Island hopp

Arrival on what is probably the most international island in the Azores. Here you`ll meet sailers from all over the world! You’ll receive your rental car directly at the airport. Drive to your friendly and authentic guesthouse, "Casa do Lado, situated in the middle of the historic center of the main town of Horta. The accommodation offers an ideal location for exploring the city and relaxing hours on the black beach close by. The rooms are beautifully furnished and throughout the building you can see that a motivated and family-run team manages this guest house with care, prudence, taste and sustainability criteria. The "Casa do Lado" is simply ideal for travelers who want to explore the Azores on a budget.
In case Guesthouse Casa do Lado will be fully booked, you`ll stay in the centrally located accommodation Casa da Baía, which will be booked as an alternative.
Days 2 and 3: Day: Capelinhos and the Caldeira - discover the highlights of Faial
During your stay on Faial, explore the main town of Horta and the highlights of the island at your own pace.
There are several museums in Horta which are for sure worth a visit. Or just go for as stroll in the picturesque main town. A visit of the fascinating marina with its many colorful paintings is absolutely worthwhile! The island's small botanical garden in Flamengos, close by Horta, provides interesting information on the Azore`s endemical fauna.

During your stay on Faial, explore the main town of Horta and the highlights of the island at your own pace.

There are several museums in Horta which are for sure worth a visit. Or just go for as stroll in the picturesque main town. A visit of the fascinating marina with its many colorful paintings is absolutely worthwhile! The island's small botanical garden in Flamengos, close by Horta, provides interesting information on the Azore`s endemical fauna.

Recommendations for your stay on Faial:
Capelinhos: After a leisurely breakfast, head to Capelinhos, the site where the volcanic eruption of 1957/58 took place. Even today, the bizarre lunar landscape and the old lighthouse, which has been dug up again from the second floor, are reminiscent of that time. A visit of the impressive underground volcano museum, which includes an ascent of the restored lighthouse, provides a lot of information about volcanism in general and about Faial in particular. The lighthouse and other viewpoints around it provide spectacular views of the New Land. A walk on the grounds of Capelinhos, paved with dark ashes, is worthwhile.
Caldeira: Also highly recommendable is a visit of the large Caldeira, an impressive collapsed crater, situated in the center of the island. Its highest spot has an altitude of about 1,000 meters. The collapsed crater is one of the most imposing craters of the Azores, with a diameter of about 1.4 km, and with almost vertical walls. We recommend a circular walk along the crater (approx. 3 hour walk), which starts and ends at the parking lot. When the view is clear, it provides fascinating views.

After eventful days on Faial, continue your journey to the next island. Drop off your rental car at the ferry port and cross over to the hiking island of São Jorge (ferry trip takes approx. 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on boat). During your outbound flight, you may have already spotted the island which has the shape of the shape of a dragon's back. After arrival in the main town of Velas, pick up your rental car directly at the ferry port. Your next accommodaton, the family-run Hotel Soras Neto, is located right by the harbour of the picturesque main town of Velas. It`s only a few steps to the historical town center with cafes and restaurants, and only a couple of minutes to walk to the next natural swimming pool. But also the he hotel's own small saltwater pool is perfect for cooling off. Fancy a magnificent view of the sunset? The hotel's sun terrace offers a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean.

São Jorge is probably one of the most beautiful islands in the Azores. The island stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean with its numerous headlands, called “Fajãs“. Enchanting hiking trails take you past jungle-like forests, waterfalls and grazing cows. Their milk is crucial for the production of the famous São Jorge cheese. With your rental car you can visit the various cheese dairies of São Jorge at any time and enjoy breathtaking views from the numerous viewpoints, the so-called "miradouros". Numerous watercourses hidden in the forest provide plenty of action. You`ll soon have your first canyoning experience with AvenTour along these slippery paths. Adrenaline rush pre-programmed!

Recommendations for your stay in São Jorge:
Fajã de Caldeira de Santo Cristo: thinly populated, only with weekend and holiday cottages and no access for cars. The electricity derives from a generator, it’s quiet and peaceful. Very tasty clams thrive in the lagoon of the fajã.
Fajãs: Take your time to drive down serpentine paths, until you reach sea level. There are various impressive fajãs with picturesque villages. Whether on the north coast of the island (e.g. Fajã do Ouvidor, providing a beautiful bathing area) or on the south coast (e.g. Fajã dos Vimes with a small café, where homegrown coffee is served), they are all worth a visit.
East and west of the island: In the east of the island, in the municipality of Norte there is a beautiful lighthouse and an appealing ocean swimming area. The view of the small offshore islet and the neighboring island of Terceira is impressive. The West of São Jorge is also worth a visit. There is the Forest Park of Rosais, a recreational area with a large variety of tree and plant species. There are also several viewpoints, so-called "Miradouros"; one of them is located at an old whaler’s lookout.

