Azores Nature Immersion 🥾

Ponta Delgada is the capital of São Miguel Island. The city is known as the gateway to the archipelago thanks to its Juan Pablo II International Airport. Ponta Delgada is situated in an impressive bay and boasts an old town full of cobblestone streets, with a rich architectural heritage dating back to the 12th and 18th centuries. Although the city is quiet, it comes alive at night, especially in the historic center and marina, where many restaurants are concentrated. Additionally, many of the most popular activities for visitors to São Miguel start in this port area. This is a free day to explore on your own.

This is a circular walk that starts next to the Caldeiras of Ribeira Grande. It is about 4km long and a relatively easy walking route although it has some steep slopes. On this trail, our guide will give interesting information about the water resources of São Miguel Island. This is a great opportunity to be in contact with nature and at the same time discover how it becomes very useful in our lives. The trail crosses all the fundamentally important sites of the Fajã Redonda Hydro Power Plant. The first part of the trail is to descend on a dirt path with lush nature until you reach the Hydroelectric Power Station of Salto do Cabrito. This is where we will enjoy Salto do Cabrito waterfall and take some time to take pictures. Then we will go up some stairs with a very steep slope and on the way we will pass by an iron walkway. For those who fear heights, be prepared to overcome this challenge! However, it is a footpath that is very worth it because it is very close to the river and we have the feeling that we are surrounded by nature.

On this day, we will take you to one of São Miguel's most beautiful lakes: Fogo lake. It is a complete experience full of landscapes, History and nature. The path to Lagoa do Fogo runs through a great variety native and endemic vegetation, and offers the opportunity to enjoy the lake from a less famous but as well wonderful perspective. You will discover the story behind the water springs and the old ruins of the flax factory, which produced materials and fabric from it. We will depart from Ponta Delgada at 9am for a first stop at Miradouro do Pisão , an amazing viewpoint that looks upon the natural pools and the convent of Caloura, before reaching the starting point of the hiking trail near Agua d'Alto beach. We will have our picnic on the shore of the lake, enjoying its landscape and the crystal clear water as well as the caldeira of the volcano where the lake sits. Come with us to discover this paradise. If you like to walk in nature and you want to see the most pristine places of this island, this hike is the right choice. The walk is around 11km long and could be quite challenging with its ways up and down to reach the lake, but the effort is worth it all!

This full-day adventure will allow you to discover the volcanic complex of Sete Cidades on a different path, but always including the most emblematic sites. This hike is, by the way, challenging but the landscapes are incredible with hidden lakes, aqueducts and water springs, all surrounded by endemic vegetation. It will lead us to the highest point of Sete Cidades: Pico das Éguas. This circular trail starts at Muro do Carvão, where our guides will tell you about the places of interest that we will visit during the day. Hiking through Serra Devassa, we will have the chance to see Lagoa do Caldeirão , pass by the Pico das Éguas, Lagoa das Éguas and Lagoa do Canário . There, it will be time for a break to have our light meal. Have you already heard about the Grota do Inferno viewpoint? It is one of the most famous places in São Miguel island. We will go there and then continue along Canario springs to reach Serra Devassa back. Taking a different route, we will be able to see another lake, Lagoa Rasa, and enter in the area of Lagoa das Empadadas to go back to the starting point. Learning about the geomorphology of the island, this is the perfect way to discover Sete Cidades on a complete but least known path.

On this complete tour, you will feel and experience the volcanic origins of the island in Furnas, a magical place full of geothermal activity. After the pick up in Ponta Delgada at 9am, we will start by a visit to the local tea factory Gorreana before reaching the viewpoint over Furnas: Pico do Ferro . You will definitely have to take pictures for your album about the Azores. Then, we will go to the Caldeiras das Furnas to visit the famous fumaroles and taste gasocarbonic mineral waters from different springs. Passing by the Lagoa das Furnas , the local restaurant is our next stop to taste the famous “Cozido”, one of the most emblematic dishes of the Azores. It is a mixture of regional vegetables and meats cooked with the help of volcanic activity. A gastronomic experience you cannot miss. This is a very special meal cooked only with the steam of the Earth. After lunch, we will visit the centenary Terra Nostra botanical garden, famous for its extraordinary collection of native plants from the Azores, as well as others from all over the world that have adapted to the local conditions. At the end of the visit, you are invited to go for a dip in an iron-rich hot water swimming pool that has a temperature of 35-40ºC (95-104°F), a relaxing experience.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure that combines one of São Miguel Island’s most stunning hikes with a leisurely van tour through the magical Nordeste region—an experience you won’t want to miss! We’ll set off from Ponta Delgada, making our way to the picturesque village of Faial da Terra, where our circular trail—Faial da Terra to Salto do Prego—awaits. As we journey through this enchanting landscape, we’ll uncover the hidden mountain village of Sanguinho, a true treasure nestled in nature. Prepare to be refreshed by the crystal-clear waters of the breathtaking Salto do Prego waterfall, a perfect oasis for a cool dip, especially on a sunny summer day. After our invigorating hike, we’ll take a moment to relax in the charming center of Faial da Terra, soaking up the tranquil ambiance of the historic old whalers’ harbor before continuing on our adventure. Our scenic drive will lead us to awe-inspiring viewpoints along Nordeste’s rugged coastline, where dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views await. We’ll stop at the mesmerizing Ponta do Sossego and Vista dos Barcos viewpoints, where the beauty of the island will leave you spellbound. To cap off this unforgettable day, we’ll visit the magnificent Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park, home to another stunning waterfall, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonders of São Miguel before we head back to Ponta Delgada.

Free day to explore on your own. Visitors staying in Ponta Delgada will have time to explore it gradually, for example, after a long day of excursions around the island. On the other hand, we recommend that those staying in other towns dedicate at least half a day to visiting the capital.