Walking Holidays in Portugal - Azores - Island Hopping in the Azores - Eastern & Central Islands
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Walking Holiday in Portugal - Azores
It is hard to believe that the Azores are part of Europe. Born from the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, this lush green archipelago of volcanic islands is a far cry from continental Portugal. The nine Islands of the Azores are Europe's western most point located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores have long been known as one of the most scenically varied areas to explore, each of the nine islands has its own characteristics, from steep craters to abundant wildlife and sites of historical interest. The islands of the Azores are a paradise for walkers and nature lovers with their blue lakes bordered by flowers, dazzling views of the sea from high in the hills and lush green landscapes of ancient volcanic craters.
This 14-night island hopping holiday features the best of the Eastern and Central Islands of the Azores including Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial & Santa Maria.
Sao Miguel is famous for its beautiful landscapes and exceptional volcanic lakes. The largest of the Azorean islands it is known as Ilhe Verde - Green Island. A stunning coastline of small bays with black sand and precipitous sea cliffs interspersed with small harbours add further interest. The island features three major calderas (volcanic craters) now with lakes sparkling at the bottom. Sete Citdades even has a village at the bottom of the crater and two lakes one blue and one contrasting green.
Sao Jorge has the most-jagged coastline of the Azores Islands, with coastal cliffs surrounded at sea level by Fajas. These small flat pieces of land are formed by lava flows and are distinctive features of the Azores. Discover spectacular waterfalls, lush ravines and the chance to explore the interesting fishing village of Velas.
Pico is the most volcanic of the Azores Islands, renowned for its almost perfectly coned mountain of Pico Alto standing at 2352m, making it the highest peak in all of Portugal. Enjoy stunning walks through interesting fauna and picturesque villages. The local approach to wine production and vineyard culture has been preserved through the years, making for remarkable scenery of unique vineyards and dark grey basalt.
Faial is known as the Blue Island for the abundance of blue hydrangeas seen all over the island and due to its deep relationship with the sea, with its harbour proving important for many adventurous transatlantic sailors. Famous for its stewed octopus in wine amongst the Azoreans - you should most certainly try some! Faial island offers a contrasting picture of rich and diverse flora and a dry lunar landscape. The walking here takes you to volcanic crater rims with breath-taking views and the opportunity to explore the lighthouse and museum which shows the history of volcanic eruptions.
Santa Maria is the oldest of the Azores Islands and being the most eastern and southern island, its climate is also much drier. Due to its drier climate, Santa Maria offers unique characteristics including fascinating rock formations and stunning fauna (it is a geologists and botanist's paradise). It also features what is considered by many to be the best beach in the Azores, Praia Formosa.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SAO MIGUEL
Arrive at your hotel in Sao Miguel.
Take the bus (payable locally) to Furnas and walk to the Lagoa das Furnas. The walk starts and finishes in the attractive village of Furnas, with an optional extra walk round the village at the end. Confirmation of the volcanic origins of São Miguel is nowhere more evident than here. The picturesque Parque Terra Nostra is in the village centre, together with thermal baths.
Take the bus (payable locally) to Sete Cidades, set within the volcanic crater containing Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, a must on any visit to São Miguel. One route takes you up to the crater rim on the west side of the lakes, finally descending to the small village of Joao Bom.
Take the bus (payable locally) to Povocao. This walk takes you from almost sea level, steeply uphill across meadows, through dense woodland, alongside a levada (water channel), and finally over heather covered mountainside to arrive at the remote shore of Lagoa do Fogo, the highest lake of São Miguel.
An early start if you wish to get a walk in before your flight to Sao Jorge. Take a short taxi ride (payable locally) to Nine Windows Wall where the route takes you around the east and north sides of the crater rim of the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. After only a short climb the track undulates along the ridge, affording splendid views on both sides. An option exists to extend the walk to cover the west rim as well as far as Vista do Rei, and then descend past Lagoa Verde to the village. Transfer to the airport to take an afternoon flight to Sao Jorge (50 minutes), then transfer to your hotel to relax for the evening.
A real ‘must do’ walk with great variety from misty hills, lush ravines and waterfalls to high cliffs and an insight to life on the Fajas. Plenty of places to linger by the sea for a picnic so be generous with your time in arranging return transport.
An easy walk, through meadowlands to the lighthouse at the far end of São Jorge, the views from the cliffs are spectacular. Sit here for a picnic and feel the real remoteness of these islands, with possible sightings of dolphins and whales.
