the path ascends to Pico do Ferro, a balcony viewpoint offering one of the finest panoramas in the Azores: the entire crater lake surrounded by green ridges and the fertile Furnas Valley stretching away below.

The descent loops back toward the village through woodland and farmland, ending among hot springs and bubbling caldeiras. With its mix of lakeshore walking, volcanic activity, and a high-level viewpoint, this hike offers the fullest experience of Furnas in a single day.

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.