The charming hotel is located in the historic center of Ponta Delgada. It features an outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi.
The best travel hiking agency in Europe
Hiking on the island of São Miguel
Discover São Miguel within a week
Embark on a hiking journey to São Miguel, the largest of the Azores islands, through a program that combines exploration and relaxation.
From the moment you set foot in Ponta Delgada, the charming capital, you'll be captivated by its cobbled streets, vibrant market, and welcoming atmosphere.
Discover breathtaking landscapes that make the Azores so unique: the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, the shimmering Lagoa do Fogo, and the geothermal wonders of Furnas, where the island's volcanic soul reveals itself. Hikers will find endless inspiration with trails leading through lush forests, dramatic coastlines, and hidden viewpoints.
Set sail on an unforgettable marine adventure to encounter whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, then soak in the island's rejuvenating hot springs. End your journey with the soothing sounds of Salto do Prego waterfall and a visit to Gorreana, Europe's oldest tea plantation-a peaceful retreat steeped in tradition.
Highlights
- Hiking the island of Sao Miguel
- Whale watching excursion at sea included
- High quality hotels in ideal locations
8 days
/ 7 nights
from 1 480 $
Activity
Hike
Journey TypeTrip Multi-center
Trip Type
Self-guided
Hiking Grade : Terrain Difficulty : Possible departures from 1 April to 15 November
Day by day program
Day 1 : Flight to Ponta Delgada - Welcome to Sao Miguel
Your adventure begins as you land in Ponta Delgada, the lively capital of São Miguel.
Pick up your rental car before heading to Ponta Delgada, the charming capital.
This welcoming city captivates with its unique architecture, where dark basalt stone blends harmoniously with cobbled streets, echoing the famous calçada portuguesa of Lisbon.
Depending on your arrival time, take a stroll throuhg the
historic center. You might wander as far as the lively Graça market
(open daily except Sunday), the perfect place to soak up the local
atmosphere and sample the island's flavors.
Your hotel, ideally located in the city center, will host you
for three nights dedicated to both discovery and
relaxation.
ACCOMMODATION: hotel ** or 4* depending on the selected option
Day 2 : Caldeira and Sete Cidades lakes
Lagoa das Sete Cidades is officially listed as one of the
"7 wonders of Portugal".
The best spot to take in the breathtaking views of its mystical blue and green lakes is undoubtedly from Vista do Rei.
Take your time strolling along the lakeshore, or opt for a more active experience with paddleboarding, kayaking, or mountain biking available for rent in the village of Sete Cidades.
Several hiking trails invite you
to explore some of the most iconic viewpoints in the Azores: the
Lagoa dos Empadados circuit, Vista do Rei, and the famous Miradouro
da Boca do Inferno. Expect postcard-perfect panoramas of natural
crater lakes, with Lagoa das Sete Cidades as the crown
jewel.
At your own pace, enjoy walks ranging from 1 to 3 hours in this
extraordinary setting.
On the way back, make a stop at Ponta da Ferraria for a unique swim in natural volcanic rock pools, warmed by underwater hot springs.
HIKING TIME : 3h
DISTANCE : 7 km
ASCENT : 140 m
DESCENT : 140 m
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option
Day 3 : Lagoa do Fogo
For this final day, set off along scenic roads to the highest
lake in the Azores.
Lagoa do Fogo, the “Lake of Fire,” lies within the
now-extinct crater of the Água de Pau volcano, its turquoise waters
framed by lush green slopes.
From the viewpoint parking area,
descend around 200 steep steps to reach the beach right at the
water’s edge, and enjoy a walk along its tranquil
shores.
The hike is easy and rewarding, with a landscape unlike any
other-shaped by a unique microclimate that shelters several endemic
species of plants and animals.
HIKING TIME : 3h
DISTANCE : 8 km
ASCENT : 150 m
DESCENT : 150 m
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option
Day 4 : Whale & dolphin watching - Furnas experience
Also known as the "Green Island", Sao Miguel owes its lush
color to the valleys, meadows, and forests that blanket the
surface.
The island reveals a majestic nature and an incredible diversity of landscapes, which you’ll discover throughout the second part of your journey.
But today, we turn to the ocean.
Head to the marina of Ponta Delgada for a unique encounter with
marine life:
Your morning begins with a 20-minute briefing, introducing you to
the cetaceans, their habitats, and their behaviors. Then, board a
catamaran with a marine biologist for a two-hour excursion in
search of the whales and dolphins that thrive in the waters of the
Azores. With some luck, you might also spot turtles and other
fascinating marine species.
