prived transfers included to/from your accommodation
Waymarked trails + GPX tracking files
in 2 small charming hotels:
◇ STANDARD OPTION Hotel Canadiano *** (Ponta Delgada) Hotel Colombo **** (Vila do Porto)
◆ UPGRADE OPTION Hotel São Miguel Park **** (Ponta Delgada) Hotel Charming Blue **** (Vila do Porto)
transfers
Taxi transfers to each walk, and return to the hotel.
accommodation
small charming hotels in strategic locations, with breakfast included.
local flight
20 minutes air connection between the 2 Azores islands
6 walks
of approx. 7 ~14 km each, to discover São Miguel & Santa Maria.
STAGES AND ACCOMMODATION:
Arrival in Ponta Delgada | SÃO MIGUEL
airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel.
1st night in Ponta Delgada – SÃO MIGUEL:
◇ Hotel Canadiano *** ◆ Hotel São Miguel Park ****
Sete Cidades | SÃO MIGUEL
walking distance: 13,2 Km
ascent: △ 346 m
descent: ▽626 m
2nd night in Ponta Delgada – SÃO MIGUEL:
◇ Hotel Canadiano*** ◆ Hotel São Miguel Park ****
Lagoa das Furnas ▸ Pico do Gaspar | flight to SANTA MARIA
walking distance: 11,3 Km
ascent: △ 273 m
descent: ▽273 m
3rd night in Vila do Porto – SANTA MARIA:
◇ Hotel Colombo **** ◆ Hotel Charming Blue ****
Pico Alto ▸ Ermita dos Anjos | SANTA MARIA
walking distance: 12,9 Km
ascent: △ 189 m
descent: ▽751 m
4th night in Vila do Porto – SANTA MARIA:
◇ Hotel Colombo **** ◆ Hotel Charming Blue ****
Santa Bárbara ▸São Lourenço | SANTA MARIA
walking distance: 10,1 Km
ascent: △ 314 m
descent: ▽314 m
5th night in Vila do Porto – SANTA MARIA:
◇ Hotel Colombo **** ◆ Hotel Charming Blue ****
Santo Espírito ▸ Maia | flight to SÃO MIGUEL
walking distance: 6,8 Km
ascent: △ 257 m
descent: ▽515 m
6th night in Ponta Delgada – SÃO MIGUEL:
◇ Hotel Canadiano*** ◆ Hotel São Miguel Park ****
Lagoa do Fogo▸Praia Agua d'Alto
walking distance: 12,9 Km
ascent: △ 444 m
descent: ▽627 m
7th night in Ponta Delgada – SÃO MIGUEL:
◇ Hotel Canadiano*** ◆ Hotel São Miguel Park ****
departure day
transfer to the airport.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This trip 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.
Azores Santa Maria and São Miguel, 2 exuberant islands
Azores Santa Maria, the southernmost island in the archipelago, is known for its warm climate and abundant sunshine. The island’s landscape features rolling hills, fertile plains, and striking cliffs.
Unlike many of the other islands in the Azores, Santa Maria is renowned for its white sandy beaches, such as Praia Formosa, offering fine sand and crystal-clear waters.
Anjos: A picturesque village in Azores Santa Maria, home to a natural swimming pool and a statue of Christopher Columbus, who stopped here on his return from the Americas.
Pico Alto: The highest point on Azores Santa Maria, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island.
Barreiro da Faneca: Known as the Red Desert, this area in Azores Santa Maria features a unique red clay landscape.
São Lourenço Bay: Famous for its terraced vineyards that cascade down to the sea, creating a stunning view unique to Azores Santa Maria.
São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, is often referred to as the “Green Island” due to its lush and verdant landscapes. It boasts volcanic craters, scenic lakes, and soothing hot springs.
The diverse terrain includes rugged mountains in the west and gently rolling hills and fertile plains in the east.
Sete Cidades: A stunning twin lake set in the crater of a dormant volcano, one of the lakes has green water and the other one, blue, providing some of the most iconic views in the Azores.
Lagoa do Fogo: A pristine lake located in the heart of São Miguel, surrounded by steep hills and lush greenery, ideal for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
Furnas Valley: Known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs, fumaroles, and the Terra Nostra Park, which features a thermal pool and botanical gardens.
