Overview
Discover an idyllic world of seaside villages, lake-filled calderas, and ancient vineyards—this is the island paradise of the Azores! Our new WT Expedition with phenomenal Trip Leader Skye MacDonald brings you deep into the culture and beauty of this volcanic archipelago 800 miles west of Portugal (and just a 5-hour flight from New York). Our journey explores four islands—Sâo Miguel, Faial, Sâo Jorge, and spectacular Pico, with its 7,713-foot volcano—each with its own personality and terrain, along with traditional white-walled Portuguese architecture. We’ll hike along crater rims, cross rugged moorlands and meadows above a deep blue sea, and follow ancient canadas (pathways) that crisscross the islands to link farms, villages, and towns. To complement our hikes, we’ll head out for whale watching (the surrounding seas support 26 species of cetaceans), taste wines grown in rich volcanic terrain, sample each island’s unique cheeses, dine on catch-of-the-day fish, soak in thermal waters, and relish the unhurried pace of Azorean life. In this farthest outpost of western Europe, our accommodations are as unique as the Azores themselves, including a refurbished 16th century fort, a 17th century town house, and an Art Deco hotel with vast gardens and thermally heated bathing pools.
Days 1-3
São Miguel Island / Faial Island
In Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, hike up to the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades. On Faial Island, visit the native botanical garden and take a beautiful hike from Cabeço do Fogo to Ponta dos Capelinhos, with phenomenal views. Overnights in Faial are in a restored 16th century fort-turned-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
Ferry to Pico Island, crowned by a dormant 7,713-foot volcano, Portugal’s highest point. Explore the wine-growing area, where wines have been produced since the 17th and 18th centuries. Go whale-watching from the ancient town of Lajes do Pico (a remarkable 26 species of cetaceans have been documented in the deep waters offshore here). Hike the Caminho dos Burros, with fabulous views of Pico Mountain, enjoy a refreshing dip in rock pools along the coast, and explore a giant lava tube full of stalactites.
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
Ferry to São Jorge Island for a hike along the island’s spine through high heather and past a series of ancient villages. Taste the local cheeses, sample Azores’ locally grown coffee, and hike a beautiful trail to charming Fajã de São João on the coast.
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
Return to São Miguel Island to visit the charming 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 with active fumaroles. Hike to the village of Ribeira Quente, with its colorful small houses, picturesque church, and busy fishing harbor, and enjoy a traditional Azorean feast of cozido nas caldeiras. Overnights in Furnas at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, with its vast 19th century garden and thermally heated pools. Depart via Ponta Delgada on Day 10.
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).
