Sao Miguel 'The Green Island' Deluxe Walk 8D7N, Self-Guided

You’ll arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport where you’ll be greeted and taxi transferred to Furnas located on the south east side of São Miguel Island and iconic for its thermal baths and hot springs.

You’ll stay at a quaint hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens, calderas and thermal springs. Make use of the complimentary access to the magnificent Terra Nostra Garden and unwind by its swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, outdoor thermal pool or jacuzzi in the garden.

Approx. 12km (7.5 miles), 3 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 250m (820 ft)

Today, your hike journeys to the crater of Furnas traversing in lush vegetation of ferns, palms and conifer trees.

Along the way, marvel at the active volcano of the archipelago, fumaroles and sulfur springs, and its close connection with the gastronomic traditions of the valley; the famous ‘cozido’ stewed with geothermal on the lake sides. Get a glimpse of what European forests looked like before the Ice Age, which left The Azores untouched.

The trail starts and ends in the town of Furnas where it begins to climb on a tarmac road that leads to the serene Lagoa das Furnas. Marvel at local inhabitants using the high temperatures on the ground to cook traditional dishes. Along the track, admire the bubbling mud and boiling waters of the natural hot springs. The trail continues lakeside, circling the lake on an easily accessible beaten earth path before arriving back in town of Furnas.

Approx. 7km (4.3 miles), 3 hours 45 minutes hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 500m (1640ft)

Fuel up for breakfast as today you conquer the highest point, Pico da Vara at 1100m, on the Azorean Island of Sao Miguel where this ridgeline hike gives breathtaking views (in the right conditions).

You’ll be transferred to the beginning of the hike where the route starts in a path that is located in a forest of criptomérias that descends to the ocean. Traverse ancient laurel woodland and be captivated by a wealth of ecological riches that has great importance for biodiversity conservation. Keep your eyes peeled for the critically endangered Azores bullfinch, along with other endemic species of flora and fauna that call this place home. The Azores are one of only three areas where this primary forest survives, alongside Madeira and the Canary Islands. Climb up to the highest point of the island through the rainforest and continue onto the ridge sprawled with moorland giving sweeping views over the island and ocean. Feel on top of the world as you reach the summit boasting spectacular panoramic views of the island. It is also a great way to witness one of these few remaining ancient natural relics.

Be transferred to your quaint boutique ecolodge on a coastal setting above Santa Barbara beach, and your home for the next 5 nights. Unwind at the saltwater swimming pool with built-in submerged loungers. Savour the views on a platform above the pool complete with wooden chairs for sweeping vistas of the ocean or relax at the plunge pool. For those in pursue for a mind, body and spirit rejuvenation can engage in an organic spa treatment at the wellness retreat, take a yoga class or stand up paddle yoga (spa and activities at own expense).

Approx. 5.5km (3.4 miles), 2.5 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 300m (984ft)

Transfer by taxi to one of the two unique Azorean tea plantations in Europe at Gorreana.

Be inspired by how the tea here is cultivated, collected and manufactured conforming to ancestral methods. Your path begins in Maia as you journey by foot through diligent pruned green shrubs that traverses the plantations. Along the way, marvel at elevated sections of the trail that give breathtaking views of the northern coast. You’ll eventually journey amongst a small country land to the village of Maia where you begin a serene coastal hike of nature and culture. Admire your route giving sweeping ocean vistas as you traverse basins once used by the women of the village to wash clothes before reaching a collection of water mills. Here, you'll gain a glimpse of the island’s past in wheat farming. End your hike through the wild each of Praia do Viola passing at the foot of the waterfalls.

Journey to the south coast and east towards the small village of Faial da Terra where you’ll begin your walk through the Riberira do Faial da Terra. Traverse on the banks of the river and ascend through a typical valley of exuberant and endemic vegetation such as Japanese cedars and Australian Cheesewoods. Venture further into the forest crossing narrow bridges over streams, past old mills and waterfalls dotted along the way including the wonderful waterfall, Salto do Prego. You’ll walk in between traditional stone houses and picturesque gardens before arriving at the small village of Faial da Terra. Here, you’ll transfer to your next home in Furnas.

Approx. 11.5km (7.1miles), 3 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 520m (1706ft)

Savour a delightful breakfast before being transferred to the beginning of your trail on a serene hike to the most beautiful and untamed lake of the island, the iconic Lago do Fogo. Marvel at this beauty at 575 metres with its breathtaking blue colour and located inside a crater of a volcano, on top of one of the highest mountains on the island.

Your hike journeys through the countryside and onto the island’s green landscape. Walk amongst a wood of Japanese Cedar, along a levada and traverse a geothermal active area climbing to the crests giving an array of spectacular viewpoints over the island. You’ll return down on wide mountain pass boasting magnificent views over the south coast of the island.

Approx. 12km (7.5miles), 4 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 400m (1312ft)

Today, be transferred to the west part of the island, home to the large crater of Sete Cidades.

Be captivated by two crater lakes, a green lake and blue lake, separated by a 7 arches bridge that represent the 7 cities of the lost continent of Atlantis. You begin your hike at Vista do Rei viewpoint traversing the southwest slope of the Sete Cicadas ridges and ends inside the village. Along the way, marvel at the interior of the crater with its different lakes ad volcanic formations that give stunning panoramic views. You’ll be captivated with some of the most breathtaking views you of sparkling turquoise lakes, epic overlooks, and idyllic mountains, rolling hills, and bucolic pastures and farmland. The end of your hike see’s you driving along the north coastal road where shelled peaceful villages with white houses, small harbours and beach rocks wait for some exploration at your leisure.

You’ll be transferred to the beginning of your hike to Rota de Agua, meaning ‘water road’. Start on a route through lush green pastures before traversing a long slow climb on a dirt path giving incredible views of Ponta Delgada, the capital city of the Azores. Witness a transition in scenery from farmland to jungle, burrowing through 4 tunnels and delving deep into the woods where you’ll uncover Janela Do Inferno. Marvel at his vertical wall, rich in water springs and where it is possible to see a cavity made by the water erosion. Spend time to admire the beauty of this place. Continue your journey through dense forest while admiring old and majestic Azorean aqueduct system that was originally designed to get water from the mountain to the Alcohol Factory of Lagoa.

Transfer back to Ponta Delgada where you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. While away meandering the historic centre of this former fishing village which boasts narrow streets, picturesque whitewashed houses, gothic churches, historic forts, traditional Portuguese taverns and a waterfront promenade. Optional activities at additional cost:

Whale Watching Adventure: Begin in Ponta Delgada Harbour and embark on a 3 hours boat voyage accompanied by biologists explaining the different cetacean species and historical facts as you pursue these majestic creatures out sea.

Ponta Delgada Food Adventure: a 4-hour food voyage exploring Ponta Delgada’s city centre highlights embracing the history, food and culture of the Azores. Meander amongst local artisans and markets sampling an array of local delights from fruits, breads, cheese, fish, meat and ending with homemade dessert.

You’ll stay at a quaint hotel located in a valley surrounded by trees mineral and thermal springs. Unwind at the spa and wellness centre or indulge on a refreshing drink at the bar. For those wanting adventure can explore the nearby Terra Nostra Botanical Park which features indoor and outdoor pools or rent a bicycle to explore the area.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast on the island or simply savour the tranquility by the patio, a great time to reflect on your inspiring journey before a taxi transfer back to Ponta Delgada Airport.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.