Ponta Delgada: The largest city on São Miguel and the administrative capital of the Azores, offering historical architecture, lively markets, and vibrant nightlife.
The nights on the island have a magic of their own. Under a star-studded sky, the silence is palpable, broken only by the distant song of a night bird or the rustle of the wind in the trees. It is a place where time seems to stand still, where the soul can find a deep and renewing peace.
The Azores Santa Maria is not just an island; it is a living poem, an ode to natural beauty and serenity, a corner of the world where every sunrise and sunset paints a unique and ephemeral picture on the horizon of the soul.
The islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria are a poem made islands, a masterpiece of creation where every element, from the smallest flower to the towering volcano, contributes to a perfect harmony. They are islands where the traveller will find beauty around every corner, a haven for the soul and a feast for the senses.
8 days - INDEPENDENT hiking trip
Azores Islands ▸São Miguel
from
1115 €
Hiking week in São Miguel - Azores: 6 walks, luggages & persons transfers, maps, descriptions & GPX-files – Difficulty: ▲▲△△△
Airport pick up and transfer to hotel in Ponta Delgada.
Informative video call to explain all the details of the routes.
◇ Standard Option + Hotel Canadiano *** (Ponta Delgada)
◆ Upgrade Option + Hotel São Miguel Park **** (Ponta Delgada)
2
Day 2
Sete Cidades | SÃO MIGUEL
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.
Sete Cidades is located in the northwest corner of the island. It is an area of lush vegetation, woodland and extensive meadows of lush green where the gentle cattle keep the grass thin and the grasses thin.
After a longer than usual transfer, the route starts at the top of the caldera, descending gradually towards the lakes. A splendid hiking route that leaves everyone fascinated.
↔ 13,2 km | △ 346 m | ▽ 626 m
◇ Standard Option + Hotel Canadiano *** (Ponta Delgada)
◆ Upgrade Option + Hotel São Miguel Park **** (Ponta Delgada)
3
Day 3
Lagoa das Furnas ▸ Pico do Gaspar | a SANTA MARIA
The walk starts directly in the village of Furnas. The trail goes along the Lagoa das Furnas, a lake with calm waters and a serene environment, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Throughout the tour you can observe "fumaroles" and pools of hot water, the result of geothermal activity in the area. On the shore of the lake, you will find the famous caldeiras, where the traditional "cozido das Furnas" is cooked. Here, the pots are buried in the hot volcanic soil to cook slowly and give it its peculiar flavour.
From the southern end of the lake, a path leads you on a continuous ascent to the top of Pico do Gaspar. From an altitude of 500 metres above the sea, Pico do Gaspar offers a spectacular view of the region, with Lagoa das Furnas at your feet.
...And in the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for the 20 minutes flight to Santa Maria Island...
↔ 11,3 km | △ 273 m | ▽ 273 m
◇ Standard Option + Hotel Colombo **** (Vila do Porto)
◆ Upgrade Option + Hotel Charming Blue **** (Vila do Porto)
4
Day 4
Pico Alto▸Ermita dos Anjos | SANTA MARIA
After breakfast our driver will take you to the Pico Alto, almost 600 metres above sea level, the highest point of Santa Maria from where you have a superb view over the whole island.
The walk heads west on a slight descent towards Caldeira, an ancient volcanic cone that can be circled before reaching the village "Chã de São Tomé".
The path then follows the cliffs of the north coast, crossing extensive clayey areas called "Barreiro da Fanega", now under environmental protection, before reaching the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, where our driver will pick you up to take you back to your hotel in Vila do Porto.
↔ 12,9 km | △ 189 m | ▽ 751 m
◇ Standard Option + Hotel Colombo **** (Vila do Porto)
◆ Upgrade Option + Hotel Charming Blue **** (Vila do Porto)
5
Day 5
Santa Bárbara ▸São Lourenço | SANTA MARIA
From the village of Santa Bárbara, in the east of the island, the circular route starts towards the Bay of São Lourenço, through different viewpoints.
After leaving behind old mills (now in ruins) and crossing the quarries that provided the building material for its inhabitants, the path continues towards the cliffs, descending along a zigzagging path to the sea.
