Overview
Discover an island world of traditional villages, lake-filled calderas, and ancient vineyards—the Azores! On this volcanic archipelago just a five-hour flight from Boston, we explore four enchanting islands—Sâo Miguel, Faial, Sâo Jorge, and spectacular Pico, each with its own personality and terrain. We’ll hike along crater rims and cross rugged moorlands above a deep blue sea, and follow ancient canadas (pathways) that crisscross the islands linking farms and villages. Complementing our hikes, we’ll head out for whale watching, dine on catch-of-the-day fish at delightful local spots, and relish the unhurried pace of Azorean life. Our accommodations include a refurbished 16th century fort, a 17th century townhouse, and an Art Deco hotel with thermally heated bathing pools.
Days 1-3
São Miguel Island / Faial Island
In Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, we hike up to the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, and on Faial Island, known as “the blue island” for its long rows of hydrangea hedges, we’ll visit the native botanical garden and hike from Cabeço do Fogo to Ponta dos Capelinhos for coastal views. On our walk to dinner along the marina in Faial, we’ll pop into a café to sample the local passion-fruit-flavored gin. Overnights are in a restored 16th century fort, now a welcoming hotel.
São Miguel Island / Faial Island - Days 1-3
Hotel Talisman
Day 1 (1 night), Ponta Delgada, PortugalWith a great location in the center of town, near Ponta Delgada's cafes and historic churches, the Talisman is a historic 17th century building converted into a charming hotel. Guest rooms differ in size and shape, but most have views of the port. The hotel is decorated in an Art Deco style with lovely seating areas on the first floor. The rooftop pool is a nice spot for a refreshing dip before dinner.
Hotel do Colegio
Day 1 (1 night), Ponte Delgada, PortugalSet in Ponte Delgada in a former 19th century music school, Hotel do Colegio combines the charm of its heritage with modern comforts. The building was completely renovated in 2017 and has spacious guest rooms with comfortable beds and large bathrooms, and fun accent walls showcasing different design elements, including sheet music (a nod to its former life, perhaps?). The lounge is a great place to relax and you can also take a dip in the hotel's pool.
Pousada Forte Hotel
Days 2 to 3 (2 nights), Horta, PortugalThe Pousada Forte is a restored fortress set along a promenade on Horta's port. It offers comfortable rooms overlooking the harbor and a great swimming pool. The views of Pico Island are breathtaking.
Days 4-5
Pico Island / Wine Tasting / Whale Watching
Ferrying to Pico Island, crowned by a dormant 7,713-foot volcano, Portugal’s highest point, we explore vineyards where wines have been produced since the 17th and 18th centuries, and go whale watching from the ancient town of Lajes do Pico. Once a whale-hunting hub, Lajes do Pico is now a major whale-watching destination, with 26 species of cetaceans documented in the deep waters offshore. We’ll have a choice between a moderate hike along the Caminho dos Burros, with fabulous views of Pico Mountain, or a challenging hike up to Picos’ summit at 7,713 feet.
Pico Island / Wine Tasting / Whale Watching - Days 4-5
Hotel Caravelas
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Madalena, PortugalThe Caravelas offers clean, comfortable rooms with views of Faial Island and the harbor and a central location for the ferry. The hotel offers an excellent buffet breakfast.
Days 6-7
São Jorge Island
On São Jorge Island, we hike the island’s spine through high heather and past a series of ancient villages, and along a panoramic trail to charming Fajã de São João on the coast. While we’re here, we’ll sample the island’s own cheeses and locally grown coffee.
São Jorge Island - Days 6-7
Hotel S. Jorge Garden
Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Velas, PortugalThe simple but comfortable Hotel S. Jorge Garden has guest rooms with panoramic views of Pico Island, a friendly bar, and a lovely saltwater swimming pool. In the evenings, guests can hear the sounds of the local Cory's shearwaters coming back to their colony to roost for the night.
Days 8-10
São Miguel Island / Furnas / Ribeira Quente / Terra Nostra Gardens
Returning to São Miguel Island, we visit the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz, with its beautiful Portuguese azulejos (blue painted tiles), and explore the 19th century spa village of Furnas, nestled inside a huge caldera. In the village of Ribeira Quente, with its colorful small houses and busy fishing harbor, we enjoy a traditional Azorean feast of cozido nas caldeiras (beef slow-roasted on geothermally heated stones!). Overnights in Furnas are at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, with its thermally heated pools. Depart on Day 10 via Ponta Delgada.
São Miguel Island / Furnas / Ribeira Quente / Terra Nostra Gardens - Days 8-10
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Furnas, PortugalThe historic Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, surrounded by calderas and thermal springs, is the perfect spot to enjoy São Miguel’s natural geothermal wonders. You can step right out of your room and straight into the garden to relax in bubbling hot springs. The hotel is sleek and modern, surrounded by vast gardens that date back to 1775.
Hiking in the Azores
Highlights
Highlights
Details
8 hiking days on moderate trails (some steep sections), 3-5 hours a day, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day's hike)
