Azores Islands ▸ São Miguel
Self-guided walking holidays in São Miguel, Azores, with accommodations and transfers | 6 walks | Difficulty: ▲▲△△△
Azores Islands ▸ São Miguel
São Miguel ▸ Azores Islands
Self-Guided Hiking in the Azores
▸ Includes 7 nights in 2 little charming hotels, bed & breakfast basis.
▸ 6 walks through the most characteristic places of the Azores Islands.
▸ Pre-arranged private transfers. Eventually by public bus.
Customised app
Offline GPS navigation
Relevant information
The 6 most outstanding walks of Saõ Miguel
One-week trip
Waymarked trails + GPX tracking files
transfers included (taxi and/or regular bus)
in 2 small charming hotels:
Hotel Vale Verde (Furnas)
Hotel Alcides (Ponta Delgada)
transfers by taxi or public bus
transfers by taxis or public buses for each walk, to and from the hotel.
accommodation
small charming hotels and unique accommodation in strategic locations, with breakfast included.
6 walks
of approx. 7 ~14 Km. each to discover the most characteristic features of São Miguel - Azores Islands
TOURS AND ACCOMMODATION:
Arrival in Ponta Delgada
Lagoa das Furnas ▸ Pico do Gaspar
Lombada do Cavaleiro▸Ribeira Quente
Salto do Prego▸Faial da Terra
Ribeira Funda▸Praia dos Moinhos
Lagoa do Fogo▸Praia Agua d'Alto
Sete Cidades
departure day
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This activity is for you if you usually do sports and have a good physical background; if you can walk steep slopes up and down and don’t have health problems; if you love nature, are environmentally friendly and are a regular hiker.
See more details in:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Highlights of the trip:
Furnas – Lagoa do Fogo – Sete Cidades
Atlantic atmosphere – Romantic beaches
2 unique accommodations in charming enclaves
Azores Islands ▸ São Miguel
The Azores Islands, an enchanting archipelago in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, is a Portuguese autonomous region consisting of nine volcanic islands. Renowned for their dramatic landscapes, vibrant flora, and rich marine life, the Azores Islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The Azores islands are divided into three groups: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), the Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial), and the Western Group (Flores and Corvo). Each island boasts its own unique charm. São Miguel, the largest island, is famed for its stunning crater lakes, such as Lagoa do Fogo and Sete Cidades, and the hot springs in Furnas. Pico Island, home to Portugal’s highest peak, Pico Mountain, is a haven for climbers and wine enthusiasts alike, with its UNESCO-listed vineyard culture.The surrounding waters of the Azores islands are a sanctuary for marine life, making the archipelago one of the best destinations for whale watching. Sperm whales, blue whales, and dolphins are commonly spotted, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors. The Azores islands’ rich marine biodiversity also makes it a popular spot for diving, with vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with life.
The Azores’ culture is a tapestry woven from centuries of maritime history. The islands were discovered and settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and their strategic location made them a crossroads for various cultures and a haven for sailors. This historical confluence is evident in the Azores islands’ architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The colorful festivals, such as the Holy Spirit Festivals and the Sanjoaninas, reflect the islands’ deep-rooted religious and cultural traditions.In recent years, the Azores islands have gained recognition for their commitment to sustainable tourism. The islands’ pristine natural environments are protected by strict conservation laws, and eco-friendly tourism practices are encouraged. This approach has helped preserve the unique landscapes and ecosystems, making the Azores islands a model for sustainable travel destinations.
São Miguel, the largest and most populous island of the Azores islands archipelago, is often referred to as “The Green Island” due to its lush landscapes and verdant hills. Located in the Eastern Group of the Azores, São Miguel offers a captivating mix of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and vibrant local life.
São Miguel is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, highlighted by its crater lakes, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes. The Sete Cidades, a massive volcanic crater housing two lakes—one green and one blue—creates a mesmerizing contrast that is among the island’s most iconic sights. Lagoa do Fogo, another spectacular crater lake, is set amidst a nature reserve and offers breathtaking views and serene surroundings.
What makes São Miguel exceptional for walking is how much it fits into so little space. The island is just 65 kilometres long, yet within that distance you cross two flooded volcanic craters, a valley where the ground steams and locals still cook stew by burying the pot in hot earth for six hours, cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic, black-sand beaches and Europe’s only tea plantations. Each day brings an entirely different landscape without long transfers in between. That is why a week of self-guided hiking here works so well: six walks, six distinct corners of the island, and only two hotels to unpack in.
Canary Islands: similar itineraries
self-guided ► hotel + breakfast included
self-guided ► hotel + breakfast included
8 days - INDEPENDENT hiking trip
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Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for this trip?
