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Overview

Our popular self-guided Sao Miguel walking holiday is a great way to explore the beautiful and varied landscapes of Azores’ largest island.

We’ve been walking Sao Miguel’s extensive trail network for over twenty years, and we can honestly say there’s no better way to experience the magnificent volcanic landscapes of this stunning island. From the iconic Cumeeiras trail at Sete Cidades, to the volcanic shores of Lagoa das Furnas, and the secluded Lagoa do Fogo ‘Lake of Fire’ levada trail – we specialise in tailor-made walking holidays to suit all abilities.

You’ll split your stay between Sao Miguel’s cultural centre Ponta Delgada, capital of the Azores, and the rural peace of the Furnas valley – home to the famous hot springs and Terra Nostra botanical gardens. We can include return transfers for each walk or you might prefer a hire car for added freedom, and our detailed route maps and guides allow you to explore Sao Miguel at your own pace.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1

You’ll begin your holiday by flying to the main Azores island of Sao Miguel. You’ll be collected on arrival by our driver for your transfer to the Furnas valley.

Day 2

For your first day, you’ll explore the Furnas valley with a walk around the shores of Lagoa das Furnas (approximate walking time: 2.5 hours, walk distance: 9km. Grade: easy). The trail ends at the 200-year-old Terra Nostra botanical gardens - home to the Azores’ most famous geothermal swimming pool. On the journey home, you might like to take a detour to Europe's oldest tea plantation at Gorreana.

Day 3

We'll deliver a hire car so you can begin exploring further afield, beginning with the Sanguinho trail (approximate walking time 2-3 hours, walk distance 4.5km, grade: moderate) - a circular walk which begins and ends south coast village of Faial de Terra. You’ll follow the old cobbled trail up the steep valley to the once-deserted village of Sanguinho and the beautiful waterfall of Salto do Prego.

Day 4

You'll explore the north east of Sao Miguel today with a walk to summit of Pico da Vara (approximate walking time 5 hours; walk distance 8km. Grade: Moderate to Hard). At 1103m, this is the highest point on Sao Miguel – and weather-permitting, you’ll have a magnificent view along the full length of the island, and south across the sea to the neighbouring island of Santa Maria.

Day 5

You'll leave Furnas today, driving west for your stay in the capital Ponta Delgada.

Day 6

One of the island's most popular walks follows the Lagoa do Fogo trail (approximate walking time 4.5-5 hours; walk distance 12km. Grade: Moderate). Lagoa do Fogo sits in the youngest of Sao Miguel’s volcanoes – the trail follows a levada from the south coast, up through the dense cedar forest to the lakeshore at 600m.

Day 7

You'll end your stay with one of our favourite walks in the Azores: the Cumeeiras trail (approximate walking time 4 hours; walk distance 12km. Grade: Moderate). The walk follows the northern rim of the Sete Cidades Volcano - the largest caldera on the island.

Day 8

You'll return your hire car to the airport before flying home.

From £1400 pp

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

INCLUDED: international flights, accommodation in twin/double en-suite rooms on a B&B basis, airport transfers, return transfers for your walks or a hire car.

Accommodation

Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Hotel do Colegio A friendly hotel in Ponta Delgada's historic centre From £98 pppn

Activities

Self-guided walking A self-guided walking holiday is one of the best ways to explore…

Location

Sao Miguel Sao Miguel’s direct flight connections with the UK, USA and Canada make…

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