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Guided Azores walking holiday: São Miguel & Pico Island with mount Pico ascent

Azores
/
Start location:
Ponta Delgada
/
Price from:
2390€ per guest
Join a guided hiking tour through the Azores, exploring São Miguel and Pico islands. Discover crater lakes, volcanic peaks, hot springs, and UNESCO vineyards on this unforgettable walking holiday.
Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Altimetry
200 › 1100 km (optional Pico climb), daily average
Distance
8 › 12 km, daily average
Tour type
Guided, Premium
Level
Intermediate, Experienced

Highlights:

This tour in a nutshell

Discover the magic of the Azores on an unforgettable dual-island hiking adventure through São Miguel and Pico. Your journey begins in the vibrant capital of Ponta Delgada, where you're welcomed with Azorean hospitality and a taste of local cuisine. Over the next few days, hike the dramatic crater rim of Sete Cidades, walk the rugged lava coastline from Mosteiros to Ferraria, and explore the lush highlands leading to the crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo. Along the way, soak in natural thermal springs, unwind in the iconic Terra Nostra Gardens, and savor the unique volcanic stew, Cozido das Furnas.

From São Miguel, the adventure continues with a scenic flight to Pico Island, home to Portugal’s highest peak. After a gentle hike through the Gorreana tea fields, it’s time for the highlight of the trip: the challenging but deeply rewarding ascent of Mount Pico, with sweeping views of the central Azorean islands from the summit. Your journey concludes with a day immersed in Pico’s cultural heritage, exploring UNESCO-listed vineyards, local traditions, and enjoying a final toast to a truly remarkable hiking experience across two of Portugal’s most stunning islands.

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Gallery:

A closer look at the region
Self-guided hiking tour at Gorreana Tea Plantation on São Miguel Island in the Azores walking through terraced tea fields
Gorreana Tea Plantation São Miguel Azores Self-Guided Hiking Tour
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Gorreana Tea Plantation São Miguel Azores Self-Guided Hiking Tour
Pico Island Red Windmill Azores Coastal Landscape
Pico Island Azores Volcanic Wines Cellar
São Miguel Forest Trail Guided Hiking Tour Azores
Mount Pico Volcano Pico Island Azores Hiking
Sete Cidades Ridge Trail São Miguel Azores Hiking
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Day-by-day:

What you’ll be experiencing each day

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome to São Miguel Upon arrival at São Miguel’s airport, a private transfer takes you to your hotel in Ponta Delgada, the island’s lively capital. Settle in and enjoy time to explore before meeting your guide and fellow hikers for a Welcome Dinner featuring Azorean specialties and an introduction to the incredible two-island adventure ahead. 

Overnight in Ponta Delgada at Casa Hintze Ribeiro or Octant Azores (premium).

Day 2 – Sete Cidades Crater Rim Hike After breakfast, a scenic transfer brings the group to the iconic Vista do Rei viewpoint. Hike along the caldera rim, enjoying panoramic views of the Blue and Green Lakes, before descending into the peaceful village inside the crater. 

Overnight in Ponta Delgada at Casa Hintze Ribeiro or Octant Azores (premium).

Day 3 – Coastal Trail: Mosteiros to Ferraria Head to the wild northwest coast for a striking coastal hike from Mosteiros to Ferraria. Follow trails over lava cliffs and black-sand beaches before reaching Ponta da Ferraria, where you can swim in a unique natural thermal ocean pool. 

Overnight in Ponta Delgada at Casa Hintze Ribeiro or Octant Azores (premium).

Day 4 – Lagoa do Fogo Hike & Thermal Dip A morning transfer takes us into central São Miguel for one of the island’s most rewarding hikes. Climb through lush forest and mountain scenery to Lagoa do Fogo, a protected crater lake, enjoying a lakeside picnic. After the hike, the group unwinds at Caldeira Velha, a natural thermal spring tucked into a lush forest, before transferring to Furnas. 

Overnight in Furnas at Terra Nostra (upgrade to superior room in premium option).