In the afternoon, return to
your hotel and relax in the soothing hot springs of
Furnas.
There are also plenty of walking trails if you wish to explore
further at your own pace.
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option
Day 5 : Caldeira de Furnas - Terra Nostra gardens
From Furnas, set off on foot for a pleasant climb along a
shaded trail leading to Pico do Ferro.
This spectacular viewpoint offers sweeping vistas over the Furnas Valley and its enchanting lake.
Descend toward the shores of Furnas Lake, surrounded by lush vegetation. Along the way, discover the impressive geothermal phenomena of the archipelago-fumaroles, steam vents, and bubbling mud pools. These unique volcanic features are closely tied to local culinary traditions, most famously the cozido, a hearty stew slow-cooked in the earth’s natural heat.
End your day with pure relaxation in the warm, sulfurous waters of Terra Nostra Park (entrance not included - closes at 4:30 p.m.), or at the Dona Beija hot springs (entrance not included), where several outdoor pools at 28-30°C are nestled among tropical plants and wooden terraces. A truly rejuvenating experience!
HIKING TIME : 4h30
DISTANCE : 12 km
ASCENT : 500 m
DESCENT : 500 m
ACCOMMODATION : hotel
Day 6 : Faial de Terra - Salto do Prego
From the coastal village of Faial de Terra, we'll hike up
through a lush valley to reach Saguinho.
This century-old hamlet was built by the first settlers of the region, said to have been mainly farmers and emigrants seeking better living conditions.
At the far end of this extraordinary valley lies today’s highlight: Salto do Prego, often described as a hidden paradise. Surrounded by dense, wild vegetation typical of the Azores, this crystal-clear waterfall offers an inviting spot for a refreshing dip after your hike-an unforgettable reward!
In the afternoon, you can unwind once again in the Furnas hot springs, explore the beautiful Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, or take a short hike through a surprising landscape: the Gorreana tea plantation. In operation since 1883, it is the oldest tea plantation in Europe. Enjoy a 1.5-hour walk through the tea fields, followed by a guided visit and tasting at the end.
HIKING TIME : 3h
DISTANCE : 4 km
ASCENT : 250 m
DESCENT : 250 m
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option
Day 7 : Janela do Inferno
The Janela do Inferno hike is a true gem tucked in the heart
of Sao Miguel Island.
This enchanting trail, located near Ribeira Grande, offers a unique immersion in lush, untouched nature. You’ll walk through forests of cryptomerias and acacias, discover crystal-clear streams, and pass by moss-covered stone walls that tell the story of the island’s agricultural past. The trail also goes through two tunnels carved into basalt rock, remnants of an old irrigation system-don’t forget to bring a flashlight!
The hike’s highlight, the “Window of Hell,” is a natural opening in a cliff, framed by wild vegetation, revealing a spectacular view over a canyon and cascading waterfalls.
HIKING TIME : 3h
DISTANCE : 8 km
ASCENT : 270 m
DESCENT : 270 m
ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on selected option
Day 8 : Departure
End of your stay.
Drive to the airport and return your rental car.
Return flight.
The price includes
Travel documents
Accommodation in rooms with breakfast included
Rental car from Day 1 to Day 8 (see details unde"Internal Transfers")
Whale-watching boat ecursion
Organization and booking fees
Tourist taxes
The price doesn't include
Travel insurance, including optional coverage for the rental car
Round-trip airfare for Ponta Delgada airport
Fuel
Possible parking fees
Entrance fees to sites and hiking trail access permits
Anything not listed under "included in the price"
Personalize your trip
Do you like this trip but would you like to add a few modifications? We can make you a tailor-made proposal.
Trip Notes
Level
Grade 2 - Easy:
From 100 to 400 m per day, with optional hikes reaching up to 1,150 m.
Accommodation
PREMIUM VERSION IN 4- STAR HOTEL
Hotel**** at Ponta Delgada :
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Hotel**** at Furnas :
The hotel is without a doubt one of the most iconic in the Azores. It is also renowned for the thermal pool located in the botanical park, with exclusive access for hotel guests from 4:30 pm every day. The hotel also features an indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness center.
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COMFORT VERSION IN 2- STAR HOTEL
Hotel** at Ponta Delgada :
The hotel is located in the historic center of Ponta Delgada. It offers 10 spacious rooms.
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Hotel** at Furnas :
The hotel is ideally located in the Furnas valley, on a volcanic slope with a beautiful view of the surroundings. It features an outdoor pool.
