Discover the Azores islands of Pico, São Jorge, and Faial on this 10-day self-guided walking tour
Explore the Azores Triangle, experiencing the unspoiled landscapes of the archipelago’s three main islands on this whimsical walking holiday! The Azores Triangle Walking Tour invites you to explore the Azorean islands of Pico, São Jorge, and Faial, spending 10 days walking the islands’ most remarkable landscapes at your own pace.
The walking adventure begins on Pico Island, where you’ll spend four magical days navigating sensational stretches of dramatic coast, fairytale-like Macaronesia forest, and of course, the mighty Mount Pico (2351m, 7713 ft). The adventure continues as you then spend two full days on the beautiful island of São Jorge, enjoying scenic walks as you soak up stunning views of blue volcanic pools and crystal-clear lagoons. Your final days of the tour are spent unearthing hidden gems and natural treasures on the island of Faial, where astonishing volcanic landscapes will surround you.
In addition to experiencing the best of the natural landscapes that the Azores Triangle has to offer, you’ll also experience the heart and soul of the three islands. The islands produce superb local wines that are quickly becoming popular worldwide, and the local catch of the day never disappoints!
This self-guided walking adventure allows you to experience the best of these three islands stress-free, without the headache of planning your own adventure-packed itinerary! Satisfy your sense of wanderlust on this fabulous tour of the Azores Triangle.
Highlights of the The Azores Triangle Walking Tour
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The Azores Triangle Walking Tour
Day 1 Arrival
Your adventure on Pico begins in the south of the island where you’ll find your comfortable accommodations.
If time permits, set out on a whale watching adventure, or perhaps unwind after your flight by the lovely hotel pool.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lajes do Pico
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore the Southern Coast of Pico Island
A taxi transfer will take you to the start of today’s route just above Silveira. Today’s walk unfolds in the mighty presence of Portugal’s highest mountain, Mount Pico (2351m, 7713 ft), which will remain your constant companion for most of today’s route.
The route follows the coastline back to the hotel, introducing you to some of the best-kept secrets of the island’s southern coast along the way.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lajes do Pico
Distance: 2.5-4.5 hours, 9 km-17 km, 10m-25m of ascent, 90m-770m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Fairytale Forest Adventure and Views of Mount Pico
Bound for the island's central plateau, you'll enjoy a scenic route to the island's northern coast today, where you'll be met by more spectacular views of Mount Pico. You'll also spot your next island-hopping destination of São Jorge!
The route continues through enchanting Macaronesia forest, eventually concluding on a pretty pebble beach where you'll be met by a taxi transfer that will take you back to your accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lajes do Pico
Distance: 4 hours, 10.5 km, 100m of ascent, 800m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Choice of Walks on Pico Island
Today marks your final day on the beautiful island of Pico. There are two route options to choose from today.
Option 1:
Walk from Lagoa do Capitão Lake to São Roque through a scenic forest. A taxi will pick you up at the end of the route to transfer you to the harbour, where you’ll set sail for São Jorge.
Option 2:
Walk along the eastern coast of the island, among the world-class vineyards that carpet the land in vines here, ending in the harbour of Madalena where you’ll set sail for São Jorge.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Velas, São Jorge
Distance: Option 1: 4 hours, 10 km, 25m of ascent, 770m of descent
Option 2: 3 hours, 9 km, 100m of ascent, 100m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Pico da Esperança and Fajã do Ouvidor
Your exploration of the island São Jorge kicks off today with a short taxi transfer to the highest point on the island, Pico da Esperanza (1053m, 3454 ft)!
The route is lengthy but not particularly challenging and will afford you spectacular views of the four islands that surround São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Graciosa, and Terceira.
The route ends in Fajã do Ouvidor, where you’ll be amazed by the natural blue volcanic pools found on the coast.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Velas, São Jorge
Distance: 7 hours, 18 km, 250m of ascent, 1000m of descent.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Explore the Northern Coast of São Jorge Island
The day begins with a quick transfer to today’s trailhead, where you’ll set out on an unforgettable walk. Following a lush trail, you’ll descend to the fajãs of Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Fajãs are flat portions of land that flank the sea and are formed from the debris of the coast’s eroding cliffs.
Caldeira do Santo Cristo is known for its delectable clam dishes, so you needn’t look any further for lunch ideas!
