- Explore the two islands of São Miguel and São Jorge by foot
- Take in the unique culture, sights and sound on offer in the towns of Ponta Delgada, Furnas and Horta
- See waterfalls, volcanoes, fajãs and an underground lake
- Visit some of the Azores' most iconic places, including Sete Cidades and the Fire Lake
Volcanoes & Fajas Walking Experience
This walking tour offers the chance to explore the well kept-trails of São Miguel and São Jorge islands over the course of a fortnight, with carefully chosen routes ranging from easy to medium levels of walking.
São Miguel is home to some of the most iconic sights of the Azores, including the bright emerald and blue crater lakes of Sete Cidades and the steaming geysers and natural hot pools that are found around the active volcanic area at Furnas. São Jorge is known for the unusual geological features that decorate its coast: Fajãs are flat, low-lying areas that extend into the sea a little like a peninsula, formed by subsidence of the cliffs and boasting brilliant views.
At the end of the adventure, travel to Faial to relax in the interesting and charming town of Horta.
Tour Itinerary
Join the walking trail in Ribeira Funda and walk along the Praia da Viola beach to Maia, a small fishing village. Enjoy views of the village, set against stunning scenery, passing old watermills and beautiful waterfalls. Afterwards, take a taxi transfer back to the hotel in Ponta Delgada. Along the way, stops will be made at the most impressive viewpoints along the north coast as well as a tea plantation. (B)
This morning walk to Lagoa do Fogo, or 'Lake of Fire'. This deep blue lake is one of the most famous and iconic sights of São Miguel, and arguably all of the Azores. The crater lake is situated in the centre of the island and is surrounded by hydrangea bushes. It’s a long hiking route today but it’s worth it, as the day takes in the best of the local scenery, ranging from mountains and hilltop viewpoints to meandering valleys. The walk concludes at the shore of the lake where there is time to enjoy the beach and take a swim. (B)
After breakfast enjoy a walk to Sete Cidades, another of São Miguel’s most iconic natural wonders, to visit the large crater with its blue and emerald lakes. The crater itself stretches over three miles, so the views around the region are immense. Today’s walking route takes in the beautiful views of the island, spanning the crater lakes and the coast, before walking down to the village of Sete Cidades. Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel. (B)
Transfer to airport for the short flight to the island of São Jorge. On arrival, transfer to Hotel São Jorge in Velas, a port town on the south coast. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Set off to explore São Jorge Island by embarking on a walk from Pico De Pedro to Fajã do Ouvidor, the most populated (though still relatively sparse) of the fajãs - areas of flat coastal land which formed when the cliffs collapsed into the sea. Walk along the central part of the island, tackling relatively moderate trails to reach the highest mountain of São Jorge, Pico da Esperança, which stands at 1053 metres. (B)
Head to the island's south coast to Fajã dos Vimes to start today's walk. This is another of São Jorge’s large fajãs; a long and slender area of land at the foot of steeply rising mountains. The wak travels from Fajã dos Vimes to Fajã de São João, home to a small community on the south coast. This trail affords marvellous views of neighbouring Pico Island and its central mountain. (B)
Walk the trail from Serra do Topo to Fajã dos Cubres on the north coast. This walk goes through a magnificent trail descending to the protected nature reserve of Fajã do Santo Cristo, famous for its underground cave and lake. This fajã is one of the most isolated places in the Azores with summer houses and only a few families who reside here. On a clear day, visitors can see across to Graciosa island from the trail. At the end of the hike take a transfer to the harbour to catch the ferry to Faial for a 2-night stay in Horta. (B)
Free day at leisure to relax or explore. Perhaps opt for a city tour of Horta or a whale watching trip - the Azores boast world-class whale and dolphin spotting opportunities from the surrounding warm waters. Ask your Regent Azores specialist for suggestions. (B)
Pricing Information
Price Includes
- Return international flights between the UK and the Azores
- All airport taxes
- 12 nights accommodation in hotels as specified
- Meals as specified (B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Return private airport transfers
- Inter-island transfers by internal flights and ferry boats
- Transfers between accommodation and walking tours as per program
- Guide book for walking trails with maps
- Entrance to the Monitoring & Research Centre of Furnas
Price Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Meals other than specified
- Local walking guide
- Optional excursions
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Price Notes
- Price based on two people sharing for departures from 30 Mar-20 Apr, 20-27 Oct2025
- International flights from the UK are based on economy class out of London Heathrow via Lisbon. Regional flights are available (supplement may apply)
Tour Route Map
- Azores, Sao Miguel
- Azores, Sao Jorge
Tour Accommodation
Image Gallery