Hiking the Azores

This small-group hiking holiday by G Adventures takes you through the varied landscapes of the Azores, focusing on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira. Starting with a welcome hike from Ribeira Funda to Maia, the tour soon leads you to Angra do Heroísmo, where a walking tour reveals the details of its UNESCO World Heritage historic centre. The atmosphere here is calm, with bright azulejo tiles spilling stories across the streets.

Hiking continues through geothermal Terra Nostra gardens and up to Lagoa do Fogo, the highest lake in the Azores, where blue waters fill a volcanic crater. The itinerary also includes the Mistérios Negros trail and the Algar do Carvão lava caves, impressive reminders of the region’s volcanic beginnings. A local flight connects the two islands, cutting out what would otherwise be a lengthy journey by sea. Your Chief Experience Officer, as G Adventures calls its group leader, will handle logistics and suggest where to eat, though meals mostly remain flexible.

This is a straightforward, active holiday with moderate hiking daily, offering sights to see on foot rather than in a vehicle. The small group size, usually around a dozen, encourages a relaxed pace, and there is time to take in the unexpected details of Azorean life beyond the usual tourist routes.