Discover the enchanting beauty of the Azores on foot
The Azores Region of Portugal, comprised of nine volcanic islands, is a magical archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. You'll discover the region's eastern group of islands, Santa Maria and São Miguel, on the Azores Islands Walking Tour.
Unspoiled landscapes, boasting captivating natural beauty, make this 6-day guided walking tour the ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in this stunning region. Walk among the rainbow-coloured flora of Santa Maria, charmed by the chimneyed whitewashed houses and its white sand beaches' turquoise waters. Swoon over its rolling vineyards, which spread out like staircases covering the slopes of this impressive island, as you sample its best wines and authentic cuisine.
Explore the largest island in the archipelago, São Miguel, as you uncover its green-blue lagoons and bathe in its tropical hot springs. Delight in the island's world-famous "Furnas Stew," buried in the earth and cooked by volcanic steam.
Delight your senses on this dreamlike walking tour of the Azores, experiencing the best of the islands on foot.
Highlights of the Azores Islands Walking Tour
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Azores Islands Walking Tour
Day 1 Arrive
Welcome to São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores! Once you touch down at João Paulo II Airport (PDL), a private transfer will take you to your accommodations.
The excitement begins right away with a half-day walking tour of Ponta Delgada. Once a simple fishing village, Ponta Delgada is now a cosmopolitan city and the Azores' largest municipality. Next up, a visit to the urban botanical garden of Jardim António awaits, where you'll delight in hundreds of rare and exotic plants introduced to the island.
To wrap up your first day of exploring in São Miguel, you'll visit the Mercado da Graça, a vibrant local market showcasing the island's exotic produce and artisan cheese. You'll have no doubt scouted an excellent spot for dinner during today's walk. Enjoy a local dinner followed by a good night's rest!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ponta Delgada
Distance: 3 hours, 6 km
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to Sete Cidades
Today’s walk begins at the Muro das Nove Janelas, a stone aqueduct once used to supply water to the public water fountains of Ponta Delgada. Stunning blue-green lagoons grace the trail, as well as several species of endemic flora. Sweeping views of the north and south coasts of the island make this a delightful walk.
The trail will lead you to the center of Sete Cidades, where you’ll discover the beautiful church of São Nicolau. Towering pine trees flank the path leading to the church, and the church itself is built with grey volcanic stone, painted white. This peaceful setting is a delight to explore.
Enjoy a leisurely evening in Ponta Delgada, exploring its lively streets and enjoying another excellent dinner here.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ponta Delgada
Distance: 5 hours, 12 km
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Day 3 Hot Springs at Poça da Dona Beija
Today's walk begins with a stop at Vila Franco do Campo, where you'll spot the Vila Franca Islet, an uninhabited islet rising out of the ocean off the south-central coast of São Miguel. Be sure to try the famous "Queijadas De Vila Franca," a traditional pastry made initially by the convent's nuns here during the 1600s.
On the dreamy banks of Furnas Lake, you'll join a trail bound for Furnas. A visit to the Parque dos Cozidos (not included) will introduce you to the birthplace of this island's famous "Furnas Stew."
Continuing the trail to the Parish of Furnas, you'll visit the Poça da Dona Beija, the highly anticipated geothermal baths (hot springs). Enjoy soaking in the hot mineral-rich waters surrounded by a tropical landscape. From here, you'll head to a local restaurant, where the famous "Furnas Stew" will be served (included) for lunch.
Today's walk ends with a stop at the beautiful tea plantations of Gorreana before returning to your accommodations in Ponta Delgado.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ponta Delgada
Distance: 3 hours, 9.5 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 Waterfall at Faial da Terra
Today’s walk will take you on a short circular route in Faial da Terra alongside the picturesque Faial da Terra stream.
Continuing the trail towards Salto do Prego, you’ll discover one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island, Ribeira do Faial da Terra. For those interested, an icy dip under the cold waterfall is an option here! Feeling refreshed, you’ll continue the trail towards Sanguinho, a charming small village set amidst rich vegetation.
Finally, following the trail back to the parish of Faial da Terra, you’ll complete today’s loop.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ponta Delgada
Distance: 2.5 hours, 4.5 km
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Day 5 Exploring Santa Maria Island
This morning a private transfer will take you to the maritime terminal, where you’ll catch the ferry to Santa Maria Island.
Today you’ll explore your second island in the Azores, the beautiful island of Santa Maria. The trail starts on the forest road of Pico Alto, taking you through the fascinating terrains of the Barreiro da Faneca, with its bright red desert-like sands that flank the landscape.
Continue the trail to the small village of Anjos, set on a beautiful bay and home to a medieval chapel.
Take some time to enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches of Santa Maria as you soak up the splendour of this magical island before catching the ferry back to São Miguel.
Enjoy your final evening in the beautiful Azores with a delicious dinner and some further exploration of Ponta Delgada!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ponta Delgada
Distance: 2 hours, 6.2 km
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch
Day 6 Depart São Miguel
The time has come to bid farewell to the beautiful Azores Islands. After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to João Paulo II Airport (PDL) where you’ll depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Azores Islands Walking Tour Price and Dates
This guided walking tour of the Azores is run as a private tour for your group only and the price is fixed.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Groups of 6+: $1,075 USD per person
Accommodation on the Azores Islands Walking Tour
This tour is based in 4-star hotels. All accommodations on the tour offer comfortable rooms with great locations. Rooms are double occupancy and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel while travelling with your group (please inquire for the prices).
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Ponta Delgado ★★★★
This hotel offers modern amenities and a comfortable stay in an excellent location.
What’s included in the Azores Islands Walking Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 picnics and one lunch are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 5 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Personal and luggage transfer to and from the airport is included, as well as the roundtrip ferry transfer to Santa Maria Island and any necessary vehicle transfers during the tour.
Also Included
- English-speaking nature guide during the activities
- Guided activities mentioned in the itinerary:
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- Jardim António Borges botanical garden
- Tea plantations in Gorreana
Not included
- Flights to and from Ponta Delgada
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
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- Entrance fee in Poca da Dona Beija
- Entrance fee at Terra Nostra Garden
- Entrance fee at Furnas Park
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room supplements
- Any additional nights before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Azores Islands Walking Tour
Algarve Nature Tours is a boutique tour operator that has welcomed visitors to Portugal since 1988. With top-notch experience and personalized service, Algarve Nature Tours aims to offer the best nature tours in the country. Choose your own dates and adventure or let them suggest an itinerary suited to your wishes.
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Map of Azores Islands Walking Tour
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