--- title: "Azores Self-Guided Hiking Tour – Volcanic Trails and Hot Springs of São Miguel" url: https://walkingtoursportugal.com/tour/self-guided-walking-tour-azores-sao-miguel/ type: Tour wp_type: tour resource: https://walkingtoursportugal.com/tour/self-guided-walking-tour-azores-sao-miguel/ date_published: 2025-12-19T12:11:24+00:00 date_modified: 2026-06-02T06:50:08+01:00 language: en-US description: "Explore São Miguel at your own pace on a 7-day Azores self-guided walking holiday. Hike crater lakes, coastlines, and hot springs with full support." featured_image: https://walkingtoursportugal.com/wp-content/uploads/Caldeira-Velha-1024x681.jpg --- # Azores Self-Guided Hiking Tour – Volcanic Trails and Hot Springs of São Miguel Duration 7 days, 6 nights Altimetry 200 › 400m, daily average Distance 9 › 12 km, daily average Level Experienced, Find Your Perfect Hiking Holiday in Portugal, Intermediate # Azores Self-Guided Hiking Tour – Volcanic Trails and Hot Springs of São Miguel Discover São Miguel Island on a 7-day Azores self-guided walking holiday. Enjoy scenic crater lake hikes, coastal trails, and geothermal wonders—at your own pace, with full logistical support and 4-star comfort. Perfect for active travelers seeking nature, freedom, and authentic Azorean culture. This trip is for: Couples, friends and solos Price from: 1490€ All, Azores Start location: Ponta Delgada [** Book Now](https://cms.llride.com/lp/f5914selfwalkingazores/) Start Planning Everything about this experience was terrific! Not sure where to start since everything about this experience was terrific! I first started conversing with LLH in January to plan our Caminho adventure, and every step of the way they were excellent. They custom tailored an itinerary to meet our needs. And when we had to completely change dates after they already had everything booked, they could not have been more courteous and accommodating. We were personally greeted by Daniel in Porto, who then drove us to our starting point in Baiona and provided a briefing of our itinerary. We were given a GPS device (which we didn’t need since their app worked perfectly) tee shirts, tote bags, water bottles and our Caminho passport books. Daniel assured us that on each day our bags would be transferred to the next location. I was honestly apprehensive at first, but my fears were unfounded as we had no issues whatsoever. Each place booked for us was outstanding (we did the premium package). Accommodations were excellent, and food was outstanding. In short, absolutely everything was taken care of for us. I recommend this outfitter highly. Daniel in particular was a pleasure to work with. Jeanette A,  Canada A fabulous experience on the Portuguese Camino My family had a fabulous experience with Live Life Hike walk on the Portuguese Camino. Our guides, Sergio and David, were organized, flexible, enjoyable and knowledgeable . The trip exceeded my expectations. Sandi G,  Canada Great week hiking in Algarve We were very happy with our hike and the service from Luis at Live Love Hike. The first days were a great mix of beaches and back roads and the final days along cliff top trails were just challenging enough to make us feel we’d earned our rest. Our transfers went smoothly and a couple small hiccups were dealt with promptly. We would definitely use them again and recommend them to other hikers. Brenda C.,  USA ## Highlights This tour in a nutshell Explore the **wild beauty of São Miguel Island** on this 7-day Azores self-guided walking holiday, crafted for independent travelers who want the freedom to hike at their own pace – without sacrificing comfort, support, or authenticity. Known as the “Green Island,” São Miguel is a dream destination for walking enthusiasts, offering a rich mix of volcanic landscapes, lush forests, crater lakes, hot springs, and dramatic coastlines. On this immersive Azores hiking trip, you’ll enjoy curated daily routes that take you to the island’s most iconic trails – from the rim of the **Sete Cidades caldeira** to the pristine shores of **Lagoa do Fogo** and the **waterfalls of Nordeste**. This supported experience includes handpicked charm accommodations, private airport and trailhead transfers, luggage transport, a detailed routebook with walking notes, and GPS tracks through the Live Love Hike app. While you walk independently, you’ll have our local team behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to soak in **thermal pools**—both inland