This is a moderate programme (▲▲△△△): six walks of 7 to 14 km, with climbs and descents that are steep in places. You need reasonable fitness and to be comfortable walking on rough ground, but no technical experience or special equipment is required. If you hike fairly regularly and have no health problems that would stop you tackling a sustained climb, this level will suit you.
What are the six walks, and what will I see on each?
The programme covers the landscapes that define the island: Lagoa das Furnas and Pico do Gaspar, in the geothermal fumarole country; the old track from Lombada do Cavaleiro down to Ribeira Quente; the Salto do Prego waterfall from Faial da Terra; the north coast between Ribeira Funda and Praia dos Moinhos; the descent from Lagoa do Fogo to Água d'Alto; and the viewpoints of Sete Cidades above the green and blue lakes. Six walks, six entirely different faces of São Miguel.
Are transfers to the trailheads included?
Yes. Every walking day includes transfers out to the start of the route and back from the finish, by taxi or scheduled bus depending on the leg. This matters more on São Miguel than most places: many of the best trails are linear, beginning and ending in different villages, and the island's bus network doesn't link those points conveniently. The airport transfer to your hotel on arrival day, and back to the airport on departure day, are included as well. You won't need a hire car.
Where will I be staying?
In two small, characterful hotels chosen for where they are rather than their star rating: the Hotel Vale Verde in Furnas, the geothermal valley on the eastern side of the island, and the Hotel Alcides in Ponta Delgada, the island capital. Seven nights in total with breakfast, split between the two, so you unpack twice rather than every single day.
When is the best time of year to walk on São Miguel?
The Azores have a mild Atlantic climate all year — no fierce summer heat, no real winter cold — so the island is walkable in any season. May to September brings the longest, most settled days, and it's when the hydrangeas that line the lanes are in flower. Autumn and winter are greener and far quieter, with more chance of rain and low cloud on the tops. Pack a waterproof jacket whatever month you come: the weather here turns quickly.
How will I find my way on the trails?
The paths carry the official Azores waymarking, and on top of that you get access to our own app with GPS navigation that works without mobile coverage, the GPX tracks for all six routes and the practical information for each one. You download everything before you set off and it runs offline — genuinely useful on the coastal sections and in the inland valleys where the signal drops out.
Can I do this as a solo traveller?
Yes. This is a self-guided programme, so there are no groups and no fixed departure dates: you pick your start date and walk at your own pace. Ask us for the solo traveller rate, which covers single occupancy in both hotels.
What do I need to carry each day?
Just what you need for the day: water, something to eat, sun protection and a waterproof. Proper hiking boots with a good sole are essential — a lot of the ground here is volcanic and turns muddy or slippery after rain. Poles are worth having for the long descents, particularly the one down from Lagoa do Fogo.
How do I get to São Miguel?
Ponta Delgada (PDL) is the main airport of the Azores, about three kilometres from the city centre. There are year-round flights from Lisbon and Porto — around two hours twenty from Lisbon — plus seasonal direct services from several European cities and from Boston and Toronto in North America. The Azores sit in their own time zone, one hour behind mainland Portugal and the UK.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
No. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and by taxi drivers, particularly around Ponta Delgada and Furnas. In the smaller villages you'll meet less of it, but nothing about this trip requires you to negotiate in Portuguese — everything is arranged in advance, and we're reachable throughout if anything needs sorting out.
Is São Miguel a good choice for a first self-guided walking holiday?
It's one of the better ones. You're not carrying luggage between hotels every day, the walks are a manageable length, the terrain is demanding without ever being technical, and the island is small enough that help is never far away. If you've only done day walks from a single base before and want to try something more structured without committing to a long-distance trail, this is a sensible first step.
If you have any further questions that haven’t been covered here, please have a look at the general FAQs section or get in touch with our team. We have extensive knowledge of the Azores Islands and the many opportunities they offer for hiking at your own pace.
São Miguel Island ▸ Azores
The 6 best walking routes on São Miguel Island, Azores – a lush green island of wild crater lakes and volcanic landscapes, best discovered on foot
Product Currency: EUR
Product Price: 1115
Product In-Stock: InStock
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Destination
Our gallery
Pictures from the 6 tours
Day 1
Arrival in Ponta Delgada
Airport pick up and transfer to hotel in Furnas.
Informative video call to explain all the details of the walks.