SPECIALLY INCLUDED FOR YOU: Canyoning baptism on São Jorge
Canyoning combines caving and climbing techniques, which are practiced according to various safety rules. With a rope attached to a safety point (anchorage), the person descends streams bed and overcomes waterfalls. It is undoubtedly the most rewarding way to discover pure and unspoiled nature and cross the many watercourses that this island offers for canyoning. It`s simply a different way of getting to know this island and enjoying its most beautiful feature: "wild nature".
It is not necessary to be trained in canyoning or adventure sports to take part in a "canyoning baptism". This program is aimed at those who have no previous experience with this sport.
The program begins with a theoretical briefing where you will learn about your personal protective equipment and how to use it correctly. "Canyoning baptism" consists of abseiling of a maximum of 20 meters. The aim is to enjoy a new experience as well as the natural environment, always with good humor, conviviality and safety.
Included services: necessary equipment, English-speaking guide and insurance

Today it's time to say goodbye to São Jorge. Drop off your rental car directly at the ferry port and take a ferry to the volcanic and wine island of Pico (crossing time approx. 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on ferry and port on Pico). After arrival on Pico, acquire your new rental car. For your next accommodation, head to Lajes, one of the three largest coastal villages on the island. This is where traditional whaling used to take place. Your Hotel Whale'come ao Pico is located directly on the coast, right between the whaling museum and the whale-watching agency "Espaco Talassa". Part of the hotel is the "SlowFood" restaurant, that`s where you are served breakfast. Eleven simple, but tastefully equipped rooms ensure a comfortable stay.

Enjoy your last few days on the second largest island in the archipelago, which is also known as the "Ilha Negra", the black island, due to its many black lava rocks. Pico`s natural landscapes appear to be very different from the other islands. With your rental car, you can plan your days flexibly according to your mood. Natural bathing spots in the ocean invite you to snorkel and watch marine animals go about their business.

Recommendations for your stay on Pico:
Lajido: a walk through the former wine production village makes you realize that you are in the heart of the wine-growing area. The play of colors of the grey-black lava stone walls, the green vines and fig trees, as well as the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean is very impressive. It’s easy to understand why UNESCO has classified this area as a World Heritage Site; some elements of the 18th century, which was the peak of Pico's wine-growing era, are still visible. There is also an informative museum where everything revolves around wine - a wine tasting is a must!
Gruta das Torres: it’s the longest lava tube in Portugal and one of the longest ones in Europe. The cave is located south of Madalena near Criação Velha. A guided tour through the cave gives interesting insights into Azorean volcanism and the emergence of the islands. Equipped with a helmet and flashlight, you can marvel at the beautiful shapes several lava flows have created.
And then there's Pico: how about climbing Pico, Portugal's highest mountain at 2,351 m?
The challenging hike starts at the foot of the mountain in the highlands of the island. After an arduous climb, which takes about 3.5 hours (about 1,100 meters in altitude), you will be rewarded with a magnificent view. With good visibility you can see all islands of the central group. The descent, after, is no less laborious. In good physical condition, the climb of the Pico Mountain is a highlight of any Azores holiday. Contact us for more information - you can climb the mountain on your own or book a package with us (ascent during the day, ascent at sunrise, ascent with overnight stay). The package includes everything you need (English-speaking licensed mountain guide, entrance fee, insurance; in case of an overnight stay the package includes equipment such as tent and sleeping bag).


SPECIALLY INCLUDED FOR YOU: WHALE WATCHING
A holiday in the Azores is, in some ways, “incomplete” without a trip to the world of giant marine mammals. They pass the Azores on their migration routes and they like to take a (long) break in the Azores, due to the abundance of fish. The most common whale is the sperm whale. Like other whale and dolphin species, the sperm whale is native to the area and lives all year round in the waters around the Azores. A male sperm whale grows up to 20 meters long. It’s very likely to get to see dolphins, who like to accompany the excursion boats and play with the waves those create. Commercial whaling on the islands came to an end at the beginning of the 1980s. Today, fortunately everything "only" revolves around observing the giants of the oceans. The half-day excursion takes place right next to your accommodation in a semi rigid inflatable boat (Zodiac/semi rigid) with the company Espaço Talassa.

After ten days of island hopping in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s time to say goodbye. Drive to the airport, return your rental car and flight home (optional: departure from the neighboring island of Faial; individual extension of your trip is also possible).