On the way back to Santa Barbara you will walk close to a splendid 50 metre high waterfall and new viewpoints overlooking the picturesque bay.
↔ 10,1 km | △ 314 m | ▽ 314 m
◇ Standard Option + Hotel Colombo **** (Vila do Porto)
◆ Upgrade Option + Hotel Charming Blue **** (Vila do Porto)
6
Day 6
Santo Espírito ▸Maia | a SÃO MIGUEL
Today's tour starts in the village of Santo Espírito and ends at the old lighthouse at the southeast end of Santa Maria. A beautiful but demanding route, which allows to leave the island in the last flight of the afternoon.
The path runs along dirt tracks, through farmland, downhill towards Maia, a village on the slopes of which lie centuries-old vineyards.
The road continues along the coastline to the Farol de Gonçalo Velho, the ancient lighthouse that stands on a promontory surrounded by vineyards ...And in the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for the 20-minute flight to São Miguel Island.
↔ 6,8 km | △ 257 m | ▽ 257 m
◇ Standard Option + Hotel Canadiano *** (Ponta Delgada)
◆ Upgrade Option + Hotel São Miguel Park **** (Ponta Delgada)
7
Day 7
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.
From the crests of the lagoon we can see the whole island. The path then follows a descending course towards the south coast, through valleys and mountains, ending at the Agua d'Alto beach.
A spectacular walking tour with countless panoramic views culminating in a swim in the Atlantic before returning to Ponta Delgada.
↔ 12,9 km | △ 444 m | ▽ 627 m
◇ Standard Option + Hotel Canadiano 3* (Ponta Delgada)
◆ Upgrade Option + Hotel São Miguel Park 4* (Ponta Delgada)
8
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 the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria, in a week of hiking. Outrageously green islands with rolling hills, active volcanoes and wild lagoons.
PONTA DELGADA ▸ Hotel São Miguel Park **** (or similar)
◆ UPGRADE OPTION | days 3, 4 & 5
VILA DO PORTO ▸ Hotel Charming Blue **** (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. In addition to the detailed map of the island, 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 made more than 90 days before the arrival date.
PRICES: ◇ STANDARD OPTION
1380 € ▸ 1295€ per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 635 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 2085 € ▸ 1960 €
PRICES: ◆ UPGRADE OPTION
1525 € ▸ 1433€ per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 635 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 2325 € ▸ 2185 €
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. Pay the rest amount 21 days before your arrival date. 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.
What does this programme include?
Accommodations - 7 nights in small charming hotel, B&B basis, 8 days
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day
informative material - maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival
Descriptions & GPX Tracks - to follow the walks on your mobile device
+ Transfers - all necessary luggage & persons transfers for each stage, inc. arrival & departure
Local flight - flight connection between the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria (round trip)
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?
▸Flights to/from Azores island
▸Tourist Tax
▸Lunches & Dinners
Cancellation Policy
▸ Up to 21 days before the date of arrival, 100% refund.
▸Between 15 and 7 days before the arrival date, 50% refund, or free of charge dates change.
▸ Between 6 and 3 days before the arrival date, 25% refund, no date changes permitted.
▸48 hours before the arrival date, 0% refund, no date changes permitted.
Anjos: A picturesque village in Azores Santa Maria, home to a natural swimming pool and a statue of Christopher Columbus, who stopped here on his return from the Americas.
Sete Cidades: A stunning twin lake set in the crater of a dormant volcano, one of the lakes has green water and the other one, blue, providing some of the most iconic views in the Azores.
self-guided ► hotel + breakfast included
self-guided ► hotel + breakfast included
8 days - INDEPENDENT hiking trip
Lagoa das Furnas ▸ Pico do Gaspar | a SANTA MARIA
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. Pay the rest amount 21 days before your arrival date. 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.
Accommodations - 7 nights in small charming hotel, B&B basis, 8 days 
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day 
informative material - maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival 
Descriptions & GPX Tracks - to follow the walks on your mobile device 
+ 
Transfers - all necessary luggage & persons transfers for each stage, inc. arrival & departure 
Local flight - flight connection between the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria (round trip) 
Support 24h - we keep permanently in touch with you throughout your stay to solve any problem or enquiry you may have
