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Day walks on Sao Miguel

Guided and non- guided day walks on Sao Miguel

 

 

Guided Walks

 

Faial da Terra (Sunday): This 6km walk takes place in the southeast of the island, in Faial da Terra. The trail is lined by exotic and luxurious vegetation. During the walk you will stop by the beautiful waterfall of Salto do Prego where it is possible to take a swim. Grade 2

 

Monte Escuro (Tuesday): This 14km walk starts by the Monte Escuro volcano at a height of 780m. As the trail continues the scenario changes, allowing you to appreciate long distance views over the island and the magnificent Lagoa do
Fogo. The walk ends by the church of Nossa Senhora da Paz, a pilgrimage site that offers beautiful views over the village of Vila Franca do Campo and the islet of Vila Franca. Grade 2


Lagoa do Fogo (Wednesday): This 13km walk takes place in the south-central area of Sao Miguel and includes a route along a levada. The high point is the arrival at Lagoa do Fogo, located at 575m which is one of the most beautiful lakes of the Azores. Grade 2


Gaiteira/Furnas (Thursday): This 7km walk starts in Gaiteira, on the south coast of the island, leading to a typical fishing village Ribeira Quente. Throughout the day you will have amazing vistas. After a picnic lunch, you will visit one of the most important fumarole fields in the Azores, take a bath in a natural hot spring and try the assorted mineral waters of Furnas. Grade 2


Cumeeiras (Friday): This 12km walk takes place in the west of Sao Miguel. On the walk you will see some exotic and native species of Azorean flora. Part of the trail follows the water line of the caldera of Sete Cidades, around the twin lakes known as Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. Enjoy amazing panoramic views of the North and West coast of the island. Grade 2

Price for each walk is £51 per adult and £41 per child (up to 10yrs). An additional supplement is payable for transfers from Nordeste – prices on request.

 

 

Non Guided Walks:


Sete Cidades is a 4-5 hour (13km) walk that descends through the valley towards the village of Sete Cidades, before continuing around the water’s edge.
During the walk, you will be able to take photographs of both the Sete Cidades lakes (one blue in colour, the other green), as well as panoramic pictures of lush countryside overlooking the ocean. The difficulty of this walk, if any, is the last stretch which is fairly steep and can be slippery due to the ground surface consisting of loose gravel on top of compacted stone. Grade 2


Lagoa do Fogo is a 5 hour (13km) walk in the central region of Sao Miguel. Located at the base of a steep caldeira, the Lagoa do Fogo is surrounded by a beautiful protected nature area, home to several endemic plant species. Starting in the village of Praia before ascending the mountains and valleys to the viewpoint at the caldeira rim. After taking time to admire the beautiful scenery, you will return to Agua de Alto beach where you can relax and take a refreshing swim. Grade 2


Lagoa do Canario walk will start at the lake before continuing to the viewpoint over the Sete Cidades lakes. Descend to the village of Capelas on the north coast of Sao Miguel, once an important whaling centre, passing the small lakes of Lagoa das Eguas, Lagoa Rasa and Lagoa Empadadas en route. Throughout this 2 hour (6km) walk you will be able to enjoy magnificent views over the northern coastline with its picturesque villages and pastures. Grade 1


Ponta Graca is a 2 hour (8km) walk that follows an old donkey trail along the scenic southern coastline until reaching the small fishing village of Ribeira
Quente. The approach to the village will guide you through green countryside and two tunnels where there is a cascading waterfall. This is the only coastal trail on Sao Miguel which provides excellent ocean views for most of the walk. Grade 2


Furnas is a 3 hour 30 minute (9km) walk around the village visiting the renowned hot springs and Furnas Lake. Visit the caldeira’s hot springs, in which the traditional meal, Cozido, is cooked. Grade 1


Faial da Terra walk commences in the village of Agua Retorta and descends
through pastures and forest to the riverside village of Faial da Terra. Climb to the village of Sanguinho before entering a small forest which leads to a beautiful waterfall. It is possible to take a cold dip into the waterfall. The walk will then return to the village of Faial da Terra. Grade 2

 

Prices per taxi

(max 3 people)

from Ponta Delgada from Caloura

from Vila Franca do Campo

from Furnas
Sete Cidades £66 £90 £95 £147
Lagoa do Fogo £55 £40 £40* £60
Lagoa do Canario £58 £87 £93 £147
Ponta Garca £94 £81 £69 £38
Furnas £92 £77 £65 n/a
Faial da Terra         £140 £119 £119 £62

         

 * no charge to clients who have pre-booked other walks

 

Notes: The walks shown above can be booked as individual walks to be added on to a standard holiday booking.

 

Call 020 8758 4722 for more info or to pre-book any of the above walks.

 

Back to Sao Miguel activities page >

Walking on Sao Miguel Island
Walking on Sao Miguel

Introduction >

Bird Watching >

Botanical Gardens >

Coastline & Big Game Fishing >

Diving >

Geological History Tour & Azorean Experience >

Golf >

Jeep Safari & Island Tour >

Swimming with Dolphins >

Whale & Dolphin Watching >

Walking >

 

 

Grading of Sao Miguel walks

Grade 1 for easy

Grade 2 for medium

Grade 3 for difficult

 

What to bring?
• Comfortable pair of walking shoes/boots, preferably with a good grip
• Light waterproof jacket/mac
• Sun hat and sun lotion
• Swimming costume – as some walks provide an opportunity to bathe
• Water and packed lunch

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