Azores Island Hopping

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Day 1: Arrival Pico Island

Private transfer from the airport of Pico to your first accommodation in the south of the island. If you arrive early, you will have enough time to try spotting a whale in the sea from this special eco-friendly hotel or, weather permitting, relax by the swimming pool.

• Accommodation: Aldeia da Fonte Nature Hotel or Alma de Pico in Pico

Day 2: Pico: Along the Southern Coast | 13km

In the morning, our driver will pick you up to go to the route’s starting point, just above Silveira village. Being the highest mountain of Portugal, the Pico volcano, with its 2,351m of height, will accompany you along most of the route. The second part of the route follows the coastline back to the hotel, showing some of the best-kept secrets of the southern coast of the island.

• Walking for the day: approx. 3.5 to 4h, 13km ­↑­­­­100m ↓290m
• Accommodation: Aldeia da Fonte Nature Hotel or Alma de Pico in Pico

Day 3: Pico: Caminho dos Burros | 10km

Today you head to the central plateau of the island. This route takes you down to the northern coast with great views of the Pico Mountain, São Jorge Island in front, and you pass through a fairy-tale forest you will never forget. The taxi will pick you up from a bizarre beach with no sand but full of round stones shaped by the sea.

• Walking for the day: approx. 2.5 to 3h, 10km ­ ↑100m ↓800m
• Accommodation: Aldeia da Fonte Nature Hotel or Alma de Pico in Pico

Day 4: Pico: Lagoa do Capitão or Vineyards Walk | 9-10km

On your last day on Pico Island, the taxi picks you and your luggage up at the hotel and takes you to the start of the walk. For today you have 2 options:

• Option 1: An amazing route from Lagoa do Capitão lake down to São Roque, first along red dirt tracks but them downhill through an amazing forest. In order to avoid a long demanding descent, it is better to opt for the other option. The taxi will pick you up at the end of the walk to go to the harbour.
• Option 2: A route along the eastern coast of the island through World Heritage vineyards. This route ends in Madalena’s harbour (Note: this route can also be left for the last day when you return to Pico from Faial and in case your flight departs in the afternoon. Extra cost for the transfer might apply, to be paid on the spot to taxi driver).

Once on São Jorge, a taxi will take you to your next accommodation.

• Walking for the day: 3h 10km ­ ↑0m ↓770m (option 1) or 2.5h, 9km ­ ↑100m ↓100m (option 2)
• Accommodation: Sao Jorge Garden or Quinta do Canavial in Sao Jorge

Day 5: São Jorge: From Pico da Esperança down to the Coast | 18km

The driver will take you to Pico da Esperanza, the island’s highest point (1,053m). This easy but relatively long walk will boast magnificent views of the four islands around São Jorge: Pico, Faial in the south and Graciosa and Terceira in the north. The route ends in Fajã do Ouvidor, where you cannot miss the natural blue volcanic pools by the coast. You can avoid the last demanding descent and wait in the previous village for the transfer back to Velas.

• Walking for the day: approx. 5h, 18km ­ ↑300m ↓1,000m
• Accommodation: Sao Jorge Garden or Quinta do Canavial in Sao Jorge

Day 6: São Jorge: The Northern Coast | 11km

Today a 50min transfer takes you to the beginning of this unforgettable walk. Following a trail passing through endemic vegetation, you descend to the Fajãs (flat arable portions of land by the sea) of Caldeira do Santo Cristo, known for its tasty clams and Fajã dos Cubres, both of them with crystal clear lagoons. On the descent, don’t miss a refreshing waterfall and a balcony with great views of the first Fajã.

• Walking for the day: approx. 3h, 11km ­ ↑150m ↓700m
• Accommodation: Sao Jorge Garden or Quinta do Canavial in Sao Jorge

Day 7: Faial: Monte de Guia | 13km

Today you leave for Faial island. In the morning, a taxi will pick you up and take you to the harbour to take the ferry to Horta, where a taxi will also be waiting for you. Option for doing a short and easy route in Hortas or just relax on the beach or by the marina of this peaceful village.

• Walking for the day: approx. 1.5h, 4.5km ↑160m ↓160m
• Accommodation: Hotel Horta in Faial

Day 8: Faial: Caldeira Crater | 13km

After a 30min transfer, you arrive in the Caldeira crater, which is 2km wide and 500m deep. It is the highest point of Faial Island and, in good weather, provides clear views of Graciosa, Sao Jorge and Pico Islands. The route goes along the edge of the crater and then downhill along a red dirt track through the forest. A levada (water canal) will guide you before ascending to another crater, Cabeço do Fogo. A descent through the Reserva Florestal de Capelo will take you to the picnic area near Capelo, where the route ends.

• Walking for the day: approx. 3.5-4h, 13km ↑150m ↓700m
• Accommodation: Hotel Horta in Faial

Day 9: Faial: Capelinhos Volcano & Lighthouse | 12.5km

Transfer to the south coast for a short walk to the Capelinhos, site of a tremendous volcanic sea eruption in 1957, which lasted for 13 months! Take a short but amazing walk to the Capelinhos Lighthouse and take in the volcanic landscapes. Continue your walk along the southern coast until Varadouro and relax by the natural swimming pool. Transfer back to the hotel in the afternoon.

• Walking for the day: approx. 3h, 12.5km ↑300m ↓400m
• Accommodation: Hotel Horta in Faial

Day 10: Back to Pico. Departure

Your arrangement comes to an end today after breakfast. Ferry to Pico and transfer to the airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can do the optional Day 4 vineyards walk before departing.

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• Aldeia da Fonte Nature Hotel or Alma de Pico in Pico (Days 1-3)
• Sao Jorge Garden or Quinta do Canavial in Sao Jorge (Days 4-6)
• Hotel Horta in Faial (Days 7-9)

*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.