Day 5 – Furnas Valley: Volcano, Garden & Cozido Today’s loop walk, led by your guide, explores the volcanic heart of Furnas. Follow paths around Lagoa das Furnas, passing fumaroles and geysers, then visit Terra Nostra Gardens to relax in its iconic thermal pool before savoring the traditional Cozido das Furnas, slow-cooked underground in volcanic soil.

Overnight in Furnas at Terra Nostra (upgrade to superior room in premium option).

Day 6 – Gorreana Tea Trails & Flight to Pico Island We start the day with a gentle hike through the famous Gorreana Tea Estate, walking past the lush tea fields and native forest trails. After a tea tasting and light lunch, we transfer to Ponta Delgada Airport for an afternoon flight to Pico Island. Settle into your guesthouse in Madalena upon arrival. 

Overnight in Pico Vineyards – Wine Boutique Hotel

Day 7 – Ascent of Mount Pico (2,351 m) An early start with a certified mountain guide is required for the challenging ascent of Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. The steep volcanic trail offers incomparable views over the central Azorean archipelago—a truly rewarding summit experience. We return to the coast for a well-deserved evening of relaxation. 

Overnight in Pico Vineyards – Wine Boutique Hotel

Day 8 – Pico Island Culture & Farewell Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Pico's culture. Options include a coastal walk through the UNESCO World Heritage vineyard landscape, visiting the Wine Museum, or exploring local artisan stops. The tour concludes with a farewell Dinner featuring local wine, celebrating your dual-island achievement. 

Map:

Where you'll be hiking

Terrain type:

Where you'll be hiking

This guided Azores walking holiday features varied terrain across two islands, combining moderate to challenging hikes suitable for fit and experienced walkers. Trails include volcanic crater rims, coastal paths, forested tracks, and high-altitude mountain terrain. Most walks follow dirt, gravel, and rocky paths, with some steep ascents and descents, particularly on the Mount Pico climb, which involves a sustained and demanding hike on loose volcanic rock. Daily walks range from 8 to 16 kilometers, and the Mount Pico ascent requires a high level of fitness, sure-footedness, and stamina – you can opt for other optional hikes in Pico island.

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Included

Guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests

Premium

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests

Prices:

Book the trip of a lifetime

Prices

Guided

Premium

Add-ons

Guided

Premium

Tour options:

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Guided

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 2390€ per guest
Click to see what's included

Premium

Starts at any date; private tour, minimum of 4 guests
from 3290€ per guest
Click to see what's included

Group Tours:

Join this tour on a group with other hikers, on the following dates
Available group dates:
Guided group tour; individual travellers are open to join

Request a Detailed Itinerary

We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet your every need, with every stitch of every day crafted just the way you want it.
Download Itinerary

Why choose Live Love Hike?

Contact us by e-mail, skype or telephone for more information.
EXPERTLY GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS
RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE
ADAPTED TO EVERY TYPE OF HIKER
GROUP DISCOUNTS
AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of Portuguese tour leaders and walking enthusiasts, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

We are seasoned travelers and love the proximity and timeless feeling of exploring new turns, mountains, beaches and viewpoints on foot. Our passion is to share these feelings with you, so that you fall in love with Portugal as much as we are too.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides, making sure our guests’ walking holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.
After a great day outdoors, it's time to relax

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your hiking is done.

/ Access to the best SPAs;

/ Free time for sightseeing;

/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your walking holidays Portugal!
WALKING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF HIKER

While planning your holidays, our staff will contact you to ask for further details to better design a tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different hiking experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" hikers, we provide additional challenges. Or you are welsome to take a day off; we invite all our guests on our guided tours to simply hop into our vans if they want to enjoy a recovery day.

HIKER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I walk/hike on a regular basis, for fitness. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere, going out on hikes up to 2 or three hours.

You will get to hike at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our van if you so desire or challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to walk in a group with like-minded people and accompanied by our guides, discovering the best of Portugal

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Hiking is a great part of my life, and I walk regularly. I am comfortable with hikes of 3 to 4 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles, so that I can explore more and discover the most beautiful places.