Take the ferry over to Pico and enjoy an easy walk down the lower slopes of Mount Pico with interesting lava tunnels at the start and superb views over to Faial. Or you can opt for a more adventurous walk to the top of Mount Pico (2351m) guide compulsory, best arranged in advance.
Take a half day whale watching (optional extra) or take the following walk. This is a stunning walk but with mostly descents down to sea level. The first section is very easy amongst wild scenery contrasting with the second half which is mainly down through interesting vegetation and forest leading to the picturesque village of Sao Roque. This could be a superb full day walk using your extra time to explore Sao Roque, visiting its Whaling Museum and maybe having a swim in the sea.
Transfer to the port of Madalana for the ferry across to Horta on Faial, check in to your hotel and take one of our walks to Rocha da Faja. This short walk is ideal as an introduction to the Fajas of the Azores.
In good weather this is the highlight of walking on Faial. Walk around the rim of a volcano (dormant), the Caldeira crater, it is breathtaking along with views over Faial and to the ocean and islands in the distance.
This walk is superb with stunning views and an opportunity to explore two crater rims, ending at the Museum in Capelinhos showing the history of the Capelinhos eruption, which only happened just over 60 years ago. Then take an evening flight to Santa Maria.
Today’s walk is the first section of the round island GR walk and can be done alone or combined with the next section. It is an exhilarating walk, first along the cliffs then the sea edge for the last section of the walk. It is a dream for amateur geologists and botanists with the fascinating rock formations and the profusion of plants, beautiful flowers and butterflies. The second section, if you wish to continue today, takes you through sleepy hamlets, past a whale observation point and close to some impressive hexagonal basalt formations like those found on the Giant’s Causeway.
This fantastic walk could be done as one very long day's walk, but can also be tackled in sections, or a variety of combinations of sections from east to west. It starts at the beautiful Sao Laurenco Bay on the east coast and immediately climbs up a dramatic cliff, thereafter, undulating through picturesque countryside and gradually ascending into forest to the highest point of the island where you are rewarded with spectacular views all around. A delightful, easy descent through pleasant woodland brings you back to follow the path along the north coast past the island's tiny 'desert' and along stunning cliffs with spectacular views to the sea below and ahead towards the plain. The walk finishes in Anjos, where you can see the chapel where Columbus went to Mass on his return from the New World.
Stage1: 6 KM/4 MI/3 HRS
Stage 2: 8 KM/5 MI/4 HRS
Stage 3: 5 KM/3 MI/2 HRS
Stage 4: 8 KM/5 MI/4 HRS
Stages 1-4 combined: 27 KM/17 MI/ 11 HRS
ISLAND HOPPING IN THE
AZORES - Eastern & Central Islands
This 14 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
· Hotel-to-hotel accommodation
· All breakfasts and 8 evening meals
· Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
· Route directions and maps
· Luggage transfers between hotels
· Internal flights and ferries
DATES AND PRICES
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
Prices are per person in GBP / UK £ and are based on a shared twin/double standard room.
14 Nights – 4 nights São Miguel, 3 nights São Jorge, 2 nights Pico, 2 nights Faial & 3 nights Santa Maria
|
Dates |
With Flights |
Without Flights |
|
01 Apr – 30 Oct |
1959 |
1739 |
HOLIDAY DETAILS
Singles
Add £546 single supplement. solo traveller supplement £100 on holiday and £34
solo supp for transfers if travelling by Air
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater
appointed agent.
Departures
Selected Departures from 1st Apr 2023 to
30th Oct 2023, for 14 nights. All dates are subject to availability,
please contact us to check.
Meals
All breakfasts and 8 evening meals
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
The above prices include our standard flights/transfers
Out: TAP Air Portugal London Heathrow to Ponta
Delgada via Lisbon 08:00/14:05. Transfer from Ponta Delgada Airport to hotel in
Ponta Delgada. Return: Transfer from Santa Maria hotel to Santa Maria Airport.
TAP Air Portugal Ponta Delgada to London Heathrow via Lisbon 15:15/22:55.
Internal flights are included in the flight inclusive and land only prices. Day
5 Ponta Delgada to Sao Jorge 14:15/15:10 Day 12 Horta to Santa Maria via Ponta
Delgada 16:15/19:55 Day 15 Santa Maria to Ponta Delgada 07:25/07:55
Alternative Air
Flights can be arranged from most UK airports, with
connecting transfers as required, prices and details on request.
This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.
