Atlantic Pearls

Towards the southeast of the island, in the parish of Faial da Terra (about 45min), a path formerly used by the villagers takes you to the waterfall of "Salto do Prego" and the small stone houses of "Sanguinho". A walk to the heart of the endemic vegetation of the Azores. Afterwards, go discover the Gorrean tea plantations, unique in Europe. Visit the plantations and the factory dating back to 1883, which still produces Azorean tea today. Enjoy a tasting before returning back to Furnas.

Walking time Faial da Terra approx. 2h30m | +200/-200 height meters

Walking time Gorreana Tea approx. 1 hour | +200/-200 height meters

Accommodation in Furnas.

Today, take the road along the northern coast to the village of Sete Cidades for a walk in the vast crater which surrounds the village as well as the blue and green lake, the largest one in the Azores. Around the summit of the crater the views are breathtaking. In the afternoon, visit Ponta Delagada with its lavastone architecture and its Baroque churches. You can also visit a pineapple plantation where cultivation happens in greenhouses, unique in the world.

Walking time approx. 3 hours | +300/-300 height meters.

Accommodation in Rabo de Peixe.

Transfer to Casa da Montanha to join your mountain guide for the ascent of the Pico Volcano (2351m), the highest peak of Portugal. The ascent is a moderate level of hiking but the difficulty lays in a steep climb and descent in a stony, sometimes steep terrain on a pourly marked trail. Changing weather conditions may also make this walk harder to do (fog, rain, wind, cold at 2000 meters).  Walking time approx. 7-8 hours | +1100/-1100 meters.

In case you prefer to make an easier walk today, we can arrange a nice alternative. Also in case of unfavorable weather conditions, a hike is planned from Frei Matias, a descent on the flanks of the Pico volcano, facing the Ocean and the island Faial. The landscape changes as you descend, from green pastures to conifer forests and orange trees, banana and vines. Walking time approx. 3,5 hours | a descent of 600 meters.

Accommodation in Madalena.

Transfer to the port of Madalena or São Roque on the North Coast and ferry crossing to the island of São Jorge (1 to 1,5 hour). Enjoy the rest of the day to discover the charming little town of Velas and swim or snorkel at the natural pools.

Accommodation in Velas.

The ferry takes you in about 2 hours to Horta on Faial Island. A 5 minute transfer by taxi brings you to your new accommodation. Drop off your luggage and proceed to the village of Capelo, followed by a coastal walk to the Capelinhos Volcano. The latest eruption of the Azores was here in 1957. Transfer back to Horta.

Walking time approx. 3 hours | +200/-200 height meters.

Accommodation in Horta.

Horta is a famous stopover for sailors from all countries. Stroll around or go for a swim at the beach of Porto Pim, visit the aquarium and the Peter sailors'bar, well known for its gin tonic.

Depending on the arrangements of your international return flight, accommodation will be in Horta or in Ponta Delgada, in which case we will arrange a flight to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island.