A final descent leads you to a vista point overlooking a thundering waterfall and the fajãs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Velas, São Jorge
Distance: 4 hours, 11 km, 50m of ascent, 650m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Set Sail for Faial Island
A taxi transfer will take you to the harbour this morning, where you’ll set sail for Horta on the island of Faial. Once on the island, a taxi will take you to your accommodations.
Enjoy a day at your leisure, relaxing by the pool or exploring the picturesque village of Hora. For those interested in walking today, a short leisurely route is also available.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Horta, Faial
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Views from the Caldeira Volcano
Today marks your exciting introduction to the spectacular island of Faial. The adventure begins right away this morning with a transfer to Caldeira, a 2 km wide and 500m deep volcano. The volcano marks the highest point on the island and provides sweeping views of Graciosa, São Jorge, and Pico.
The route unfolds along the margin of the peak before leading you downhill through an enchanting forest. Following a levada (aqueduct), you’ll embark on another ascent to Cabeço do Fogo before a final descent through the Reserva Florestal de Capelo.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Horta, Faial
Distance: 5 hours, 15 km, 150m of ascent, 700m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Capelinhos Volcano and Lighthouse
Today’s route has you join the final stretch of the 10 Volcão route, leading you to the beautiful Capelinhos lighthouse. The route has you passing several craters along the way, bust saves the best for last, as your final destination will introduce you to the (thankfully!) monogenetic volcano, Capelhinos, whose last (and only) eruption was in 1957.
Spend some time perusing the visitor’s center, learning about this fascinating natural landmark and what makes it so unique before following the trail along the south coast until you reach Varadouro. A transfer will then take you back to your accommodations in Horta.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Horta, Faial
Distance: 2.5-4.5 hours, 6.5 km-13 km, 200m-300m of ascent, 350m-450m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Departure
This morning following breakfast, your island-hopping adventure of the Azores Triangle will conclude, but not before one last sail on the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. A ferry will take you back to Pico Island, where you can then make your way to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departures on November 1st, 2023 - March 23rd, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $2,650 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,925 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,475 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,250 USD
Departures on March 24th - 28th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $2,825 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $2,150 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,595 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,350 USD
Departures on March 29th - June 8th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $2,975 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $2,295 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,675 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,395 USD
Departures on June 9th - September 23rd, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $3,225 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $2,550 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,795 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,525 USD
Departures on September 24th - October 23rd, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $2,975 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $2,295 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,675 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,395 USD
Departures on October 24th - 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $3,395 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $2,575 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,925 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,625 USD
Departures on November 1st - December 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveler: $2,975 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $2,295 USD
- Sharing a double room: $1,675 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $1,495 USD
Accommodation on the Azores Triangle Walking Tour
This tour is based in carefully selected 3-star and 4-star hotels. The accommodations are excellently located and are either equipped with basic or modern amenities. All accommodations offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
The cost for solo travellers or those wanting a private room is as reflected above.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Aldeia da Fonte on Pico ★★★★
Six beautifully constructed volcanic stone houses form this nature-focused hotel, boasting stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby gardens.
Hotel São Jorge Garden in Velas ★★★
This serene property offers guests the chance to relax in a beautiful setting overlooking gorgeous gardens and the sparkling sea.
Hotel do Canal in Horta ★★★★
This oceanfront hotel offers guests breathtaking views over the bay and Pico Mountain.
What’s Included in the Azores Triangle Walking Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included on this tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Private transfers and ferry rides are included according to the itinerary. All luggage transport is included as per the itinerary. A transfer from Pico Airport (PIX) to your first hotel in Lajes is included, as well as a transfer from your last accommodations in Horta to the port, and from the port to Pico Airport (PIX).
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- 24-hour phone assistance
Not included
- Flights to and from Azores
- Public transport transfers
- Tickets for Capelinhos Visitor’s Centre
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Whale watching tour on Pico Island
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Azores Triangle Walking Tour
Explore the hidden corners of Europe by bike or on foot with S-Cape. Their self-guided trips have been hand-crafted by local experts to highlight every detail of your destination. S-Cape designs tours that allow you to explore without restrictive timetables and immerse yourself in the diverse culture and natural beauty of Europe at your own pace.
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