MS Vila Nova Hotel, Ponta Delgada - 3 Star
Hotel Do Colégio, São Miguel - 4 Star
This beautiful hotel is located on a quiet side street within the historical centre of Ponta Delgada yet is still within easy walking distance of all the places of interest. The building dates back to the 19th century and was later adapted to house a private school; it was also the first address of the Regional Conservatory of Music with some of its original features maintained. There is also an outdoor swimming pool for guests to use. You can enjoy breakfast and dinner in Cantina do Colégio Restaurant which serves a signature cuisine made from locally grown ingredients.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, air conditioning, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Hotel Talisman, São Miguel - 4 Star
This charming Art Deco Boutique hotel is located in the historical centre of Ponta Delgada and dates back to the 18thcentury. The partially covered outdoor swimming pool offers stunning views over the city, ocean and mountains. The Palm Terrace Restaurant has two modern dining rooms with an outdoor terrace serving seafood and Portuguese cuisine. There is also a Skylight Bar and Lounge where you can enjoy an after-dinner cocktail.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, air conditioning, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
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Hotel Casa do Antonio, São Jorge - 2 Star
Located only 100 metres from the harbour and 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, this small hotel was lovingly created by the owner Antonio Pedroso a local artist, keen walker and musician. There are 8 spacious rooms many with views across the harbour. There is a larger tower room available at a supplement which has a harbour view and a bath. A delightful breakfast is taken in the hotel.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, air conditioning and private bathroom with WC and shower.
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Hotel São Jorge, São Jorge - 3 Star
Located in the harbour town of Velas, Hotel São Jorge is just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. All the spacious rooms face the sea with a view of Pico and its iconic volcano from the balcony. Buffet breakfast is taken in the hotel. There is an outdoor swimming pool open in the summer.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, air conditioning and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
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Whale'come, Pico - 2 Star
Located in Lajes do Pico, you can stay at this characteristic hotel if you have opted to pre-book the whale watching excursion. Some of the comfortable rooms offer lovely views of the sea or mountains. Breakfast and dinner is taken in the on-site cosy restaurant.
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Alojamento Bela Vista, Pico - 3 Star
Situated in Lajes do Pico this lovely hotel offers bright, comfortable rooms, some with mountain or sea views. The communal sun terrace has beautiful views over rooftops towards the sea and Mount Pico. Buffet breakfast is taken in the hotel and dinner in a nearby restaurant behind the church facing the sea.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, air conditioning and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
Hotel Caravelas, Pico - 4 Star
Located on Madalena, Pico Island, Caravelas is just opposite the ferry terminal surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on 3 sides and overlooks Faial Island. The pleasant rooms feature private balconies with ocean, courtyard or Mount Pico views. Buffet breakfast is taken in the hotel and dinner in a nearby restaurant. There is an outdoor swimming pool available for guests to use.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
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Hotel Do Canal, Faial - 4 Star
Located on the ocean front, this boutique hotel has great panoramic views over the city bay and Mount Pico. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, you will relax here in no time. Breakfast and dinner are taken in the hotel restaurant which serves local specialities.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, safe, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
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Pousada da Horta, Faial - 4 Star
The Pousada was fully renovated in 2004 and is housed in a 16th century historic fort. The hotel is well located on the harbour front of Horta. Buffet breakfast is served daily and can also be enjoyed on the poolside terrace. They also have an on-site restaurant which serves delicious local dishes.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, air conditioning and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
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Hotel Santa Maria, Santa Maria - 3 Star
This pleasant hotel features a large green garden with a lovely outdoor swimming pool (seasonal). The rooms are spacious and warmly decorated each with a garden view. The Insula restaurant offers a selection of international and Portuguese dishes for your buffet breakfast and dinner.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, air conditioning, safe and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
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Charming Blue, Santa Maria - 4 Star
Located in the heart of Santa Maria, this hotel is indeed very charming. Delightfully modern and welcoming, Charming Blue has recently been renovated with beautiful exposed stonework and huge windows peering out onto the gardens and outdoor swimming pool. Try delicious Portuguese cuisine at their lovely restaurant Mesa d’Oito.
All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, telephone, air conditioning, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom with WC, shower/bath and hairdryer.
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Availability Information
Walking is possible all year around in the Azores. Spring is
early so April and May are good times and Autumn extends into November. Being
islands in the middle of the Atlantic it does tend to rain with the wettest
months from October to March. The driest are July and August. There is only a
9°C variation (15 - 24°C) in average day time temperature between the coldest and warmest months
so it is never very cold nor are there any prolonged hot days.
Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.
When to book your walking holiday in Portugal - Azores - Island Hopping in the Azores - Eastern & Central Islands| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| OK | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Good | Good | OK |