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Discover Portugal’s secret paradise. Visit two of the Azores' most beautiful islands and explore the fascinating and varied landscape.

  • Explore the islands of São Miguel & Santa Maria
  • Sete Cidades green & blue lakes
  • Lago do Fogo volcanic crater lake
  • Barreiro da Faneca, the 'red desert of the Azores’
  • Visit Furnas & the steamy lakeside caldera

Known as Portugal’s secret paradise and untouched by mass tourism, on this trip you will discover two of the famous Azores Islands and get a true feel for island living.

With an array of beautiful landscapes, you will walk through vineyards, valleys and stone quarry’s, and past waterfalls, lakes and volcanoes. These walking trails are easy to moderate with some short uphill sections that will keep it interesting.

With incredible sea views, you may also get the chance to spot a whale or two on your journey as, the Azorean Archipelago is one of the best places to see whales and other cetaceans.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Fly to São Miguel Island in the Azores

    You will be met at Ponta Delgada Nordela airport and transferred to your accommodation.

  2. Day 2: Sete Cidades

    On today's walk you will pass the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades with its vibrant blue green lakes and descend into the valley and on to the village of Sete Cidades.

    Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 450 m

  3. Day 3: Furnas walking & fly to Santa Maria Island

    You will head to Furnas for the start of today's walk, and pass by holes in the ground where the traditional meal ’cozido’ is cooked by underground vapours released by the volcano. Fly to Santa Maria Island.

    Walking distance: 9 km

  4. Day 4: Walk from Pico Alto to Anjos

    Transfer to Pico Alto Forest Road where your walk will begin. Climb to the highest peak on Santa Maria (approximately 587 metres), with views to Sao Miguel Island on a clear day.

    Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 250 m | Descent: 750 m

  5. Day 5: Walk to Entre a Serra e o Mar

    Today's trail starts at the parish church of Santa Barbara, passing ruins and a stone quarry until you reach the Bay of Sao Lourenco.

    Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 285 m

  6. Day 6: Walk from Santo Espirito to Maia

    Starting the day at the Santo Espirito Church, the trail runs alongside the village and in the direction of the beautiful waterfall at Ribeira de Aveiro. You will also cross some traditional vineyards and pass the Goncalo Velho Lighthouse.

    Walking distance: 7 km | Ascent: 10 m | Descent: 300 m

  7. Day 7: Walk to Lagoa do Fogo

    Today you will visit the famous Lagoa do Fogo, only accessible on foot. Your walk finishes at the beach with time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

    Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 400 m

  8. Day 8: Fly back to the UK

    You will be transferred to Ponta Delgada Nordela airport in time for you return flight to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £959 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,459 per person
  • Single room supplement: On request
  • Walking grade: Easy to Moderate
  • Guiding: Self-Guided
  • Max alt: Low
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • Route map:
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  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 7
    • 7 breakfasts
    • Airport transfers

Next Steps

Dates & Prices

Choose your preferred departure date from the 4 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.

Self-Guided Dates and Prices
Year Daily Departures Price From (Exc. Flights) Options
All prices are per person. Daily departures subject to availability.
2024 From 26 Mar to 10 May £1,089 Book or Enquire
2024 From 14 May to 8 Jun £1,139 Book or Enquire
2024 From 9 Jun to 29 Sep £1,229 Book or Enquire
2024 From 30 Sep to 10 Dec £1,129 Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.