SloWays • Volcanic Island Sao Migue, Azores |

A journey to discover São Miguel, the largest among the Azores islands: a charming place, known for the variety of landscapes it offers - from fragrant forests of aromatic trees to vast pastures where cows graze, from Mediterranean scrubland to mountains, tea and pineapple plantations, and a deep blue sea where whales swim - all permeated by the typical volcanic charm of the Azores.

This journey takes you to explore the most fascinating corners of the island, from thermal pools to lakes in the craters of volcanoes: a world that unfolds before your eyes as you walk the paths that immerse you in the stunning nature of this island, which is both primitive and beautiful.

NOTE: this is a self-drive tour and requires a car to be rented on spot.

Route

Day 1: Arrival in São Miguel

Day 2: The Crater of Sete Cidades, 12 km

Day 3: Rota do Agua, 9 km

Day 4: Lagoa das Furnas and its Caldeiras, 12 km

Day 5: Along the southern coast, 11 km

Day 6: Salto do Prego, 5 km

Day 7: Lagoa do Fogo, 11 km

Day 8: End of the programme

Day 1: Arrival in São Miguel

On arrival in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, you pick up your rental car (not included, to be booked separately) and drive to the first accommodation in Capelas, in the north of the island. In case you arrive early, you’ll have time to take a stroll to get better acquainted with your surroundings

Day 2: The Crater of Sete Cidades, 12 km

A long drive of approx. 45 minutes will take you today to Sete Cidades, a picturesque village located in the Volcano with the same name and where you will park your car during the walk. A taxi driver will be waiting for you there to take you to the beginning of the walk, in Mata do Canario. After a demanding ascent, you surround the Lagoa Azul volcano, all the time with impressive views of the northern and southern coasts of the islands, the lake, the caldera and the target village down by the lake: Sete Cidades. Option of taking a detour to the amazing and well-known viewpoint ‘Boca do Inferno’

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: +130/-570 m

Day 3: Rota do Agua, 9 km

oday’s route begins in Remédios, near Lagoa. After a 30-minute drive, you start an ascent along a dirt track and fields under the watchful eye of the ever-present cows of the island. On the ascent, don’t forget to look back to see Ponta Delgada and Lago in the distance! The most interesting part begins when you enter the wood through series of tunnels, and aqueducts that used to supply water to the alcohol factory in Lagoa and now are used for supplying water to the area. The highest point is Janela do Inferno, a vertical wall with a small spring and home for newts. On your way back to the accommodation don’t miss the chance to stop at the beach in Ponta Delgada

Distance: 9 km

Elevation gain: +250/-250 m

Day 4: Lagoa das Furnas and its Caldeiras, 12 km

Today you drive for approx. 40 minutes until Furnas. If Furnas is known for something, it is for its Caldeiras, hot springs where the ‘Furnas stew’ is boiled. Today’s walk begins in Furnas and surrounds the lake with the same name. If you feel quite fit, climb to the viewpoint at Pico do Ferro, where you’ll get magnificent views of the lake and the area. Don’t miss the chance to visit Jose do Canto Forest Garden, with a Gothic church and a waterfall! (tickets not included). The last demanding part of the route takes you to another viewpoint over Furnas, but this ascent/ descent on tarmac can be avoided. Also you can shorten the route if you leave the car by the lake (parking costs can be applied locally)

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain: +150/-380 m

Day 5: Along the southern coast, 11 km

Morning transfer to the beginning of the walk, just leaving Furnas. An easy woodland track and path that takes you at first to Ribeira Quente, a fishing village near Furnas. Then you will follow another well-marked coastal path towards Provoaçao. On the way: magnificent views of Sta Maria Island and fairy-tale woods that will provide shadow in hot days. Pick-up in the afternoon in Ribeira Quente or at the end of the route, in Lomba do Cavaleiro.

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +500/-650 m

Day 6: Salto do Prego, 5 km

After a 35-minute drive you will reach Faial da Terra. Today’s circular route is a short one and leads to Salto do Prego waterfall through a fairy-tale forest. For the return, you will take a detour to a picturesque village with no car access: Sanguinho. Have your camera ready, as everything there will catch your attention! If you return early to Furnas, visit Terra Nostra Garden or Poça da Beija: 2 thermal options. Terra Nostra’s pool is characteristic for its brownish colour (the water is rich in minerals). If you plan to visit the Botanical garden, it will take you at least 1 hour, so plan accordingly! In Poça da Beija you have more options and ample opening hours.

Distance: 5 km

Elevation gain: +330/-330 m

Day 7: Lagoa do Fogo, 11 km

On your way back to Ponta Delgada, you will stop mid-way to do a very interesting and varied route to Lagoa do Fogo. With good weather, you will have very nice views of the area of Vila Franca do Campo on your way up and down. First along dirt tracks, the path reaches a forest that is followed by a so-called Levada (water canal) almost until the lake. Once by the lake, take your time to breath fresh air and look at the seagulls flying around. Finish your day by the beach, where you can take a fresh drink, an ice-cream or a dip in the sea if you want! In the evening, soak up the atmosphere in Ponta Delgada.

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +480/-480 m

Day 8: End of the programme

Your arrangement comes to the end today after breakfast.

accommodation

Capelas: Hotel Vale do Navio

Comfortable and modern room, a local cuisine that you can enjoy while looking at splendid views of the gardens. It has an outdoor pool, a gym with indoor swimming pool and a masaje service to have a perfect relax at the end of the day. Not far, you are also alble to visit the natural sea pools of Poços de São Vicente, located at the port that was used for whaling in the early 20th century.

www.hotelvaledonavio.com

Furnas:Hotel Vale Verde

Located in the emblematic valley of Furnas, Hotel Vale Verde is a small hotel with only 11 years of existence, but that has been gaining some visibility that may lead to be considered as one of the best accommodation sites of our island.

hotelvaleverde.com

Ponta Delgada:Hotel Canadiano

Canadiano Hotel is a living and evolving organism. Up-to-date and ready for the challenges of a new era of tourism - like a living being of nature - it grows, flourishes and develops constantly.

hotelcanadiano.com

practical info

You can find more information in the "accommodation" section: we always select your accommodation for their character and comfort. You will always be booked in a private, en-suite room, with breakfast included.

Llegada a Ponta Delgada

Upon arrival, pick up your own rental car at the airport (not included)

Return form Ponta Delgada

Drop your rental car at the airport

Thanks to our special APP, you will be able to follow the track of the whole trip on your mobile phone, with no need for internet. GPS tracks are available on request.

Included

What is included

7 Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B with breakfast
transfers as described in the day by yday program
maps and detailed description of the itinerary
Medical and luggage travel insurance
24h phone assistance

What is not included

Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
visits and entrance fees - tips
personal expense
possible sojourn taxes
everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

Single room supplement
cancellation insurance
Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.
extra nights (have to be booked in advance)
whale watching (has to be booked in advance)

Is this trip for me?

This journey is designed for those who want to experience the thrill of exploring a tropical island without traveling overseas: the Azores are known for their pristine nature and volcanic charm, wild yet still accessible.

Although the daily distances covered are not too long, this trip is recommended for those without stability or vertigo issues, as the walk takes you through forests and unstable terrains, and the views are spectacular but could be bothersome for those with such concerns.

It's a self-drive journey, which means that a car needs to be rented on-site. Alternatively, transfers are available at an additional cost, which we can include.

Azores: the Island of Sao Miguel

Azores: the Island of Sao Miguel - 8 days

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Azores: the Island of Sao Miguel

Azores: the Island of Sao Miguel - 8 days

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