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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.

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 remote east of Sao Miguel today with a walk above the ocean at Nordeste (approximate walking time 2-3 hours, walk distance 6km, grade: moderate) - a short circular walk around Lomba da Fazenda in the Nordeste region of Sao Miguel. The route criss-crosses the Ribeira do Guilherme river valley and you'll be rewarded with great views. You might like to take your swimming costume and swim in the Piscina da Boca da Ribeira seawater swimming pool which you’ll pass by on the walk.

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 £1500 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

Casa das Palmeiras
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel

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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