Walking Holiday in Portugal - Azores

Flores is the most western of the Azores Islands and is ‘pink’ due to the masses of beautiful pink azaleas and hydrangeas that grow all over the island. You will explore caldera rims and go up to the highest viewpoint Morro Alto at 911m with stunning scenery.

Corvo is the smallest of the Azores Islands and is home to several orchards and fruit trees. Your amazing walk here begins with a boat trip from Flores and then a short taxi ride up to the rim of the caldera, followed by an unforgettable walk around a lake filled crater back into town.

Faial is famous for its stewed octopus in wine amongst the Azoreans - you should most certainly try some! The walking here takes you to volcanic crater rims with breathtaking views and the opportunity to explore the lighthouse and museum which shows the history of volcanic eruptions.

Pico is the most volcanic of the Azores Islands and renowned for its almost perfectly coned mountain of Pico Alto standing at 2352m making it the highest peak in all of Portugal. Our adventurous walk takes you to the top of this fascinating mountain. You can also enjoy stunning walks through interesting fauna and picturesque villages.

São Jorge has the most-jagged coastline of the Azores Islands and offers spectacular waterfalls, lush ravines and the chance to explore the interesting fishing village of Velas.

Guided Walking

We include eight guided walks in a 14 night stay (two on Flores, one on Faial, two on Pico and three on São Jorge). Walks are from 3 - 9 miles in length and considered easy or moderate.

We offer guided walks to the most western point in Europe, past lakes and to the fields of the Fajã Grande in Flores. In Faial we offer a guided half day or a guided full day of the island which takes you to the highest point and stops at Capelinhos (the remains of the last volcanic eruption). We offer guided walks to lava fields and vineyards with stunning panoramic views over the mountain and ocean in Pico. In São Jorge we offer guided walks which take you up to the highest mountain on the island and to the western corner along stunning cliffs.

Please note guided walks require a minimum of 2 people. All walks include an English speaking guide and all necessary transportation.

Self-Guided Itinerary (please note these are proposed itineraries,  they are subject to change if flight times change).

Day 1 Arrive São Miguel. Overnight São Miguel (B&B).

Day 2 Take a morning flight to Flores. This walk takes you to the most western point in Europe! This walk is full of contrasts from the crater lakes of the high moorland at about 600m high down to the town of Faja Grande on the coast. On a clear day the circular, somewhat eerie lakes are incredibly impressive, with good views up to the highest point of the island, Morro Alto at 911m.  When you reach the edge of the cliff and descend, there are jaw-dropping views down to the town of Faja Grande and the coast. Overnight Flores (HB – B&B if staying at Hotel Ocidental.

Ascent: 160m. Descent: 720m. Distance: 4.5 miles. Time: 3.5 hours.

Day 3 An amazing trip to the small island of Corvo (check weather conditions on arrival in Flores), a taxi ride up to the rim of the caldera, then an unforgettable walk around the lake filled crater and back down to the town. The skipper Carlos will advise you when a trip might be possible with regard to the weather and sea conditions. Overnight Flores (HB – B&B if staying at Hotel Ocidental.

Ascent: 200m. Descent: 750m. Distance: 6.75 miles. Time: 3.5- 4 hours.

Day 4 A gorgeous linear walk first along some interesting old ‘donkey trails’ through woodland up into the hills and down to the coast to a lovely sheltered lunch spot. Then either take the adventurous levada route or the more sedate version up into the hills behind Santa Cruz, and back down into the town with superb views over the town and the runway which bisects it! Overnight Flores (HB – B&B if staying at Hotel Ocidental.

Ascent: 650m. Descent: 840m. Distance: 7 miles. Time: 5 hours.

Day 5 Spend the morning exploring this lovely island of Flores before taking a midday flight to Horta (Faial). Check in to the hotel and take one of our walks to Rocha da Faja. This shortish walk is ideal as an introduction to the Fajas of the Azores. Overnight Faial (HB).

Ascent: 300m. Descent: 295m. Distance: 4 miles. Time: 2.5 hours.

Day 6 This walk in Faial is superb with stunning views and an opportunity to explore the crater rim of Cabeco Verde, ending at the Lighthouse and Museum in Capelinhos showing the history of the volcanic eruption.  This museum is underground beneath the existing lighthouse which was atop a two storey building engulfed by the ash of the 1957 eruptions. Overnight Faial (HB).

Ascent: 450m. Descent: 500 m. Distance: 4.5 miles. Time: 2.5-3 hours.

Day 7 Choose another of our walks on Faial, for example walk from the Caldera to Parque Florestal do Capelo. 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. Overnight Faial (HB).

Ascent: nil. Descent: 800m. Distance: 10 miles. Time: 4.5 hours.

Day 8 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. Overnight Pico (B&B – HB if staying at Whale’combe).

Ascent: 120m. Descent: 250m. Distance: 7 miles. Time: 2.5 hours (excluding the top of Mount Pico).

