Adventure in Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel!

Sete Cidades

Why Visit?

Sete Cidades Adventure Tour Itinerary

Welcome to the mystical and verdant landscape of Sete Cidades, nested on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Prepare for a journey through volcanic craters, enchanting lakes, and breathtaking views.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Fly into Ponta Delgada and rent a 4x4, your companion for this rugged adventure. Drive approximately 30 minutes to Sete Cidades. Start your journey with a hike around the rim of the Caldeira, the massive volcanic crater that houses the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. The landscape here plays tricks with colors; one lake appears blue, the other green, reflecting the sunlight differently due to vegetation. This 12 km trail provides panoramic views and perfect photo opportunities.

Day 2: Kayaking and Cycling

Morning beckons with a kayaking trip on the serene waters of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. Paddle through the calm waters and soak in the tranquility and grandeur of the surrounding hills. After lunch, switch to bicycles for an afternoon cycling around the lakes. The trails are well-maintained and offer a mix of flat rides and challenging ascents.

Day 3: Off-Road and Thermal Baths

On your final day, take an off-road jeep tour to hidden corners of the area. Dive into the less explored trails and experience the raw beauty of volcanic landscapes up close. After an exhilarating drive, visit Ferraria, a unique geothermal ocean pool where you can relax in naturally heated seawater – a soothing end to an adventure-packed tour.

Throughout your trip, indulge in local cuisine, featuring seafood and cozido das furnas, a stew cooked underground by volcanic steam. Each activity in Sete Cidades reveals layers of natural beauty and adventure that make São Miguel a bucket-list destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Vila Franca do Campo

Why Visit?

Embark on an adrenaline-fuelled exploration of Vila Franca do Campo, the historical gem of São Miguel in the Azores. This once-capital whispers tales of volcanic drama and brims with natural splendors.

Day 1: Marina Adventures & Local Culture

Start your journey at the marina early morning to catch a boat to the Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a stunning nature reserve just off the coast. This tiny island, a submerged volcanic crater, is a haven for snorkeling enthusiasts, offering crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Boats leave regularly from the marina during summer months. Post your aquatic adventure, head back to town for a taste of the famous "Queijadas da Vila," a sweet pastry that has been a local staple since the 16th century.

Day 2: Hiking and Hot Springs

Rise with the sun and drive to Lagoa do Fogo, a breathtaking crater lake around 30 minutes from Vila Franca do Campo. Hike the rugged trails that surround the lake, reveling in the lush, green scenery and panoramic views of the island. After the hike, unwind in the nearby Caldeira Velha, a series of natural hot springs nestled amidst a tropical setting. It"s a rejuvenating experience that combines relaxation with the raw beauty of nature.

Day 3: Canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões

Conclude your adventure with a thrilling canyoning trip through the Ribeira dos Caldeirões natural park, about an hour’s drive northeast of Vila Franca do Campo. This area is renowned for its waterfalls and lush vegetation, making it an ideal spot for canyoning. Slide down waterfalls, rappel down cliffs, and swim through crystal-clear pools, all under the guidance of experienced local instructors.

Each activity in Vila Franca do Campo promises a potent mix of excitement and natural beauty, tailor-made for adventure lovers seeking to plunge into the heart of the Azores.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Pico do Carvão Viewpoint (Miradouro do Pico do Carvão)

Why Visit?

Adventure Awaits at Pico do Carvão Viewpoint

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the heart of the Azores, where the spectacular Pico do Carvão Viewpoint offers stunning, panoramic views of São Miguel Island’s volcanic landscape, lush forests, and sparkling coastline. Ideal for adventure lovers, this trip combines breathtaking scenery with an exciting exploration of nature’s wonders.

Morning Ascent: Journey to the Viewpoint

Start your adventure early to catch the mystical morning mist that often envelops the island. Pico do Carvão is easily accessible by car, located just about 15 minutes from Ponta Delgada, the island’s capital. Take the regional road EN1-1A towards Sete Cidades. The drive itself is an adventure, winding through a landscape of lush greenery and volcanic wonders, with plenty of spots to pull over and soak in the views.

At the Top: Exploring Pico do Carvão

Arriving at Pico do Carvão, located at an altitude of approximately 740 meters, you"ll find a well-maintained viewpoint offering a 360-degree outlook. From here, marvel at the patchwork of fields, forests, and both the north and south coasts of São Miguel. On a clear day, the neighboring islands of Terceira and São Jorge can be glimpsed on the horizon. Take your time to hike around the area along marked trails, and keep your camera ready for breathtaking photo opportunities.

Local Insight: Volcanic Landscapes and Flora

As you wander, appreciate the rich volcanic soil underfoot, a reminder of the island’s explosive origins. The region is dotted with endemic flora, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the Azores bullfinch, a rare bird species found only in these parts.

Concluding the Adventure

After a couple of hours at Pico do Carvão, head back towards Ponta Delgada, stopping at local eateries along the way to sample some Azorean gastronomy. A visit to Pico do Carvão is not just about the views; it’s an immersion into the natural beauty and unique ecology of the Azores.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Furnas

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival and Thermal Wonders

Start your adventure in Furnas, Azores, by flying into Ponta Delgada Airport on São Miguel Island. Rent a car for a scenic 45-minute drive, heading east towards Furnas. Upon arrival, check into a cozy local lodge, then stretch your legs with a walk around Lagoa das Furnas, a beautiful volcanic lake. Visit the lakeside fumaroles, where locals cook the traditional cozido das Furnas, a stew steamed by geothermal heat. Dine at a local restaurant to savor this unique dish, perfectly infused with earthy flavors.

Day 2: Hiking and Botanical Exploration

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then embark on the Terra Nostra Park"s hiking trails. This botanical garden offers a rare collection of endemic flora set against a backdrop of steamy fumaroles and thermal springs. Post-hike, soak in the iron-rich thermal pool within the park, renowned for its therapeutic properties. Learn about the garden"s history, dating back to the 18th century, and its role in the study of Azorean botany.

Day 3: Off-Road Adventure and Local Culture

Gear up for an off-road tour through Furnas’s lush landscapes. Rent a 4x4 or join a guided tour to explore remote areas around the valley, with volcanic craters and hot springs hidden in dense forests. In the afternoon, visit the local market to sample fresh produce and Furna’s artisanal products like sweetbreads and cheeses.

Day 4: Canyoning and Farewell

For your final adventure, try canyoning through Ribeira dos Caldeirões, an exciting way to experience Furnas’s rugged terrain and cascading waterfalls. Professional guides ensure a safe and exhilarating experience for all skill levels. End your day with a relaxed evening at a local café, reflecting on the lush, volcanic wonders of Furnas before your departure the next day.

Departure

Drive back to Ponta Delgada Airport, filled with unforgettable memories of an adventure-packed escape in Furnas.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.