Day 2
Lagoa das Furnas ▸ Pico do Gaspar
↔ 11,3 km | △ 273 m | ▽ 273 m
Day 3
Lomba do Cavaleiro▸Ribeira Quente
↔ 9,1 km | △ 450 m | ▽ 529 m
Day 4
Salto do Prego▸Faial da Terra
After ascending the Pico dos Bodes (483 metres above sea level) and enjoying the splendid views of its "miradouro", the trail enters a lush forest towards the village of Sanguinho until it reaches the Salto do Prego, a waterfall of approx. 20 metres that forms a beautiful natural pool where you can take a bath.
↔ 11,8 km | △ 508 m | ▽ 902 m
Day 5
Ribeira Funda ▸Praia dos Moinhos
Today the trail will take us along the gorgeous northern coast. Starts at Ribeira Funda and goes through diverse enclaves: Maia, Porto Fermoso and finally, Praia dos Moinhos, a beautiful beach of fine black sand where you could have a bath after the walk ↔ 13,4 km | △ 360 m | ▽ 574 m
Day 6
Lagoa do Fogo▸Praia Agua d'Alto
After a short transfer we start the route to Lagoa do Fogo, one of the wildest spots in the Azores. Framed within a protected natural area, the route takes us through a "levada" (water channel) to an altitude of 575 metres above sea level. ↔ 12,9 km | △ 444 m | ▽ 627 m
Day 7
Sete Cidades
Sete Cidades is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the island of São Miguel. It is a collection of ancient volcanic craters whose sedimentary bed is home to spectacular lakes. Around it are the villages that give the unique enclave its name. ↔ 13,2 km | △ 346 m | ▽ 626 m
Day 8
Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure. Depending on the time of your flight, you will still have time to wander through the narrow streets of Ponta Delgada or go on a whale watching excursion.TOUR LOCATION
Discover São Miguel de Azores walking. An outrageously green island of rolling hills, active volcanoes and wild lagoons.
ACCOMMODATION
Subject to availability:
FURNAS ▸ Hotel Vale Verde (or similar)
PONTA DELGADA ▸ Hotel Alcides (or similar)
Additional overnights
It is also possible to book some additional days, before or after the hiking week, or an additional week to relax.
Difficulty
To successfully achieve the 6 walks it is necessary a good physical condition, a healthy condition and steady walk and. According to the year season, temperatures can be extreme (hot and/or cold). Therefore, it is necessary to have suitable warm clothes permanently, to be removed as layers if necessary. Some parts of this trail include passages with slippery loose stone. Using hiking poles is highly recommended.
Trails
Azores has a well signposted network of trails. All sections where from our tours are perfectly marked. You will get from us precise indications of each route and assistance from the hotline on your walks.
We recommend
Appropriate hiking clothing and sturdy footwear. During the tours, it is necessary to have food and drink enough, as well as sun protection, a cap, wind jacket and, in the winter months, warm clothing.
Luggage transfer
We move your luggage from one accommodation to next, so on your hikes you should only carry a backpack with the essentials of the day. For the whole trip, it is recommendable to use a single suitcase, not bigger than 20 kg.
You can book at any date!
fly to Ponta Delgada
other options to think about
The Portuguese airline TAP also connects some UK airports with PONTA DELGADA. It is worth comparing prices and analysing all the possibilities 😉
Alberto
Responsable de organización
Do you have any questions? I am happy to help you. I will answer any questions you may have!
Book early! ...and get a 6% discount for bookings more than 90 days in advance, between September 15th and June 15th
PRICES, valid until 31 October 2026
1185 € ▸ 1115 € per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 635 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 1975 € ▸ 1856 €
The Azores Islands apply a tourist tax that will be collected at each establishment upon arrival. This tourist tax ranges from €2 to €3 per person/accommodation, depending on the type of establishment and the time of year. Our prices do not include this tourist tax.
Any arrival date is possible - You decide your travel dates and when to start. However, we must first request availability to the accommodations.
Booking: With an initial payment of 150 € (per person), book now and guarantee your trip. We will confirm your reserve within 24 hours. But in the case of accommodations unavailability, we will refund the paid amount or propose alternative dates.
Peak Tourist Season does not only mean high temperatures, crowded beaches and expensive flights. Accommodation prices also increase substantially. Therefore, during this period we are unable to offer early booking discounts and the price of the entire package may be higher than indicated. Azores peak tourist season begins on June, 1st and ends on September, 30th.
What does this programme include?
Accommodations - 7 nights in different small charming hotels or apartments, B&B basis
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day
Descriptions & GPX Tracks - to follow the walks on your mobile device
+ 
Private transfers - all necessary luggage & persons transfers for each stage, included on arrival & departure day
Support 24h - we keep permanently in touch with you throughout your stay to solve any problem or enquiry you may have
What is NOT included?
Cancellation Policy
call us on +34 922 433 001 or text us at
