Three Island Azores Hiking Journey

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in the Azores

   Upon arriving in the Azores, you're transferred to your hotel in Ponta Delgada. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

2. Day 2: Travel to São Jorge

   Take an internal flight to the island of São Jorge, this is a stunning island known for dramatic cliffs and greenery. Upon arriving, you're transferred to your hotel, following this, you have time to explore independently.

3. Day 3: Hike Fajã de São João to Fajã dos Vimes

   Today’s hike is a linear route from Fajã de São João and Fajã dos Vimes. The route passes along narrow streets, past churches and across agricultural landscapes. Throughout the hike, there are views of waterfalls and the islands of Picos and Faial.

   Walking distance: 15 kilometres | Ascent: 500 metres | Descent: 500 metres

4. Day 4: Hike Pico do Pedro to Fajã do Ouvidor

   Begin your journey from Pico do Pedro, where open slopes and sweeping views provide a striking introduction to São Jorge’s volcanic scenery. From here, follow the gentle ridge towards Pico da Esperança, the island’s highest peak. The route offers an ever-changing panorama of craters, lakes and distant coastlines, making the walk both peaceful and dramatic.

   After enjoying the summit views, continue towards Fajã do Ouvidor. Wander along the rocks, discover natural swimming pools such as Poça Simão Dias and take time to relax by the water. 

   Walking distance: 17 kilometres | Ascent: 150 metres | Descent: 950 metres

5. Day 5: Hike Serra do Topo to Fajã dos Cubres

   Today’s route begins at the Serra do Topo Eolic Park, and finishes at the coastal village of Fajã dos Cubres. Begin following a track from the wind turbines into an area rich with Azorean flora. Continue along the marked path past a small shelter, and viewpoints that offer your first glimpses of Caldeira de Santo Cristo below. The path then follows the coastline north-west, passing the abandoned settlement of Fajã do Belo, before the trail ends at Fajã dos Cubres.

   After your hike, a transfer takes you to the harbour, where you travel to Pico Island. 

   Walking distance: 11 kilometres | Ascent: 75 metres | Descent: 620 metres

6. Day 6: Hike Vinhas da Criação Velha

   After a transfer, today's hike links two villages, offering discovery as you pass traditional black stone walls, expansive lava fields, tide wells, and terraced vineyards. Part of the route lies within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cultura da Vinha, a protected landscape renowned for its unique winemaking heritage.

   Walking distance: 7 kilometres | Ascent: 110 metres | Descent: 110 metres

7. Day 7: Hike Caminho dos Burros

   Transfer to Caminho dos Burros for your hike, this trail begins next to the Caminho das Lagoas in the central highlands of the island. Along the route, you pass through areas of Sphagnum moss, Australian cheesewood, Acacias, and native plants. The trail continues by Prainha Forest Park, a lush woodland featuring towering laurel trees and vibrant undergrowth. Your hike finishes in Baía de Canas, from here a transfer takes you back to your hotel.

   Walking distance: 10 kilometres | Ascent: 100 metres | Descent: 740 metres

8. Day 8: Hike Lagoa do Capitão

   After a short transfer, your walk begins in the central highlands of Pico Island. The route takes you past Capitan’s Lake, a tranquil spot surrounded by lush vegetation. You then follow trails through open pastureland and native forest.

   Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of Pico’s north coast, with the landscape gradually descending into Australian cheesewood groves. The hike ends at the harbour of São Roque, then a transfer takes you back to your hotel.

   Walking distance: 9 kilometres | Ascent: 50 metres | Descent: 720 metres

9. Day 9: Travel to São Miguel

   Today, you transfer to the airport and fly back to São Miguel. Upon arrival, you’re transferred to a hotel in Ponta Delgada.

10. Day 10: Hike Explore Sete Cidades

    The hike today starts near Mata do Canário, on the eastern side of the Sete Cidades ridge, and descends to the lakeside village below. Follow the dirt track alongside the historic Muro das Nove Janelas aqueduct, rebuilt in 1830. From here, follow the path that serves both local farms and one of the most iconic stages of the Azores Rally. Walking along the ridge, enjoy sweeping views of the volcanic crater and its lakes of varying colours and shapes. Once here it's possible to explore the lakefront areas or visit the Casa do Parque Visitor Centre.

    Walking distance: 11 kilometres | Ascent: 210 metres | Descent: 350 metres

11. Day 11: Hike Lagoa do Fogo Discovery

    Hike from Lagoa do Fogo following a trail winding through farmland and open pastures, before the path climbs to reach a levada. Here, there are several plants which are endemic to the Azores. After this, the route leads you into the picturesque valley of Ribeira da Praia. When you reach the lake's edge, take time to enjoy the views before retracing your steps back to your starting point.

    Walking distance: 14 kilometres | Ascent: 300 metres | Descent: 300 metres

12. Day 12: Ribeira Funda to Maia

    This scenic trail begins near the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Aflição in Ribeira Funda, and descends through a mix of pastures and lush woodlands. The area is a haven for spotting buzzards, grey wagtails and other birds. Depending upon sea conditions, it's possible to either follow a coastal trail or continue to Praia da Viola. Along the route you pass springs and waterfalls before the trail ends in the coastal town of Maia. 

    Walking distance: 7 kilometres | Ascent: 290 metres | Descent: 370 metres

13. Day 13: Return home

    Your holiday comes to an end today, after a transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.