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

Highlights of the trip

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

     Customize your holidays here 

  • From 780€ /pers
    • Self-guided
    • Walking  Moderate
      • 8 days
      • From April to October
      • Comfort -
      • Charming
      • Ref : L1201

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arriving in São Miguel

best azores walking tour

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 car rental and drive to the north coast. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can explore the small coastal roads that offer multiple views of the jagged cliffs.

Meals included : none
Night : Capelas or Calhetas

Day 2 - The Sete Cidades crater

azores walking trip

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 a crater of about 5km, two interconnecting lakes with blue waters are spanned by a bridge with 7 arches symbolizing the 7 sunken cities of the legendary Atlantis. From the Vista do Rei lookout, you walk along the ridge of the crater to reach the typical village of Sete Cidades and the shores of the lake. On the way back, you can stop at Ponta da Ferraria and bathe in the natural volcanic pools of seawater (heated by hot springs). 

Walk : Vista do Rei > Sete Cidades |  4h | 15.5km / 9.5 miles - Elevation : +400m/-450m
Meals included: Breakfast

Night : Capelas or Calhetas

Day 3 - Tea plantations and water mills

azores walking holiday

Today, you head to the northeast coast to visit the last remaining tea plantation in Europe, operated by the same family since 1883. After a pleasant walk among the plantations, why not visit the old factory? It's the perfect place to enjoy a cup of freshly picked tea while admiring the original 1840s machines. Then continue to the nearby village of Maia for a coastal stroll along the beautiful beach of Praia da Viola with its black sand and cliffs teeming with streams and water mills. These lava stone mills, surrounded by yams, were used to turn wheat and corn into flour to make bread that was once the basis of the island's diet. You then head back by car to your accommodation. 

Walk : Gorreana tea plantation > Maia > Praia da Viola | 3h30 | 5,5 km - 3,4 miles | Elevation : +/- 240 m
Meals included: Breakfast

Night : Capelas or Calhetas.

Day 4 - Furnas Lake fumaroles and sulfur springs

walking in the azores

Today, you will drive to Furnas. You can enjoy a free day or hike on a loop from the village. On foot you reach the shores of the lake to attend the cooking scene of the Cozido, a traditional stew-like dish cooked with the geothermal heat. Continue the walk along the lake before walking down to the village to discover an amazing and impressive set of sulphur and bubbling springs. Furnas is said to be home to some 22 hot springs, the origins of the incredible fumaroles that constantly invade the village. In the afternoon, enjoy the hot springs for a relaxing bath either in the stunning Terra Nostra botanical park or in one of the multiple outdoor pools of Dona Beija.

Walk : Lagoa do Furnas loop | 3h | 12 km - 7,4 miles | Elevation : +250m/-270m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Furnas

Day 5 - East Coast lookouts and Faial da Terra

self guided portugal hiking tours

This morning you head to the south coast on a beautiful scenic road full of belvederes with breathtaking views. Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada deserve a prolonged stop. Continue to the village of Faial da Terra where your hike begins. The path, initially along the river, then sinks into a dense forest that shelters the waterfall of Salto do Prego. The route crosses the picturesque and forgotten village of Sanguinho, once built by the inhabitants of Faial da Terra to shelter from the harsh winters. After the walk, drive to the Furnas Valley, famous for its lush vegetation, warm waters and culinary specialties.

Walks:
Short : Faial da Terra > Salto do Prego > Faial da Terra | 1h30 | 4,2 km - 2,6 miles | Elevation : +/-265m

Long : Faial da Terra > Vigia da Baleia > Faial da Terra | 3h30 | 8 km - 4,9 miles | Elevation : +/-420m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Furnas

Day 6 - Janela do Inferno

The water route, a small loop along old roads and paths serving the water supply infrastructure of the city of Lagoa. A succession of aqueducts, bridges and tunnels allow us to access the "window of hell", a natural cavity dug into the cliff by the many springs that gush out of it. A little part of the world worth the detour, with luxuriant forest and the domain of the crested newts (Triturus cristatus) that you will be able to observe in various phases of their life cycle.

Walk : Loop Rota de Agua | 2h30 | 8.5km / 4.9 miles | Elevation : +/-240m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Furnas

We recommend
. Adding an extra night in Furnas for a relaxing day and taking full advantage of the hot springs : Contact us
. Treating yourself to a little pampering at the Furnas Boutique Hotel Spa or heading out on a whale watching tour from Ribeira Quente.

Day 7 - The Mysterious Lake Fogo

best walking in azores

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 and wild lake on the island. To reach it, you walk along a levada and cross the geothermal zone. The route continues along the ridges with incredible views of the lake before descending on a wide lace track. In this nature reserve, you will encounter many curious and protected endemic plants as well as many species of birds such as terns and gulls. You then drive to Ponta Delgada the administrative capital city of the archipelago, home to many historical monuments, typical small streets and a beautiful marina.

Walk : Lagoa do Fogo loop from Agua do Alto | 3h | 11,5 km - 6,8 miles | Elevation : +520m/-500m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Furnas

Day 8 - End of your walking trip in the Azores

self guided walking holidays europe

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 : 
. on the Central islands of Faial, Sao Jorge and Pico
. on the mysterious islands of Flores and Corvo
. on the tranquil islands of Terceira and Graciosa

  • From 780€ /pers
    • Self-guided
    • Walking  Moderate
      • 8 days
      • From April to October
      • Comfort -
      • Charming
      • Ref : L1201
YOUR TRIP

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From the blog

More walking trips in the Azores

    • 5 days
    • Walking
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided
      • From April to October
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
      • /
      • Comfort

Highlights of the trip

  • The discovery of 2 rarely visited islands: Flores and Corvo with exceptional nature
  • A choice of hikes in Flores according to the mood of the day
  • Car rental to move freely around the island and choose your hikes ! 
  • Domestic flight to Flores, and boat crossing Flores/Corvo included

    Customize your holidays here 

    • 5 days
    • Walking
    • Easy
    • Self-guided
      • From April to October
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Comfort
      • /
      • Charming

Highlights of the trip

  • The discovery of Angra do Heroismo classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Car rental on Terceira island allowing you to roam freely around the island and choose your hikes ! 
  • Explore the sweet island of Graciosa, rarely visited and classified as a biosphere reserve 
  • Domestic return flight to Graciosa Island & all transfers included
  • Combine this 5 days trip with one of our trips in the Azores !


    Customize your holidays here 

    • 8 days
    • Walking
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided
      • From April to October
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
      • /
      • Comfort
      • /
      • Charming

Highlights of the trip

  • The discovery of 3 authentic and wild islands far away from mass tourism
  • The diversity of the hikes: on coastal paths, over craters and cinders, through pastures
  • The ascent of Mount Pico (2351 m)  with a local guide
  • Swimming in natural pools dug into volcanic rocks

    Customize your holidays here 

    • 8 days
    • Walking
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided
      • From April to October
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Comfort
      • /
      • Charming

Highlights of the trip

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

     Customize your holidays here 

    • 8 days
    • Walking
    • Easy
    • Self-guided
      • From January to December
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple

Highlights of the trip

  • A self-catering holiday with a hire car
  • Two accommodations with pool and one in the heart of the capital city
  • Optional activities for adults and children alike
  • A perfect balance between nature and culture

Customize your holiday here