Azores Cycling

Day 1: Arrival in Terceira Island at Angra do Heroismo

Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Explore the oldest city in Azores, listed by UNESCO. The historic centre of Angra do Heroismo is a testimony to the kings and noblemen who passed by here, leaving behind some beautiful architecture in its network of streets and alleyways, and its churches, palaces, mansions, monuments, squares and gardens, which have been preserved until the present day.
You stay at My Angra boutique Hotel*** (breakfast included)

Day 2: At Angra do Heroismo 39.4 km / 24.5 MI

Start your holiday by riding inland to mountainous viewpoints that capture panoramic views across the island to the ocean. Visit the Gruta do Natal, 'Christmas Cave', a tube created by flowing lava originating in the surrounding volcanoes, centuries ago. This cave is a wonder for its extensive, straight, long passages. The walls, ground and ceiling have different colours and shapes, transforming the cave into a mystic place.

At 600m above sea level this lofty natural park has several nature reserves including the Lagoa das Patas (duck lake), a perfect picnic spot surrounded by azaleas, along with a wonderful interpretation centre that is worth visiting on the climb up. Return via a collapsed volcano, the Furnas de Enxofre, before descending back to your hotel. Today you will meet several challenging climbs but views certainly worth the effort.

Alternatively, why not take a taxi up to the Gruta do Natal and save your cycling legs for the delights along the coast.
You stay at My Angra boutique Hotel*** (breakfast included)

Day 3: Angra do Heroismo - Serreta 23 km / 14 MI

Ride along the beautiful coastline passing quaint villages such as Sao Mateus, a fishing village and Santa Barbara, overlooked by the mountain, that offers the best views over Terceira island. You will have 3 different route options :

Either stay on the road all the way to Serrata dropping down to the coastal fort at Chinco Ribieras and the amphitheatre at Santa Barbara using this route. The coastal plains between the two viewpoints are a patchwork of dry stone walls and small fields. Or if you are feeling a little more adventurous, ride along coastal tracks and paths for a while, they can be a little rough in places, but the wild coastline makes them worthwhile.

If you would rather minimize climbing today, as both the other routes climb back from the coast, then this third route is the one for you! Follow the main coastal road through Santa Barbara straight to your hotel.
You stay at Ti Choa 3H (breakfast included)

Day 4: Serreta - Praia da Vitoria 46 km / 28.5 MI

Cycle along the coast via Biscoitos, famous for its natural pools. Enjoy a swim within black lava rocks. Later, enjoy the visit at the Biscoitos Wine Museum which is in a winery that produces verdelho wine, characteristic of the Azores. Explore wine process and taste a sample of local produced wines that grow from the rich porous lava rock.
You stay at Hotel Teresinha (breakfast included)

Day 5: At Praia da Vitoria 38 km / 23.5 MI

Day devoted to the visit of the Volcano pit including the cave Algar do Carvao, an old volcano and lava tube located in the centre of the island. This site offers a volcanic chimney that dazzles by its immensity space. From its arched roof hang remarkable silica stalactites. Then continue to Lagoa das Patas lake a perfect picnic spot surrounded by azaleas.

On today's route, there is an optional diversion a bit more challenging with a climb up to the viewpoint at Serra do Cume. The views are certainly worth the effort!

Alternatively, enjoy whale watching, sea kayaking, windsurfing at Praia da Vitoria.
You stay at Hotel Teresinha (breakfast included)

Day 6: Praia da Vitoria - Angra do Heroismo 31 km / 19 MI

Follow the coast, to visit Porto Martins and Porto Judeu both offering beautiful natural pools. Along your way, observe the uninhabited Cabras Islet. Half a nautical mile from the south coast of Terceira Island, this islet is an excellent place for snorkelling. The Cave of the Sheep Islet, or the Cave of Stingrays, is located on the north slope of the islet, and it takes its name from the stingrays that can be observed swimming inside.
You stay at My Angra boutique Hotel*** (breakfast included)

Day 7: Leave Angra do Heroismo

Transfer from your hotel to the airport.