Self-guided walking
14 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
22.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
It's hard to believe the Azores are part of Europe. This lush, volcanic archipelago rises from the vast Atlantic Ocean, far from mainland Portugal. Scattered across the sea, the nine islands are Europe's westernmost point and each offers its own dramatic scenery-from ancient calderas and crater lakes to rugged coastlines and flower-fringed trails. A haven for walkers and nature lovers, the Azores enchant with blue lakes, dramatic sea cliffs, and sweeping views. This 14-night island-hopping holiday explores the best of the Eastern and Central Islands-Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge, Pico, Faial, and Santa Maria-with all inter-island ferries and flights included.
Sao Miguel, the largest island, is known for its vivid landscapes, volcanic lakes, and striking coastline. Sete Cidades caldera even holds a village and two contrasting lakes-one green and one blue. Sao Jorge features the most rugged coastline of all the islands, with steep cliffs and distinctive fajas-lava-formed coastal flats-plus waterfalls, ravines, and the charming fishing village of Velas. Pico, crowned by Portugal's highest mountain, Pico Alto (2,352m), offers scenic walks, basalt vineyard landscapes, and picturesque villages rooted in traditional wine-making.
Faial, called the 'Blue Island' for its abundance of hydrangeas, has strong maritime heritage, a busy harbor, and stunning crater rim hikes. Its Capelinhos lighthouse and museum tell the story of its dramatic volcanic eruptions. Finally, Santa Maria, the oldest and driest of the islands, is a geologist's and botanist's paradise, with fascinating rock formations, rare flora, and Praia Formosa-widely regarded as the best beach in the Azores. Each island offers a unique slice of natural beauty and culture, making this journey an unforgettable exploration of the Azores.
Walks are along dirt tracks (both broad and narrow) and minor roads with tarmac or gravel. Footpaths are marked reasonably well.
Arrive at your hotel in Sao Miguel.
You stay at Selected hotels.
Your Hotels, The Azores
On this trip we use a selection of hotels on each of the islands. We use a variety of mostly 3-star hotels and guest houses throughout with en suite facilities. They may be located either in the towns themselves or in the surrounding countryside.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration.
Take the bus (payable locally) to Furnas and walk to the Lagoa das Furnas. The walk starts and finishes in the attractive village of Furnas, with an optional extra walk round the village at the end. Confirmation of the volcanic origins of São Miguel is nowhere more evident than here. The picturesque Parque Terra Nostra is in the village centre, together with thermal baths.
Take the bus (payable locally) to Sete Cidades, set within the volcanic crater containing Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, a must on any visit to Sao Miguel. Head up to the Vista do Rei viewpoint before either returning the way you came or taking a transfer (must be pre-arranged locally) back to Ponta Delgada.
Take the bus (payable locally) to Praia. This walk takes you from almost sea level, steeply uphill across meadows, through dense woodland, alongside a levada (water channel), and finally over heather covered mountainside to arrive at the remote shore of Lagoa do Fogo, the highest lake of Sao Miguel.
Explore historic Ponta Delgada before departing Sao Miguel and flying to Sao Jorge, one of the greenest of the islands.
A real ‘must do’ walk with great variety from misty hills, lush ravines and waterfalls to high cliffs and an insight to life on the Fajas. Plenty of places to linger by the sea for a picnic so be generous with your time in arranging return transport.
An easy walk, through meadowlands to the lighthouse at the far end of São Jorge, the views from the cliffs are spectacular. Sit here for a picnic and feel the real remoteness of these islands, with possible sightings of dolphins and whales.
Take the ferry over to Pico and, time-permitting, enjoy an easy walk down the lower slopes of Mount Pico with interesting lava tunnels at the start and superb views over to Faial. Or you can opt for a more adventurous walk to the top of Mount Pico (2351m) guide compulsory, best arranged in advance.
Take a half day whale watching (optional extra) or take the following walk. This is a stunning walk but with mostly descents down to sea level. The first section is very easy amongst wild scenery contrasting with the second half which is mainly down through interesting vegetation and forest leading to the picturesque village of Sao Roque. This could be a superb full day walk using your extra time to explore Sao Roque, visiting its Whaling Museum and maybe having a swim in the sea.
Transfer to the port of Madalana for the ferry across to Horta on Faial, check in to your hotel and take one of our walks to Rocha da Faja. This short walk is ideal as an introduction to the Fajas of the Azores.
In good weather this is the highlight of walking on Faial. Walk around the rim of a volcano (dormant), the Caldeira crater, it is breathtaking along with views over Faial and to the ocean and islands in the distance.
This walk is superb with stunning views and an opportunity to explore two crater rims, ending at the Museum in Capelinhos showing the history of the Capelinhos eruption, which only happened just over 60 years ago. Then take an afternoon or evening flight to Santa Maria.
Today is an exhilarating walk, first along the cliffs then the sea edge for the last section of the walk. It is a dream for amateur geologists and botanists with the fascinating rock formations and the profusion of plants, beautiful flowers and butterflies.
Your final walk goes along the western end of the north coast and goes through lovely woodland and past the Desert, almost 8 sq km of red clay caused by pyroclastic activity. You can visit viewpoints and a picturesque isolated bay, go through fields, round a headland and along cliff tops, finally emerging into the pretty little town of Anjos where there is an imposing statue of Columbus who returned here, having discovered the New World.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Lisboa Plaza, Lisbon.
Shops
Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Owned by the same family since 1953, the 4 star Hotel Lisboa Plaza is an imaginatively designed hotel, just off the famous Avenida da Liberdade. All rooms have en-suite marble floored bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite television, direct dial telephones, hairdryers and mini-bar. The public rooms are elegantly furnished and there is a pleasant bar and dining room.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £553.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Due to changeable flight and ferry timetables, where walks are suggested on the days that you move between islands, depending on time of year or arrival day these may not always be possible.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Ponta Delgada airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
14 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
22.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