at Terra Nostra Gardens and oceanside at Ferraria—visit geothermal fields in Furnas, and taste the island’s unique *Cozido*, a traditional stew cooked underground by volcanic heat. ▾ ### Gallery A closer look at the region Self-Guided Hiking Tour São Miguel Azores Sete Cidades Trail Gorreana Tea Plantation São Miguel Azores Self-Guided Hiking Tour Portas da Cidade Ponta Delgada São Miguel Azores Night São Miguel Crater Lake Self-Guided Hiking Tour Azores Natural Thermal Bliss in São Miguel ## Day to day What you’ll be experiencing everyday **Day 1 – Arrival in São Miguel **Your Azores walking holiday begins with a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Ponta Delgada, the vibrant capital of São Miguel. After settling in and being briefed by our local guides regarding your next week of hiking in the Azores, you are free to explore the cobbled streets, enjoy a seaside stroll, or relax at a local café.  Overnight in Ponta Delgada Stay: Casa Hintze Ribeiro or Octant Azores (premium) **Day 2 – Hike the Sete Cidades Crater Rim – 12km, 200m elevation gain** Kick off your Azores self-guided walking holiday with one of the island’s most iconic hikes. After breakfast, transfer to Vista do Rei viewpoint to start your walk along the caldera rim of Sete Cidades. Marvel at the twin crater lakes — one blue, one green — and enjoy panoramic views over the volcanic landscape before descending into the peaceful village of Sete Cidades. Overnight in Ponta Delgada Stay: Casa Hintze Ribeiro or Octant Azores (premium) **Day 3 – Coastal Walk from Mosteiros to Ferraria – 12km, 350m elevation gain** Discover the wild northwest coast on today’s scenic trail. Hike from the charming village of Mosteiros along cliffs, lava rock formations, and black sand beaches toward the thermal ocean pool of Ferraria. A soak in this naturally heated sea pool is the perfect way to relax after your walk. This stretch is a favorite for those seeking dramatic views on their Azores hiking trip. Overnight in Ponta Delgada Stay: Casa Hintze Ribeiro or Octant Azores **Day 4 – Lagoa do Fogo Hike and Transfer to Furnas – 10km, 200m elevation gain** A must-do on any Azores hiking tour, today’s trail takes you into the heart of São Miguel. Hike through native forest and mountain paths to reach the wild and pristine shores of Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning crater lake protected as a natural reserve. After your hike, transfer to Furnas, the geothermal gem of the island. Overnight in Furnas Stay: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel (premium upgrade available) **Day 5 – Explore the Geothermal Valley of Furnas – 10km, 400m elevation gain** Enjoy a relaxed day in the volcanic valley of Furnas. This circular walk leads you around the Furnas Lake, past bubbling geysers, steaming fumaroles, and geothermal cooking pits. Don’t miss a dip in the iconic Terra Nostra thermal pool, followed by a traditional Cozido das Furnas — a meal slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat. This is a highlight for travelers on Azores self guided walking holidays. Overnight in Furnas Stay: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel **Day 6 – Hike to Waterfalls in Nordeste and Return to Ponta Delgada – 7.5km, 480m elevation gain (or optional short hike to Gorreana Tea plantation – 3.3km, 150mm elevation gain)** Today you’ll explore the lush, less-visited eastern region of São Miguel. Hike through dense forest to the beautiful Salto do Prego waterfall, passing old stone houses and watermills along the way. Optional stops at dramatic viewpoints like Ponta do Sossego or Ponta da Madrugada offer perfect photo opportunities. Optionally, you can visit Gorreana Tea Factory, the oldest tea plantation in Europe, open from 1883, and explore it’s plantation on a short hike. Return to Ponta Delgada for after your final hike. Overnight in Ponta Delgada Stay: Casa Hintze Ribeiro or Octant Azores (premium) **Day 7 – Departure Day** Your Azores hiking holiday comes to a close. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final coffee by the harbor or a morning stroll through Ponta Delgada before your private transfer to the airport. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of crater lakes, coastal paths, and thermal springs. ▾ ### Map Where you’ll be hiking --- *Fonte: [Walking Tours Portugal](https://walkingtoursportugal.com/tour/self-guided-walking-tour-azores-sao-miguel/)* *Última actualização: June 2, 2026*