Island hopping Azores

Transfer to the airport and flight to the island of Pico, named after its huge volcano. Departing from Madalena, your coastal walk begins between small harbors and vineyards surrounded by stone walls of black lava. This unique method of winegrowing has led to the area being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accompanied by an experienced local guide, you will climb the 2.351 m high Pico volcano, the highest peak in Portugal, from which gas and water vapor escape from the fumaroles. The challenging ascent is rewarded with a fascinating lava landscape and a breathtaking panoramic view over the sea and the surrounding islands.

By taxi to the central mountain ridges. A multitude of volcanic cones are lined up there, covered in endemic vegetation. As you descend to the sea, the original vegetation gradually gives way to a forest of more exotic species introduced by man, such as clover seed, sickle fir and pine trees. You cross the Prainha nature reserve and can take a refreshing dip at the small beach of Baia das Canas before returning to your accommodation by transfer.

Ferry from Madalena to the island of São Jorge. Wild and steep, São Jorge stretches out on the edge of the ocean, with its ‘fajas’, fertile headlands dotted with hamlets and orchards. You follow the pilgrims' path between hydrangeas and junipers to the Faja de Santo Cristo. From this village, which is only accessible on foot, you walk along the coast to Faja dos Cubres and are finally taken back to Velas.

Today you will reach the highest peak on the island - Pico da Esperança - at an altitude of 1.053 m above sea level. The second part of your hike takes you down the north coast of the island across pastureland to the beautiful Faja do Ouvidor with its terraced houses on the hillside and its natural swimming pools carved into the volcanic rocks. Transfer back to Velas.

By boat to the island of Faial and transfer to the south coast for a walk to the Capelinhos lighthouse, which was the scene of a huge volcanic eruption in 1957. The accumulation of lava and ash almost formed an island of its own. Then back to Horta, where you can discover the colonial architecture, the history of the American whaling ships and the telegraph companies that make up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of this small town.

Transfer to the island's central crater. You skirt the spectacular rim of the caldera at an altitude of 1.000 m and then follow the levada on a rocky path. You descend through the lava fields and past colorful hydrangeas to Praia do Norte and are taken back to Horta, where you can reflect on the many impressions of the hike.

Flight back to the green island of São Miguel and transfer to Furnas, where you will spend the day. Today's stage runs directly through the Furnas crater, allowing you to experience the archipelago's active volcano up close: locals use the high ground temperatures to cook traditional dishes, and you will come across hot fumaroles and sulphur springs everywhere. Look forward to the Terra Nostra botanical garden with its romantic lakes, exotic flowers and thermal water swimming pools.

This hike takes you to the south of the island. Part of the route runs along levada footpaths, so you can enjoy the diverse flora. At the highest point of the hike, you will reach Lagoa do Fogo, the most extraordinary and unspoilt lake on the island. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery and lies at the foot of the Água de Pau volcanic crater. Transfer back to Ponta Delgada.

You start in the west of the island, at the large volcanic crater Sete Cidades, which consists of a green and a blue crater lake. These are connected by a seven-arched bridge, which symbolises the seven cities of the lost continent of Atlantis. Enjoy the fantastic panorama before returning to Ponta Delgada along the beautiful north coast past idyllic villages and small harbors.