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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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 : Ponta Delgada

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