Overview

Our Self-Guided Sao Miguel Walking Holiday is the ideal 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 than on foot.

From the iconic Mata do Canario trail at Sete Cidades to the secluded Lagoa do Fogo ‘Lake of Fire’ levada trail, via the geysers at Lagoa das Furnas. We specialise in personalised walking holidays to suit all abilities, and we’ll provide you with all the online guides and maps you’ll need to navigate the best of Sao Miguel’s walking trails.

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 the 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.

Itinerary

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.
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.
You'll begin exploring further afield with a walk along the Ribeira do Faial da Terra trail (approximate walking time 3 hours, walk distance 6km, 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 Salto do Prego waterfall.
You’ll head north to walk the Salto do Cabrito trail (approximate walking time 3 hours, walk distance: 8km, grade: easy to moderate). This circular route which begins and ends at the hot springs at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, taking you to the pretty Salto do Cabrito waterfall
You'll leave Furnas today, driving west for your stay in the capital Ponta Delgada. Enroute, you’ll walk on of the island's most popular walks to Lagoa do Fogo, the ‘Lake of Fire’ (approximate walking time 5 hours, walk distance 12km, grade: moderate).
Today’s walk follows the Rotas da Agua – Entre Tuneis trail from Remedios to Agua de Pau, via the Janela do Inferno natural springs. (approximate walking time: 5 hours, walk distance: 15km, grade: moderate).
You'll end your stay with one of our favourite walks in the Azores: the Mata do Canario 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.
You'll return your hire car to the airport before flying home.

From £1900 per person

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.

Location

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