Walking in the Azores

Start Ponta Delgada.

We start the week with a transfer to Furnas where we walk around the crater

lake. Here food is sometimes cooked by the heat of vents after it has been

buried in sealed pots in the baking earth. This traditional Azorian way of

cooking is known as 'Cozido das Caldeiras' and will be served for lunch. In

the afternoon we head into the Terra Nostra botanical gardens where we have

time to admire exotic flowers and trees from all over the globe. Amongst the

trees and bushes a series of aqueducts leads thermal spring water to a pool

in the centre of the gardens, where for centuries people have been bathing in

its medicinal waters. On the return to Ponta Delgada we stop off at the tea

plantations of Gorreana where we observe the plantation, the factory and

taste some of the local teas. 

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Faial

Island, known as the 'blue island' because of the large quantity of

hydrangeas that bloom during the summer months. After landing, we transfer to

Peter's Café Sport, a traditional resting point for many sailors braving the

Atlantic crossing. Here we will be guided round one of the largest Scrimshaw

(carvings done on bone or ivory) collections in the world.  The variation in

designs of this 19th century art form, so synonymous with the Azores due to

their whaling heritage, provide a varied and interesting experience.



After lunch, we take a short transfer to 'Trupes do Capelo', the start of

today’s short hike. This trail is a wonderful example of the great

ecological and geological diversity that characterizes this Natural Park. The

trail finishes at the dramatic Capelinhos Volcano that rises steeply from the

sea and features a number of unique formations. It was these that resulted in

the construction of the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. This is

essentially a museum and study centre set up to show visitors how the

volcano, and indeed the whole archipelago, was formed. In the late afternoon

we transfer to our comfortable hotel, our base for the next three nights.

Taking the ferry to Pico offers us a chance to take in the size and scale of

Mount Pico. At 2,351m it is Portugal’s highest peak and dominates the

horizon on our approach. Pico is also known as the ‘black island’ thanks

to the black volcanic earth used in the construction of the walls of many of

the UNESCO-listed vineyards for which it is known.



Once on the island, we head out on our first walking tour of the Santa Luzia

Vineyards. Azorean vineyards are a sight to behold. Built to protect the

vines from the harsh sea winds, they amount to row after row of black

horseshoe shapes that score the lush green coastline. What is more impressive

is how the vine grows on the ground and through volcanic rock, rather than

supported by a trellis through soil.



Alternatively, if you prefer to use your time in Pico to join an optional

challenging summit trek to the top of Portugal's largest mountain, then today

is the perfect opportunity to attempt this! This is a very strenuous 6-7 hour

climb which will be led by a local mountain guide and is always subject to

availability and weather conditions (for further information please check the

Extra Expenses & Spending Money section in the Trip Notes).

From the harbour on Horta we take a ferry to Sao Jorge Island or the 'brown

island'. Crossing times can vary between 1.5hrs and 2hrs 20 minutes depending

on the time of year, and last minute schedule changes are not uncommon. This

is by far the longest day in the itinerary but is well worth it to visit the

fourth island of the trip. Sao Jorge is fascinating visually. Its steep sided

cliffs seem to slice through the ocean, however it is the Fajas (low-lying

areas of lava that were formed from the subsidence of the cliffs) that it is

most famed for. Sao Jorge is also well known throughout the Azores for

producing delicious cheese, one of its main exports. Shortly after arrival in

Velas we transfer to the start of the walking tour from Caldeira do Santo

Cristo to Faja dos Cubres. After arriving at Faja dos Cubres we then take a

transfer back to Velas and across the channel back to Faial. (approx. 2.5

hours walking, distance 10km).

As today is a free day you have the chance to try out many of the other

activities that the Azores have to offer. Apart from offering some unique

walking opportunities, the Azores is perhaps one of the best places on the

planet to spot whales and dolphins. There are 80 species of whale and dolphin

and 25 of them have been sighted off the coast of the Azores, with the most

common being the Sperm Whale. There is also the chance to spot Bottlenose

dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales, Sei whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins

and the holy grail - the Blue Whale. 



If you choose to go on an excursion, you will have the chance to observe the

behaviour of these wonderful creatures and learn more about their habitat

with the help of the knowledgeable local experts on board. We observe strict

protocols regarding interaction, maintaining the appropriate distance at all

times. Moreover during feeding and resting times we avoid any interference

with the whales’ natural habitat. This afternoon or evening we will take a

flight back to Ponta Delgada.

After breakfast we head into the lush centre of Sao Miguel to Barrosa's

mountain where we get a sense of why this island has earned its nickname the

'green island'. Today's final walk begins with a short but steep uphill

section and continues following a 'levada' (small water channel) close to

which you will find some well preserved species of endemic Azorian flora. The

highlight of this walk is arriving at the viewpoint over the Lagoa do Fogo,

one of the most beautiful volcanic lakes in the entire Azores network. We

stop at Caldeira Velha waterfall for a well earned dip in its warm waters, in

the afternoon we drive to Sete Cidades, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of

Portugal. From Vista do Rei we are rewarded with breathtaking views of

tranquil lakes, blue hydrangeas bordering the crater rim that contrast with

the steep sides of the crater. 

End Ponta Delgada

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