guided hikes on the island of São Miguel

Every hike on São Miguel is recommendable, because you will get impressions that you don't get when you go by car. Many beautiful places in the Azores can only be experienced on foot. Some walking paths lead along tree-sized ferns past rippling waterfalls or steaming hot springs. At times you have to decide whether to look at the endless ocean on the one side, or to admire a shimmering volcano lake below.

Hike on São Miguel; Faial da Terra-Salto do Prego
Faial da Terra is a small village that belongs to Povoação in the southeast of the island of São Miguel. The guided hike begins with a steep, narrow path that leads to Sanguinho, a village abandoned since the early 1970's, and now being rebuilt. The rest of the route leads through the forest, irregular and with many short ascents and descents, amidst dense and magnificent vegetation. During the hike it’s possible to literally "smell" all the green plants along the path. After reaching the Salto do Prego waterfall, participants will have the opportunity to dive into the water, before having the picnic lunch. The way back leads along a path with the same characteristics like before. After finishing the hike, participants will have time for a small meal in the town and mingle with the local population.

Distance: approx. 6 kilometers, in a continuous up and down down (participants should have a normal hiking condition)
Included services: English speaking guide, transfer from/ to accommodation in Ponta Delgada or central meeting point, picnic, hiking stick
Minimum number of participants: 4 persons


Hike on São Miguel; Lagoa do Fogo
This hike leads to one of the most beautiful lakes on the island and provides an almost complete impression of the rich and also native vegetation. The lake covers the bottom of a collapsed crater. At the lake it’s possible to go for a swim in the cool water, just before the picnic. This hike is labeled as moderate. On the way to the lake, the path basically leads uphill (about 2 hours). After the picnic, the path leads downhill. Caution is advised due to the risk of slipping (hiking sticks recommended). The hike is not recommended for hikers with knee and joint problems.

Distance: approx. 12 kilometers, in a continuous up and down (participants should have a normal hiking condition)
Included services: English speaking guide, transfer from/ to accommodation in Ponta Delgada or central meeting point, picnic, hiking stick
Minimum number of participants: 4 persons


Hike on São Miguel; Sete Cidades
Explore the west coast of the island of São Miguel. The lake in Sete Cidades is one of the most famous and legendary lakes on the island. During the walk (which is approximately 11 km long) participants will have the opportunity to learn a lot about the local flora and fauna, the history, and the volcanic formation of the island. Of course the famous love story about the lake will be part of it. After the hike, the tour leads along the south coast and stops in Ferraria, a splendid ocean bathing area with a natural swimming pool. The pool is filled by a hot thermal spring that flows into it, mixed with sea water.

Distance: approx. 11 kilometers, in a continuous up and down (easy hike, even feasible for inexperienced hikers)
Included services: English speaking guide, transfer from/ to accommodation in Ponta Delgada or central meeting point, picnic, hiking stick
Minimum number of participants: 4 persons

Hike on São Miguel: Moinhos da Ribeira Funda
The trail starts in Ribeira Funda (village of Fenais da Ajuda) and ends at the fishing port of Maia. First our trail follows a creek and passes by some ancient watermill ruins. After crossing the creek bed, our route leads to the beach of Praia da Viola. After a walk on the black sand, our hike leads up a path that offers an appealing view of the surroundings. Our trail then continues on a narrow path passing by reeds, following several small creeks in the midst of typical Azorean landscapes (green fields, meadows, lakes, animals). After following this path for a while, it will lead us to the fishing port of Maia, the ending point of our hike. The opportunity for a refreshing bath will be provided by visiting the natural pools in the village close by. After the picnic, our program includes a visit of a former tobacco factory, the Tobacco Museum of Maia.

Distance: approx. 7 km, in a continuous up and down (moderate hike/ medium level)
Included services: English speaking guide, transfer from / to accommodation in Ponta Delgada or central meeting point, visit of a tobacco factory, picnic, hiking stick
Minimum number of participants: 4 persons