The Azores Holidays

This tiny archipelago sits on the migratory path of a handful of whale species (including sei, blue and fin) making it the perfect destination for a spot of wildlife watching. The morning’s adventure begins at Ponta Delgada harbour where you’ll meet the marine biologist and guides who will be leading the trip and have a quick brief before setting off. Three hours will be spent in search of life under the waves.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 8.30am to 1pm\ • Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and species of whale that may be spotted depends on the time of year.

This is the perfect experience for nature lovers who’d like to try out being a marine biologist for a day and learn more about the Azores’ incredible Atlantic ecosystem. It’s a full and immersive day that includes a trip out on the water in a Zodiac and some time in the office recording your finds through a variety of techniques such as photo identification and hydrophone analysis. There’ll also be the opportunity to discover the health of the surrounding marine environment through the study of microplastics.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 4pm
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and species of whale that may be spotted depends on the time of year. A light lunch consisting of a sandwich, fruit, juice and water will be served on board.

Sao Miguel’s natural landscapes are the focus on this half-day hike. You’ll travel westwards to the jaw-dropping Sete Cidades, a dramatic flooded caldera surrounded by forest-cloaked cliffs and surrounded by miles of trails. Begin the adventure at Vista do Rei (the King’s Viewpoint) for an overview and short intro about the landscape and its formation. Then it’ll be time to set off on the three-and-a-half-mile circular route which begins at the bridge where the two lakes meet and finishes in the heart of the picturesque lakeside village.

• Duration: half day
• Start time: 9am or 2pm
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

The dramatically named Lagoa do Fogo – or Lake of Fire – is a stunning highlands lake in the heart of Sao Miguel that’s often shrouded in a mist cloak. Like Sete Cidades, do Fogo is the flooded crater of a volcano with steep verdant hills rising up dramatically from the water’s surface. From an elevated viewpoint, you’ll wander down to the edge of the lake and spend some time exploring and learning about this natural wonder from your knowledgeable guide.

• Duration: half day
• Start time: 9am or 2pm
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Private experience

Good to know
This hike is approximately 2 miles long with both downhill and uphill sections.

Marvel at the incredible natural landscapes of Sete Cidades, the flooded crater of a dormant volcano and Sao Miguel’s most iconic backdrop. You’ll travel by 4 x 4 around the rim of the crater, hopping between vantage points for varying outlooks of the two contrasting-coloured lakes. You’ll also dip down into the caldera for a different perspective and head up to Vista do Rei, the King’s Viewpoint.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 4.30pm
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Private experience

Travel east to the characterful village and surrounding countryside on this 4 x 4 adventure. En route, you’ll pause at a handful of viewpoints, including Miradouro de Santa Iria which has spectacular vistas along the island’s rugged north coast, and Miradouro Salto do Cavalo which overlooks the world-famous Furnas Valley. On the way down to Nordeste itself, visit Ribeira dos Caldeiroes National Park, before heading to a local restaurant for lunch. On your way back to Ponta Delgada, pass through the verdant forests of Serra da Tonqueira and learn about the plight of the endemic Priolo bird, and visit Povoação, the oldest settlement on the island.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 4.30pm
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

The dual-toned crater lakes of Sete Cidades are the largest jewel in Sao Miguel’s dazzling natural crown and on this half day tour, you’ll be taken to the best viewpoints and have the chance to explore the local village of the same name. We’ll also take you to a local pineapple plantation where these tropical fruits are grown in unique, non-tropical conditions.

• Time: half day
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included.

Your adventure into the heart of Sao Miguel begins at Pico da Barrosa, the island’s second highest peak. On a clear day, there are breathtaking views out over the Atlantic and down to Lagoa do Fogo, the flooded caldera of the island’s youngest volcano. Following the descent, head to Caldeira Velha with its hot spring pools and waterfalls (entrance fee not included). Before returning to Ponta Delgada, make a stop in the traditional town of Ribeira Grande which has a charming historic centre where narrow streets are lined by 17th and 18th-Century buildings.

• Duration: half day
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included.

Enjoy a day of exceptional views, traditional village scenes and stunning landscapes on this exploration of the north-eastern reaches of Sao Miguel. The first stop is Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, a magical world of emerald forest trails, vibrant flowers and beautiful waterfalls. Continue along the north coast, stopping at various viewpoints such as Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada along the way. Return to the capital via the south coast and the town of Povoacao, the island’s first settlement.

• Duration: full day
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Sao Miguel’s Furnas Valley is a world of geothermal wonders where fumaroles bubble, hot springs steam and traditional meals are cooked by the powers of nature. En route from Ponta Delgado, visit Vila Franca, the island’s former capital which has views out over a pretty islet of the same name; be sure to try the traditional sweet pastry, Queijada da Vila Franca. On arrival in the Furnas Valley, you’ll learn about another local delicacy, Cozido das Furnas, a dish cooked underground by geothermal springs. You’ll then head up to the viewpoint at Pico de Ferro for fantastic Furnas Valley views before visiting the Gorreana Plantation and its factory for a spot of tea tasting. The final stop on the tour will be the Miradouro de Santa Iria viewpoint where you can look out over the spectacular north coast.

• Duration: full day
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Lunch will be the famous Cozido das Furnas served at a local restaurant. Entrance fees are not included.

The natural landscapes and vibrant culture of Terceira are the focus on this full-day adventure. The tour starts with a visit to the Pico das Cruzinhas viewpoint for views over the town of Angra do Heroísmo towards Monte Brasil, a volcanic peninsula and island icon. You’ll then travel along the south coast stopping off for a view of the Cabras Islets and the village of Porto Judeu that’s home to one of Terceira’s many Holy Spirit Chapels. Pass by Salga Bay, Ponta das Contendas and Mos Bay on the way to San Sebastião village, one of the island’s earliest settlements, and the town of Praia da Vitória. The next couple of stops are perhaps the most striking; the Serra do Cume Viewpoint has panoramic views over Terceira’s patchwork landscape of agricultural fields while the Algar do Carvao is a jaw-dropping walk-in volcanic vent.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 4pm
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included.

Explore the Azores only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angra do Heroísmo, on foot with a knowledgeable guide. The city has a maze of streets lined with eye-catching architecture such as the Baroque-era Convent of São Gonçalo and the Cathedral of Angra do Heroísmo. The tour continues on to Caminho da Esperança, home to the Italian-esque Teatro Angrense, and the yellow and while Capitães Generais Palace. Later, visit verdant botanic gardens, Angra’s town hall and a historic grocery store that’s been passed through many generations of the same family. The final stop is the waterfront Pátio da Alfândega, the heart of maritime trade in the Azores during 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to midday
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included.

The Azores archipelago sits on the migratory route of a whole host of marine species including sperm, sei and fin whales, as well as the giants of the sea: the blue whale. Head out on a semi-rigid boat out on to the Atlantic waters in search of these majestic creatures, as well as different varieties of dolphins. Although never guaranteed, the chances of a spotting are high and the guides know the best places to go.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to midday
• Departs daily
• Operates April to October
• Group experience

Good to know
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and species of whale that may be spotted depends on the time of year.