You will get to explore different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to walking along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, but also enjoy the descents and push yourself climbing those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, and pushing a little harder to get off the beaten path.

3 EXPERT

/ I am an explorer by nature and understand I have to push myself to get to the top of the summit. I love to climb, hike and tackle big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories. I love to spend the full day hiking.

You’ll get to hike the best Portuguese trails and push yourself as hard as you can, as at the end of the day, you know you’ll be able to rest and relax. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Walking holidays Portugal for all.
/ From 5 to 8 guests, 5% discount for guests;

/ From 9 to 12 guests, 7.5% discount for guests;

/ From 12 riders to 20 guests, 10% discount for guests;


EXPERTLY GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS

AT YOUR SERVICE

Our team is composed of Portuguese tour leaders and walking enthusiasts, in love with our country and proud to present the best landscapes, gastronomy, history, culture and experiences to anyone who chooses to ride in Portugal.

We are seasoned travelers and love the proximity and timeless feeling of exploring new turns, mountains, beaches and viewpoints on foot. Our passion is to share these feelings with you, so that you fall in love with Portugal as much as we are too.

Our team is composed of dedicated guides, making sure our guests’ walking holidays run smoothly and exceed their expectations.

RELAX AND VISIT AT YOUR OWN PACE

After a great day outdoors, it's time to relax

We work with the best hotels and SPA's, to guarantee you full-access to great relaxing experiences and a good night's sleep after your hiking is done.

/ Access to the best SPAs;

/ Free time for sightseeing;

/ Experience adapted to your own pace and holiday style;

We strive to provide our guests with time to relax and immerse into the atmosphere, providing a balance between great activities and well deserved “me time” on your walking holidays Portugal!

ADAPTED TO EVERY TYPE OF HIKER

WALKING HOLIDAYS FOR EVERY TYPE OF HIKER

While planning your holidays, our staff will contact you to ask for further details to better design a tour more suited to you. However, all our tours are built to adapt to groups with different hiking experience, having shorter and longer options. For "expert" hikers, we provide additional challenges. Or you are welsome to take a day off; we invite all our guests on our guided tours to simply hop into our vans if they want to enjoy a recovery day.

HIKER TYPES:

1 BEGINNER

/ I walk/hike on a regular basis, for fitness. I prefer rolling terrain but enjoy reaching my goals and enjoy an active lifestyle. I like to overcome some challenges, but mostly enjoy the landscapes and atmosphere, going out on hikes up to 2 or three hours.

You will get to hike at your own pace, in moderate distances and hop on our van if you so desire or challenge yourself when you feel comfortable! You’ll get to walk in a group with like-minded people and accompanied by our guides, discovering the best of Portugal

2 INTERMEDIATE

/ Hiking is a great part of my life, and I walk regularly. I am comfortable with hikes of 3 to 4 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles, so that I can explore more and discover the most beautiful places.

You will get to explore different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to walking along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, but also enjoy the descents and push yourself climbing those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, and pushing a little harder to get off the beaten path.

3 EXPERT

/ I am an explorer by nature and understand I have to push myself to get to the top of the summit. I love to climb, hike and tackle big climbs to long, technical descents, especially the ones that allow me to push my limits and make long lasting memories. I love to spend the full day hiking.

You’ll get to hike the best Portuguese trails and push yourself as hard as you can, as at the end of the day, you know you’ll be able to rest and relax. Lead the pack and take on the special extra-challenges we have in store for you – try to keep up with our guides as you go for the extra mile just before your well deserved rest and massage at the hotel!

Walking holidays Portugal for all.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

/ From 5 to 8 guests, 5% discount for guests;

/ From 9 to 12 guests, 7.5% discount for guests;

/ From 12 riders to 20 guests, 10% discount for guests;
Book with confidence - Check our cancellation policy.

European Offices

Live Love Hike
Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 311
1950-421
Lisbon - Portugal

Monday to Friday
09AM to 06PM GMT

EUR: (+351) 217 590 365 - Call to the Portuguese national fixed network

US/CAN: +1 (917) 695-3350

hikewithus @ livelovehike.pt

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