City: Azores
Top Things to do in Azores
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Top 10 Hiking Trails in Azores, Portugal
The nine islands that make up the Azores are in fact the peaks of some of the world's tallest mountains, reaching from deep beneath the Atlantic. The once-uninhabited, volcanic archipelago now hosts thousands of tourists every year who flock to the islands for sun, sand and verdant mountain scenery. From the beaches of Praia da Vitoria to the bustling marina of Horta, to the bubbling volcanic ground "ovens" of Furnas, these islands offer unparalleled--and unusual--adventures to discover.
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1. Ponta da Ilha Trail
2. Santana - Lajido Trail
3. atiPICO
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
Climb Pico Mountain, the highest point of Portugal, in two different ways: during the day and during the night to see the sunrise. Activities with certified guide who will make you know about geological diversity, fauna and flora of this natural reserve, as well as other specificities about the island and the Azores... feel free to ask :)
4. Rocha da Relva
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By DoctorCompRhet
After wonderful hikes to Sete Cidades and to Lagoa do Fogo, we weren't expecting anything too spectacular from this hike, but it really surprised us. There's a viewpoint at the start of the hike that's not difficult to find; it's called Miradouro da Fonte da Rocha, and our Garmin GPS recognized it and gave us turn-by-turn directions. There's a small parking area and a tiny store that sells souvenirs, water, beer, etc. (You can drive up the dirt road where the trail starts and park further up if you want--it takes about 10 minutes off your hike but you might miss the donkey in the field.) The trail is not confusing--you just follow it straight, first along the cliffs (with spectacular views of the sea from a very high point, and lava cliffs rising up on your right with cacti growing on them). The trail begins to descend, leveling at some points and then descending steeply for more than half the hike. The path, which is a donkey trail, has been paved with round stones so it's not treacherous but tough on the leg muscles. The trail passes houses with little farms and gardens--fabulous photo opps--and reaches something like a hamlet with a tiny square and a fountain. Just keep going--eventually you'll come to the end, by the shore, which consists of thousands of rocks the size of watermelons and mostly round, quite an interesting sight. The return ascent is demanding because you've come down so steeply, but take your time and rest along the way (bring water). One side note: soon after starting the hike, you'll see a diversion downward (it's marked on the trail map). You can do this at the start or at the end of the main hike. I'd recommend making up your mind after you've hiked the main part, because the diversion goes down about 1000 feet and you then need to come back up, and after the ascent on the main hike you may not be up to it. Also, at the top of the hike (before you've reached the little store again) is a lookout with two stone picnic tables and benches--it makes an ideal place to have lunch, either before or after your hike. The guides say this hike takes 3 hours; it took us 2 but we skipped the diversion at the start.
5. Ilha a Pe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
We have 4 cottages on the Grand Route trail of Santa Maria island. Hikers who like tranquility and nature can now rest in our eco-cottages and do the hike in 5 days.
6. Baias da Agualva
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Bramalen
We took bus 3 from Biscoitos to the start of this trail. We were happily surprised that the bus stopped right at the start (unlike other trails on the island). The trail takes you from meadows to the sea and back. Along the way there are some beautiful viewpoints where you can see the waves bash into the cliffs. At certain points you have the option to decent the cliffs, but this is very challenging and possibly dangerous. Nonetheless I gave them a go, while my girlfriend watched from a distance with fear in her eyes for my safety. After you leave the seaside, you take some overgrown trails which tickle your legs a lot. Because the trail is rather short, we decided to extend it and walk further towards the town Quatro Ribeiras. Here we ate our lunch and waited for the bus back to Biscoitos.
7. Entre Montes
8. Rota da Agua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By SaudadesPuraVida - São Miguel, Portugal
We have been fortunate enough to complete most of the official trails here on the island and Janela do Inferno, is one of our favourites!! An absolutely beautiful moderate trail, with exceptional views and interesting forest landscape. Enjoy this trail, but be sure to bring a flashlight!!
9. Salto do Prego
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By MofromMass - Plymouth, United States
The drive into and out of Faial da Terra where this waterfall hike is located is a treat for your senses. We first had lunch in the town, then made our way to the parking lot at the beginning of the trail. Now this is a hike. It’s beautiful, and uphill most of the way to the waterfall. We were accompanied by several roosters and chickens along the trail. They’re surprisingly nice hiking companions! The waterfall was huge and worth hiking to. In summer, this is definitely a place you would reward yourself with a swim! On the hike down, take the detour towards Sanguinho. This is a formerly abandoned town that now has some people moving back in. It was so cool to see and the views of the valley are fantastic. The walk back down is on a winding, cobbled path. A very worthwhile detour! This was probably our favorite hike of our trip, and the most challenging one we did.
10. Pico da Vara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By bertrand2204 - Oisterwijk, The Netherlands
Strangely, Pico da Vara is not the most advertised or indicated in the island. This is a mistake as the hike is awesome, the views amazing and not really difficult. We went up from the west and went down to the Casa de Guarda Florestal. The way up is not difficult, even with rainy weather. The way down is not difficult per se but on rainy day, it gets really muddy and slippery so take good shoes and then you're good. The path down the Casa de Guarda Florestal and then back to starting point is one of my favorite of the island with so many beautiful places. Don't skip this one, even if the weather is not the best, you won't regret it.
