- Walking tours on the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria
- São Miguel – green island with lush vegetation, thermal springs
- São Miguel – Sete Citades caldera with a blue and green lake
- Santa Maria – the sunniest of the islands with the beautiful beach of Praia da Formosa
- Possibility of a trip to observe various species of whales and dolphins
- Can also be done as a self-drive program, individually with a rental car
Tour program:
DAY 1 – 3: SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND
Day 2: Flight Prague – Lisbon – Ponta Delgada, transfer to accommodation.
Day 3: Transfer to the town of Vila Franca de Campo, from here hike (11 km) through the lush vegetation along the lava to Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire). Trip to Pico da Barrosa, breathtaking views of the vegetated basin with Lago do Fogo. Visit to the Caldeira Velha Biosphere Reserve with a large number of tree ferns, relaxation in the thermal pools. At the end of the day, a visit to the pineapple plantations on the outskirts of the capital, in Fajã de Baixo. .
Day 4: Tour of the Chá Gorreana tea plantation and factory (the only tea plantation in Europe) with tea tasting. Trip to the Salto do Cavalo viewpoint, which in good weather offers a breathtaking view of the Furnas caldera. Descent to the town of Furnas, visit to the thermal baths and the Terra Nostra Garden botanical garden, tasting the local gastronomic speciality “Kozído” (cooked in the ground, in pots, with the help of warm volcanic vapours), afternoon walk around Furnas Lake (7 km, 2 h; boiling mud pots, sulphur fumaroles).
DAY 5-7: SANTA MARIA ISLAND
Day 4-6: Fly to Santa Maria Island. Begin a walking tour around the easternmost of the nine Azores islands. On the first day, we set off from the capital Vila do Porto along the southern coast towards the east. The trail passes through the protected landscapes of Pedreira do Campo, Figueiral e Prainha and Praia Formosa. In these places, interesting geological and underwater volcanic formations can be observed. The end of the first stage is in the Cardal area (16,5 km, about 6,5 h). Depending on the condition of the group, it is possible to shorten and finish in the village of Malbusca (12 km, 5,5 h).
On the second day we will start our stage at Ponta do Castelo, overlooking the Gonçalo Velho lighthouse and the rugged east coast. Along the east coast we will continue northwards, through the area of the natural pools of Baía da Maia, to one of the highest waterfalls in Portugal, Cascata do Aveiro. Then the road will take us to the beautiful Baía de São Lourenço, whose walls are surrounded by vineyards and whose coastline glistens with white sand, with the possibility of swimming (15.5 km, approx. 6.5 h).
The third day of our journey begins at the foot of the highest peak of the island , Pico Alto (587 m). From Pico Alto we make a circuit through the lushly wooded landscape over the top of Caldeira (views of the northern coast) and descend to the parish of Santa Bárbara, dominated by the typical architecture of the island with indigo blue paint on the windows and doors (9.5 km, 4 h). From here we will drive to the north coast and head to the Norte Peninsula (4 km, 1.5 h). On the way back, stop at the geologically significant site of Poço da Pedreira, with its red-coloured basalt cliffs.
Day 7:Morning tour of the north coast and the Barreiro da Faneca site, the result of the last eruptive activity on the island, hike along the coast to the village of Anjos (7 km, 3 h). Depending on the weather, free afternoon at Praia Formosa beach. In the early evening transfer back to São Miguel.
Individual stages can be shortened or lengthened according to the fitness of the group.
DAY 8-10: SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND
Day 8: Western part of the island – drive past the old aqueduct to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint to the impressive Sete Citades caldera, where the Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde (blue and green lakes) are located. Hike along the caldera to the town of the same name, Sete Citades (11.5 km). Transfer to the east coast to Ponta da Ferraria (bathing in thermal springs rising into the sea).
Day 9: Morning optional excursion – whale and dolphin watching (ev. swimming with dolphins) and free afternoon in Ponda Delgada, or climbing to the highest peak of the island Pico da Vara (14 km, elevation 800 m up, 500 down), ev. short hike Janela to Inferno (7,6 km) – choice of excursion according to the fitness of the group.
Day 10: By air São Miguel – Lisbon – Prague
PRICE AND CONDITIONS ON REQUEST. Can be done as a selfdrive program – individually with a rental car and on the date of your choice.
The program can be modified according to your requirements (shorten, lengthen, add more of the Azores, or a stopover in Porto or Lisbon…)
Optional excursions:
- whale and dolphin watching – 60 EUR/3 hours
- swimming with dolphins – 75 EUR/2.5 hours
- traditional meal in the area of Lake Furnas, “Kozído” – approx. 20 EUR
Organizer: CK Enjoy Travel