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Internal transfers
By rental car
Throughout the trip, you will drive a rental car, category B or D depending on the number of travelers.
A package of €300 is included in the trip for the rental. Since prices fluctuate, if the cost of the car rental is higher at the time of booking, the difference between the rental cost and the package included in your trip will be added as a supplement.
Car rental:
For 1 to 3 people: category B, type Opel Corsa or similar.
For 4 or 5 people: category D, type Fiat Tipo, Ford Focus or similar.
Credit or debit card ?
Rental agencies now generally require a credit card, not a debit card. This information is usually indicated on the front of your card. If unsure, please check with your bank.
Conditions
-
The driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driving license for a minimum of two years
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An international credit card in the driver’s name is mandatory (no Electron, Maestro, or Kyriel cards)
Included in the price:
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Unlimited mileage, local taxes, and registration fees
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Third-party liability insurance
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Tourist taxes
Not Included (payable locally):
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Fuel
-
Optional insurance coverage
-
Additional drivers
-
GPS option
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Personal belongings must not be left in the vehicle; no reimbursement is provided for lost items
-
Any fines (speeding, parking, etc.) will be sent to the address on the rental contract
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Drop-off fees if the vehicle is returned to a different agency (must be on the same island)
At Vehicle Pickup:
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Present the credit card and driver’s license of the main driver listed on the reservation, plus licenses for additional drivers (optional, paid locally)
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Ensure that all optional services or insurance coverages appear on the contract; request a French version if necessary
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Verify that no reserved options appear as additional charges
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Check the condition of the vehicle and note any existing damage on the contract
We strongly recommend reading the rental contract carefully. Signing the contract or initialing it for optional insurance authorizes the rental company to charge your credit card, with no reimbursement possible from the travel agency.
Management
No tour guide on this trip.
Before your departure, we will provide you with a guidebook containing detailed information that will allow you to explore and hike independently. To fully enjoy your hiking trip, you need to be able to manage your own navigation and activities on the trail using the materials provided.
Hiking folder
Your hiking package includes:
- The itinerary sheet listing all accommodations and services
- Access to our digital app, which can be downloaded to your smartphone.
Welcome
- Arrival: Ponta Delgada airport (PDL)
- Departure: Ponta Delgada airport (PDL)
Note: Please provide us with your flight schedule in order to arrange the rental car.
Regional flights to the main islands of the Azores are operated exclusively by the regional airline SATA : https://www.azoresairlines.pt
Dispersion
At Ponta Delgada airport.
Individual equipment
Clothing
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 scarf/ bandana
- t-shirts (avoid cotton, which dries slowly; choose short-sleeve breathable fabrics instead)
- 1 long-sleeve base layer or shirt
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 pair of shorts or bermuda
- 1 pair of trekking pants
- 1 pair of comfortable pants for the evening
- 1 lightweight gore-tex-style jacket
- 1 rain poncho
- 1 waterproof overtrouser (optional)
- 1 swimsuit
- underwear
- hiking socks (avoid cotton "tennis-socks" - slow to dry and high risk of blisters)
- 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support (Vibram sole or equivalent)
- 1 pair of sandals or casualo shoes for the evening
Clothing should be adapted to the season of travel.
Equipment
- 1 pair of high-quality sunglasses
- 1 pair of telescopic trekking poles (optional, but useful for climbs, descents and uneven/ slippery terrain)
- 1 water bottle (minimum 1.5 liters)
- 1 headlamp (essential for tunnels)
- 1 pocket knife (must be placed in checked luggage)
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) for money and documents
- Toiletry kit (biodegradable products recommended)
- 1 quick-dry towel
- sunscreen and lip balm
- 1 airtight plastic box for your picnic, plus a cup and cutlery
Personal first aid kit
- Your usual medication
- Pain relief (paracetamol recommended)
- Elastic adhesive bandage (e.g. Elastoplast, 6 cm wide)
- Adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses
- "Second skin" blister pads (available in sports shops, pharmacies, parapharmacies)
- Mosquito repellent (optional)
Reviews of this trip
5
Kate
18 Avril 2025
Sao Miguel hike
Perfect for anyone who loves a mix of volcanoes, ocean, and lush vegetation. Hikes are well-marked, and the roadbook app is super handy! Level 2 is ideal for balancing walking and relaxation, especially at the wonderful hotel. Enjoy hot volcanic baths at 39°C, stroll through the incredible botanical park, and a boat trip to see whales and dolphins—truly magical!
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