Azores: Green Island Trails : Drive and Hiking Tour

8 Days & 7 Nights

4.8

Azores: Green Island Trails

Walking to sparkling waterfalls, hot springs and crater lakes
Viewing the green peaks of long-dormant volcanoes
Taking a whale watching trip to spot sperm whales and other cetaceans
Discovering verdant tropical forests with millennia-old trees
Spotting endemic species of birds in Lago do Fogo
Exploring the historical monuments and beautiful marina in the capital, Ponta Delgada

Sao Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago with a hauntingly beautiful volcanic landscape. Discover the many facets of this incredible island on this drive and hike tour; the pretty capital of Ponta Delgada, the botanical wonderland of Terra Nostra, startlingly blue and green crater lakes, hot springs, Europe’s only tea plantation and hikes through scenery which is beyond compare. Like Iceland, Sao Miguel was created by torrents of lava surging up from the ocean floor millions of years ago. It spans the mid-Atlantic Ridge (also like Iceland) where tectonic plates collide and this has resulted in an amazing geology and an island awash with thermal baths, dormant volcanoes and millennia-old forests. Explore Ribeira Grande, a town with Baroque architecture, the caldera of Sete Cidadas which has a green lake bordered by blue hydrangeas, sandy beaches and fishing villages. Immerse yourself in the distinctive local culture and explore Sao Miguel’s staggering and unique landscapes.

From $1,475.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Ponta Delgada

The Azores are Portuguese Islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between Europe and North America. Upon arrival in Sao Miguel Island and the capital of Ponta Delgada, you may dedicate your afternoon to its discovery. It is home to many remarkable 17th century Portuguese buildings, traditional small streets and a beautiful marina.

Overnight Ponta Delgada

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Casa Hintze Ribeiro | Hotel

A cosy and comfortable boutique hotel centrally located in Ponta Delgada’s historical centre. Relax on the poolside terrace or explore the town sights, most of which are just a stone’s throw away.

Day 2 The Sete Cidades Crater 9.6 miles / 15.5 km

Discover the western part of the island and the large fairy-tale crater of Sete Cidades. Admire the two crater lakes, one green and one blue, separated by a seven-arched bridge that symbolically represents the seven cities of the lost continent of Atlantis. Local lore states that these twin lakes were formed by the tears of two star-crossed lovers. At the end of your walk drive along the north coastal road through sheltered and peaceful villages.

Ascent/Descent: 400/450

Overnight Capelas

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Solar do Conde | Hotel

This hotel has a lovely swimming pool with a terrace, a restaurant and is surrounded by a botanical garden. The rooms are spacious and have modern facilities.

Day 3 Lago de Fogo Walk - 6 km 7.1 miles / 11.5 km

Today you get to explore the impressive Lago do Fogo Caldeira, and it's 30 metre deep lake. This is a favorite place for many birds that nest on the island, and the nature reserve is also home to many endemic plants. Enjoy a beautiful hike from the south coast to the lake, walking along a levada and crossing an active geothermal area, taking in incredible views from various vantage points. Drive back to your hotel and overnight.

Ascent/Descent: 520/500m, 11.5km

Overnight Capelas

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Solar do Conde | Hotel

This hotel has a lovely swimming pool with a terrace, a restaurant and is surrounded by a botanical garden. The rooms are spacious and have modern facilities.

Day 4 Drive to Furnas. Day at leisure.

Your hotel this evening is in Furnas and en route (it is an approximate 1 hour drive from Capelas to Furnas with no stops.) we recommend a stop at Gorreana to discover the only tea plantation in Europe. There is still an 19th century atmosphere at the tea factory which has been in operation since 1883. After a tea-tasting, why not take a pleasant walk through the plantations. Drive to Furnas, where you will spend the next three nights.

Overnight Furnas

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Vista do Vale | Hotel

All the rooms in this exceptionally well-located hotel have balconies with views of the surrounding landscapes and modern décor. Relax in the lovely outdoor spaces, the gardens, by the swimming pool, or on your balcony.

Day 5 Furnas Crater Walk 8.75 miles / 14 km

Furnas is awash with thermal baths and today you will walk up to its crater and through lush vegetation of ferns, palms and conifer trees. This is what European forests looked like before the Ice Age, which left the Azores untouched. You will see the only active volcano of the archipelago (fumaroles and sulfur springs) and experience the gastronomic traditions of this valley; the famous "cozido" stew slow-cooked in pots underground. Take a bath in the warm waters of Terra Nostra Garden.

Ascent/Descent: 250m/274

Overnight Furnas

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Vista do Vale | Hotel

Day 6 Ribeira do Faial da Terra Walk 2.6 miles / 4.2 km

Today you head further south and east towards Faial da Terra, (an approximate 45 minute drive). Begin your walk through the Ribeira do Faial da Terra. Ascend through a typical valley of exuberant and endemic vegetation, such as Japanese cedars and Australian Cheesewoods. Also cross narrow bridges over steams and walk past old mills and waterfalls dotted along the way, before arriving in the small village of Sanguinho with its traditional stone houses.

Ascent/Descent: 265m

Overnight Furnas

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Vista do Vale | Hotel

Day 7 Whale Watching. Drive to Ponta Delgada

Today drive along the south coast of the island and stop in Vila Franca, a typical fishing port whose prosperity was founded by the cultivation of pineapples. Here enjoy a three-hour whale watching tour on which you may also spot some dolphins. The most frequently observed species is the sperm whale, although you may also see the short-finned pilot whales and from April to the end of May you may also spot the giant baleen or blue whales! Then continue in the direction of Ponta Delgada. From Furnas to Ponta Delgada it is an approximate 45 minute drive with no stops.

Overnight Ponta Delgada

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Casa Hintze Ribeiro | Hotel

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 5kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 5kg is equivalent to 1 Neapolitan margherita pizza. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 Nights in 2* and 3* Hotels
7 Breakfasts
Car Rental (CAT B similar to a VW UP for 2 people)
Whale watching trip
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
Organisational assistance and backup from our area manager in the Azores and our office

Excluded

Travel to and from Ponta Delgada
Lunches and dinners
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)
24/7 emergency assistance

Extras

Additional nights before or after the holiday

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Car Hire

You will be provided with an appropriate size car for your party. For a party of 2 this will be a CAT B car which will be similar to a VW Up. For a party of 3, you will be provided with a CAT C, similar to a Renault Clio and for a party of 4 you will be provided with a CAT D similar to Renault Capture. If you would like to upgrade your car just let us know and an upgrade fee will apply. The car rental package includes Unlimited KM, collection and return to Ponta Delgada Airport and Collision Damage Waiver. Additional insurance can be taken out locally. The excess on the car hire insurance is €700 which you can choose to reduce to €100 by paying a supplement of €19 per day locally.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack. It is a good idea to bring hiking boots with good grips. Always bring a warm outer garment for walks on the caldera rims and ridges as it is can get cooler at the higher elevations.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? Does this trip include baggage transfers? What equipment do I need? What happens if I can’t walk a stage? Does this trip include car rental?

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Azores: Green Island Trails

Azores: Green Island Trails

Gallery

Itinerary

Other Information

Alternative accommodation

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

Meals

Recommended Reading

Time of Year

Car Hire

Online Documents

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