Day 9 Take a half day whale watching (optional extra) or take the following walk. This is a stunning walk but with mostly descents from 800m 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. Overnight Pico (B&B – HB if staying at Whale’combe).

Ascent: 45m. Descent: 825m. Distance: 4.5 miles. Time: 3.5 hours.

Day 10 For most of the year this is a dramatic coastal walk but an inland diversion has to be used for the last section from the 15th May to 30th July, the terns' nesting season. This is round the Eastern Point (Ponta Da Ilha) of the Island. Overnight Pico (B&B – HB if staying at Whale’combe).

Ascent: 60m. Descent: 75m. Distance: 3.75 miles. Time: 3.5 hours.

Day 11 Take a morning ferry from Pico to São Jorge, check in to your hotel and take the opportunity to explore the small fishing village of Velas, or take a walk to the top of a nearby hill for panoramic views. Overnight São Jorge (B&B).

Ascent: 130m. Descent: 590m. Distance: 7.25 miles. Time: 3.5 hours (excluding possible extensions).

Day 12 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. Overnight São Jorge (B&B).

Ascent: 100m. Descent: 700m. Distance: 5 miles. Time: 4 hours.

Day 13 An easy walk through meadowlands to the lighthouse at the far end of São Jorge. Although the lighthouse is of little appeal, the views from the cliffs are spectacular. Sit here for a picnic and feel the real remoteness of these islands. There are possible sightings of dolphins and whales. Overnight São Jorge (B&B).

Ascent: 200m. Descent: 200m. Distance: 6 miles. Time: 3 hours.

Day 14 Fly to São Miguel (Ponta Delgada). Choose from one of our many walks on this large and intriguing island. Overnight São Miguel (HB).

Day 15 Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Western & Central Islands – Flores, Corvo, Faial, Pico & São Jorge

Included						Not Included
ü		14 night’s accommodation				û	Lunches & drinks with meals
ü		14 breakfasts				û	10 dinners (standard grade) 7 dinners (higher grade)
ü		4 dinners (standard grade) 7 dinners (higher grade)				û	Travel Insurance (required)
ü		Transfers between airports, ferry ports and hotels
ü		Inter-island flight from Ponta Delgada to Flores, flight from Flores to Faial, ferry from Faial to Pico, ferry from Pico to São Jorge and flight from São Jorge back to Ponta Delgada
ü		Route notes & walking map
Optional Extras
Ø	‘With flights’ includes typical flight prices between London Gatwick and Ponta Delgada airport. Flights are also available from many local airports (exact price for your dates available on request).
Ø	8 days guided walking is available at a supplement (English speaking guide and transport included)

All prices valid for 2023

Prices are per person in GBP / UK £ and are based on a shared twin/double standard room.

14 Nights – Standard Grade hotels (1 night São Miguel, 3 nights Flores, 3 nights Faial, 3 nights Pico, 3 nights São Jorge, 1 night São Miguel)

Dates	With Flights	Without Flights	Extra Night	Single Supplement	8 days Guided Walking Supplement
01 May – 15 Jun	1931	1741	POA	33	437
16 Jun – 30 Sep	2024	1804	POA	40	437
01 Oct – 31 Oct	1805	1615	POA	33	437

POA – Price on application

Room upgrades (per person per night):

Hotel Vila Nova:

·       Junior suite £53

·       Suite deluxe £87

Hotel Ocidental:

Suite £18

Hotel Do Canal:

·       Executive Double £24

·       Suite £54

Hotel Casa Do Antonio:

Tower room £13

14 Nights – Higher Grade hotels (1 night São Miguel, 3 nights Flores, 3 nights Faial, 3 nights Pico, 3 nights São Jorge, 1 night São Miguel)

Dates	With Flights	Without Flights	Extra Night	Single Supplement	8 days Guided Walking Supplement
01 May – 15 Jun	2161	1971	POA	40	437
16 Jun – 30 Sep	2295	2075	POA	45	437
01 Oct – 31 Oct	2081	1891	POA	40	437

POA – Price on application

Room upgrades (per person per night):

Hotel Do Colegio:

·       Superior Room £13

·       Suite £13

·       Superior Suite £23

Hotel Das Flores:

·       Sea View Superior Room £10

·       Sea View Suite £13

Pousada da Horta:

·       Sea View Superior Room £15

·       Suite £18

Hotel Caravelas:

Suite £22

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.

Hotel Ocidental, Flores - 2 Star

Hotel das Flores, Flores - 4 Star

Pousada da Horta, Faial - 4 Star

Hotel Do Canal, Faial - 4 Star

Whale'come, Pico - 2 Star

Alojamento Bela Vista, Pico - 3 Star

Hotel Caravelas, Pico - 4 Star

Hotel Casa do Antonio, São Jorge - 2 Star

Hotel São Jorge, São Jorge - 3 Star

MS Vila Nova Hotel, Ponta Delgada - 3 Star

Hotel Do Colégio, São Miguel - 4 Star

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 - Portugal - Azores - Western & Central Islands

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