Magic world of the Azores

At the beginning of your walking holiday you discover the west of the island. The large volcanic crater Sete Cidades consists of a green and a blue crater lake. They are separated by a bridge with seven arches, representing the seven cities of the lost continent Atlantis. Enjoy the fabulous panorama. At the end you walk along the beautiful north shore past idyllic villages and little harbours.

Today you head for the very heart of the island, into the wonderful Furnas-Valley. In Gorreana you can visit one of the few remaining tea plantations before you continue on a spectacular coastal path to the traditional village of Maia. All the way you enjoy stunning views onto the norther shore of the island. You pass glistening river basins featuring historic watermills, on the beach of Praia da Viola roaring waterfalls line your way. Via transfer to Furnas.

Today’s stage runs directly inside the crater of Furnas, there you experience the active volcano of the island group at first glance: locals use the high ground temperatures to cook traditional dishes, everywhere you come across hot fumarole- and sulfur springs. Look forward to the Botanical Garden Terra Nostra with its romantic lakes, winding paths, exotic flowers, very old trees and swimming pools filled with thermal spring water, which we highly recommend visiting.

A short transfer takes you to the start of the walking tour, from where you will climb up the Pico da Vara. Your route leads you through the dense rainforest up to the highest point of the entire island, from there you walk along the ridge covered in colourful moorland, always accompanied by breath-taking panoramic views onto the entire island and the glistening sea. With a bit of luck, you may spot the indigenous bullfinch in the fir forests. 

This walking tour leads you into the South of the island. Part of the route runs along Levada walking paths, enjoy the diverse flora. At the highest point of the hike you reach the most unusual and unspoilt lake of the island, Lagoa do Fogo.  It is surrounded by incredibly beautiful scenery and is situated at the foot of the volcanic crater Água de Pau. You spend the next two nights in Ponta Delgada, the lively capital of the Azores.

As a finale to your walking week you follow the „Rota de Agua“, the road of the water, along the enchanting „Janela do Inferno“, an unusual network of aqueducts situated amidst the dense forest. Afterwards a transfer takes you back to the capital where you have the afternoon at your own disposal and can do whatever you feel like, i.e. maybe a spectacular whale watching tour.