Overview
Welcome to 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, cross rugged moorlands above a deep blue sea, and follow ancient canadas (pathways) that link farms and villages. Complementing our hikes, we’ll head out for whale watching, dine on catch-of-the-day fish at cozy 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.
This is one of the very finest of the 23 WT trips I've taken since 1986. The beauty and charm of the Azores, the great variety and quality of the hikes and experiences, and David Monteiro's superb leadership make this trip simply amazing.
— Joe N., Seattle, WA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Sâo Miguel Island / Faial Island
On Sâo Miguel Island, we hike up to the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, one very blue (Lagoa Azul) and the other distinctly green (Lagoa Verde), then fly to Faial Island, famed as a stopping-off point for yachts on trans-Atlantic crossings. Our hike across the volcanic landscape brings us to Ponta dos Capelinhos for spectacular coastal views. In 1957, an eruption on Faial added almost a square mile to the western edge of the island.
Days 4-7
Pico Island / Wine Tasting / Whale Watching / Sâo Jorge Island
On 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 century. Whale watching is one of our delights at the town of Lajes do Pico, once a whale-hunting hub and now a major whale-watching destination. While on Pico Island, we’ll offer the option of a challenging hike up to Picos’ summit. A ferry ride brings us to Sâo Jorge Island for a hike along the island’s high spine, following a panoramic trail to charming Fajã dos Cubres on the coast. São Jorge produces the best cheese of all the islands and we’ll visit a family creamery to sample some.
Days 8-10
Sâo Miguel Island / Furnas / Ribeira Quente
Returning to Sâo Miguel Island, we visit the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz, with its long staircase of Portuguese azulejos (painted tiles) depicting scenes from the life of Christ, and explore the 19th century spa village of Furnas, nestled inside a huge caldera. One of our hikes is a beautiful descent from Lomba do Caveleiro to the village of Ribeira Quente, with its small colorful houses, picturesque church, and busy fishing harbor. For a final treat, we’ll enjoy a traditional Azorean feast of cozido nas caldeiras (beef slow-roasted on geothermally heated stones). Depart on Day 10 via Ponta Delgada.
Hiking in the Azores
