Azores walks

Starting from Casa Montanha do Pico, a short high-altitude walk through the pastures, between the peak and the vineyards. Following an easy path, you’ll walk through the upper pastures with an extraordinary view of Madalena, its surroundings and the island of Faial with its caldera.

Starting from the car park at the village hall, this walk takes you along narrow paths lined with dry stone walls to the car park where the PRC04 trail begins its descent towards a black sand beach. The walk then passes a few small houses before reaching the end of the path, offering a magnificent view of the ocean and the waterfalls cascading down the cliff!

Hike through the vineyards of the north coast between Santana and Lajido (UNESCO-listed) The coastal section allows you to walk across the lava flows and their iconic landscape, as well as through the beautiful hamlets of Arcos and Lajido. The route also offers stunning views of the two neighbouring islands: Calneta to the north-east and Horta to the east, as well as a passage through a volcanic arch. The inland section takes you through the vineyards and up a little to enjoy the many views of the neighbouring islands and the Montanha do Pico. A circular route that largely follows the route of the PR®10 and PR®01 – straightforward paths – but avoids sections of the main road (ER) in favour of much less busy tracks. Red/Yellow markings. The route starts here at the junction between the ‘lava’ section and the ‘hills’ section. It is also possible to start from either of the two villages and follow the same route.

A short, easy walk to reach Alagoa Bay/Beach. No particular difficulty; the path is very well signposted (red and white). From the main road, turn right at the bend onto a recently tarmac-surfaced road. At the end of the road is the car park where you can start the walk. Halfway along, there is a superb spot to spend the day or have a meal, with sheltered tables, toilets, showers, a BBQ and bins available. The path continues to the left until you reach the beach. Depending on the weather and your swimming ability, you can swim out to the hollow rock opposite the beach.

Return trip from Ponta to the Miradouro da Quebrada dos Fanais (viewpoint overlooking the lighthouse and Corvo) There are also some very beautiful views of Ponta, Faja Grande and the island’s west coast. Start from the car park behind the church in Ponta, on a red/yellow-marked trail like all hiking trails in the Azores. The path initially runs along the coast before branching off to the right via a small, unobtrusive staircase that marks the start of the ascent. The climb is not difficult but is made all the more enjoyable by the dense vegetation and the views of the ocean. There are a few sections with handrails or wooden steps. Once at the top, the path follows the stone walls to the viewpoint overlooking the lighthouse and Corvo. The trail continues on to Ponta Delgada, a distance of 5–6 km, mostly downhill.

PR®03 trail (round trip) starting from the Bacalhau waterfall and circular route around the lakes Allow between 4 and 5 hours without breaks Numerous iconic viewpoints of the island (west coast, waterfalls, lakes) with a steep first section (gradient: 30%) before following a ridge to reach the lakes reserve.

Return to the shore of Lago do Fogo Starting from the car park at the foot of the slope, the road remains a wide track until it turns into a path after a hotel complex. After a steeper section, the route becomes almost flat and runs alongside an irrigation channel under the trees, finally opening out onto a clearing where several channels converge from the hills above. The viewpoint over the lake is then close by, and you can continue by following the track to the right.

A mini hike to see a small cave, which can be visited with a torch (ideally a head torch). Ideal for children!

A circular "between ocean and mountain" around Santa Barbara, which will take you through pastures to the remote village of Norte facing the sea and a beautiful viewpoint over the bay of Sao Lourenço. If you are in a hurry, take this circular in the opposite direction to go only to the viewpoint, then to Norte.

A beautiful hike around Pico Alto, which allows you to see the entire island of Santa Maria. You are in the forest the whole time, which is quite humid, and you can enjoy sporadic superb views of the island. Before returning to your vehicle in the car park, climb to the top of Pico Alto via the stairs. This is my favourite hike in Santa Maria!

A very pleasant walk around the crater, entering through the fortress, then a breathtaking view of the town of Angra, view of the crater, highest point, picnic area, tour of the crater, and finally a tour of the historic houses. Very varied and pleasant, one section (9) is quite steep but can be avoided.

This hike follows a coastal path along the cliffside. It starts in the village of Faja Grande. It follows a road to the church of Nostra Senhora do Carmo. It then takes a path with breathtaking views of the ocean and the cliff overlooking Faja Grande.Please note: at one point, the path enters a fenced field. You must pass under a barrier tape on the left for 200 metres to rejoin the original route.After that, the path, which is supposed to run along the coast to the Albarnaz lighthouse, is on the side of a cliff with no protection at the edge of the drop: turn back at this point.

This is the complete ascent of the Pico volcano from the car park at Casa de Montanha. A magnificent hike with breathtaking views, weather permitting. Points to note:- follow the tracks in the rocks carefully to find the most frequently used passages among the stones and do not necessarily try to connect each of the 51 wooden markers that mark the route.- be careful on the descent, which is more challenging than the ascent: there are rocks, lava flows and no real path.- the ascent of Piquinjo is quite impressive. The path is narrow and steep, requiring the use of your hands, but this is the price you pay to reach the highest point in Portugal at 2,351 metres

At the foot of Mount Pico and overlooking the strait, this hike allows you to discover the iconic vineyards south of Madalena. The impressive vineyards are cultivated in small plots, separated by lava walls, facing the island of Faial.

This hike goes around the crest of the volcano, offering superb views of the impressive crater, as well as the Pico volcano, the flora, the hydrangeas, and more. The path along the crest is sometimes very narrow, with two people unable to pass each other.

This circular route through the village of Faial da Terra develops partially in the geosite of Caldeira of Povoação. Begin the walk at the center of the village and follow the marks by a road accessing agricultural fields. Along it you will cross several times the regional road, passing by the old whale watching tower, place used by the ancients to watch and locate the different cetaceans species.