Portugal’s Azores Hiking & Walking Tour
Lush Trails Along Dramatic Coastlines
Emerald-and-sapphire-hued crater lakes, ancient mist-covered forests and countless bubbling hot springs. Adventuring in this remote archipelago is naturally wild and wonder-full.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $4,749 - $5,249/person
Includes $250 internal air
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Hike fragrant eucalyptus-lined trails to a waterfall, a seabird-frequented coast and a terraced tea plantation
- Explore black-sand beaches and naturally carved swimming holes and wander centuries-old maritime cities and quaint villages that embrace slow living
- Unwind in hot springs at our retreat in the Furnas Valley, home to more thermal pools than anywhere in Europe
- Gaze down at Sete Cidades’ two-toned crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, from the iconic Vista do Rei viewpoint
- Sip and savor the island’s many flavors, from Vinho Verde to cozido das furnas, a stew slow-cooked in volcanic soil
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island Airport & Travel Details
- Shuttle to São Miguel’s dazzling northern coast and hike a rugged coast frequented by seabirds
- Stop in the shorefront town of Maia for your first taste of Azorean specialties at a family-run restaurant
- Explore Europe’s oldest tea plantation, trekking its terraced hillsides
- Roam the southwest coast, along a eucalyptus-lined trail to a waterfall finale
- Relax with a soak in the Furnas Valley, where mineral-rich hot-water pools are everywhere (including our hotel).
Nights 1-2
Deluxe Hotel
Surrounded by flower-filled gardens, Octant Furnas is an impressive and modern sanctuary with multiple indoor and outdoor thermal pools. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Take in the twin jewel-toned lakes of Sete Cidades from a lofty mirador (viewpoint) high above the crater
- Trace the caldera rim on a path fringed with ferns and hydrangeas in various shades of pink, blue and violet
- Drop into seaside Mosteiros, known for black-sand shores and naturally carved swimming pools, and enjoy lunch with ocean views
- Follow bluffs where basalt formations and crashing surf speak to the island’s wild, volcanic nature
- Settle into our hotel, overlooking lively Ponta Delgada, a historic harbor city.
Night 3
Casual Hotel
A cheery, refined 19th-century estate overlooking both the Atlantic and historic town, with almost four acres of lawns, grand ficus trees and bright flowers. A proper blend of Old World style, modern amenities and bright environs. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Wing west to Terceira, home to the most native forests anywhere in the archipelago
- An adega (winery) welcomes us for our midday meal and a tasting of island whites—this is Vinho Verde country, after all!
- Ascend sweeping coastal trails, past pastures and drystone walls to a 3,500-foot peak with incredible 360-degree views
- Explore Angra do Heroísmo, a 15th-century UNESCO World Heritage city, with a local guide
- Spend a morning in the misty laurel and cedarwoods, bird-watching and climbing Pico Negrão
- Sample dishes like chouriço and sour pudding and then spend time traversing the coast, with views out to neighboring islands and waters home to resident sperm whales.
Nights 4-5
Deluxe Hotel
Perfectly positioned in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage town, Travel + Leisure calls this new hotel “stylish” and “unique.” Lounge poolside beneath a fringed umbrella. Peruse the bar’s long list of Terceiran wines, teas and signature cocktails. Or pop down to witness the bustle at the nearby marina. (pools, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Lajes, Terceira Island Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
