Trekking tours to the islands: Azores, Canaries, Lofoten, Faroe Islands, Madeira, Iceland - what to choose for your next vacation?

If you love outdoor activities and there's nothing more exciting for you than spending your next vacation trekking or climbing another mountain range, you probably already know enough about the Himalayas or the Alps. But what about the islands?  After all, there are mountains not only on the mainland. Trekking through the archipelagos in Europe is often no less (or even more) exciting than traditional European hiking tours. Let's look at the advantages of mountain tours to the islands compared to mainland tourism.

Features of active recreation and hiking on the islands

1. Comfort. As a rule, an island or a mountain range on it is a small area, so a hike can be organized in a more comfortable format. Walk closer to civilization, returning every evening to a cozy apartment with a shower and a cafe nearby. After all, there is often no place to go off-grid for 5 days in tents deep in the mountain range.
2. Nice prices. Unlike Asian tropical resort islands, islands in Europe are provincial locations far from capitals and major cities, which means lower prices for food, transfers, etc.
3. Scenic beauty. If you've ever seen the "Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Europe" on Instagram, you may have noticed that island locations (most often volcanic) are regularly included in this list. For example, the mountains of Madeira, the Azores, the black beaches of Iceland, and the Teide National Park in Tenerife. This is not surprising - islands are usually similar to mini-continents, with only a couple thousand square meters containing several mountain ranges or ridges, canyons, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, hot springs, and forests. And all this in a super concentrated form. During one vacation on the island, you can see much more than usual, because all the sights are located very close to each other, but at the same time are extremely diverse. The last point has no logical geographical explanation - it's some kind of island magic that KULUAR participants have tested on themselves many times!
4. Accessible exoticism. To see volcanic landscapes, you don't have to fly far to Indonesia - you can climb Mount Teide in Spain as part of a tour of Tenerife. You don't have to plan a trip to Africa or Latin America to walk in the humid jungle - you can take a tour to Madeira in Portugal. To dive into hot springs, you don't have to go to Japan - you can choose a tour to the Azores or Iceland. To enjoy the perfect white beaches and kayaking, don't spend money on Hawaii - choose a tour to the Lofoten Islands in Norway.
5. Climate. The climate on the islands is almost always milder than on the mainland. For the lower oceanic Atlantic islands, the Gulf Stream has taken care of this. This means that it is not so hot in summer and not so cold in winter. It is especially pleasant to vacation on the archipelagos alone or with children in the demi season, when there are fewer tourists and the weather is not yet too changeable. But in fact, all the islands on our list can be traveled all year round. In the southern Canaries, you can have a wonderful beach vacation even in January, and the Lofoten Islands will give you a wonderful Christmas mood thanks to the bright Northern Lights.
6. A combination of mountains and sea (ocean). A tour to the island will always contain an element of beach vacation. So, you or your friends and family will not have to choose which vacation format to choose this time. You will have both mountains and the sea at your disposal.
7. Culture. Until the twentieth century, the oceanic island culture was formed in a certain isolation, as communication with the mainland was slow. Even if you are well acquainted with the mainland culture of Portugal, Spain, or Denmark, the islands can impress you - strange forms of combining the culture of indigenous peoples and Renaissance conquerors, extraordinary customs, traditions, dialect - all this is worth seeing and hearing!

   

Are you intrigued? So, let's take a closer look at island vacations in Europe in the format of a hike in more detail. Let's talk separately about each archipelago, the available mountain tour programs and compare them so that you can choose the island tour that best suits you in terms of region, season, prices, climate, and landscape. In the Macaronesian region and the North Atlantic Ocean, these will be the archipelagos belonging to Portugal - the Azores, Madeira and the Spanish Canaries. Northern Europe will be represented by the Norwegian Lofoten and the Danish Faroe Islands, as well as Iceland, which "walks on its own."

Tour to the Canary Islands: hiking in the volcanic mountains of Tenerife, climbing the Teide volcano. 2 routes for different levels of training.

The big advantage of the Canary Islands and, in particular, the largest island of the archipelago, Tenerife, is that it can offer a full-fledged active vacation throughout the year and complete safety - there are no threatening animals or insects. Traditionally, winter is considered the high beach season. The air temperature on the coast will reach +22, +26, the ocean +18, +20. In the mountains, it's colder - about +13, +7, +3, 0, or even a slight minus (depending on the altitude). Snow does not fall on the peaks every year, but if it does, the mountain trails can be closed for several days, as well as the Teide National Park itself - you should be prepared for this if you come to climb to the highest point in Spain, the entire Atlantic and the Canary Islands.

So, in winter, we recommend choosing a lodge and backpacking program that combines a car tour, comfortable hotel accommodation, many interesting excursions and day hikes in the mountains around the island, as well as a cable car ride to Teide.

When: December, January, February.

In spring and autumn, you can choose a program "in tents" with full backpacks, and hiking on Mount Teide (3715 m) is a great training before climbing Kilimanjaro, or trekking in Nepal - a chance to check what effect altitude has on you. Also, such trekking will provide you with a full-fledged mountain trekking experience, including overnight stays in the mountains. The Canarian sky is known as one of the clearest in the world - you will enjoy not only indescribably beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but also a perfect starry sky.

When: October, November, March, April, May.

In addition to mountain trekking in Tenerife, during both programs we offer you to do traditional local canyoning - "barranquismo", and it is also worth staying late or arriving early for the sake of it:

• additional beach vacation;
• paragliding
• rock climbing
• diving
• yachting;
• dolphin watching;
• ocean kayaking;
• surfing;
• visiting the solar observatory;
• visit to one of the world's longest lava tubes.

Who is it for? For those who like outdoor activities at sea in the mountains (and perhaps take their first steps in mountaineering), black sand beaches, and stone pools; lovers of volcanoes and volcanic landscapes, rock climbing, canyoning, bouldering, canaries, relict laurel forests, palm trees, old Spanish colonial-style towns; photographers, fans of fresh fish, fried octopus and rare wine.

Who won't like it? For those who like a perfectly warm winter beach vacation - the Atlantic Ocean is not the Indian Ocean, it will not give you +30 water even in summer.

Difficulty: The program "in the lodges" is suitable for any physical condition, you can do it without mountain experience. If you can walk 5 km at a calm pace on rocky terrain - welcome. The program "in tents" is a trekking of medium difficulty - it is desirable to have experience of hiking in the Carpathians, overnight in a tent, etc., as we make climbs above 3000 m, depending on the season, you may need some equipment (check with a consultant). If you plan to participate in canyoning, it is important not to have a fear of heights (we provide all the equipment).

Interesting features of mountain trekking: A real, albeit small, climb to an altitude of 3715 m; rather stony trails (the volcanic stones themselves are like sandpaper, which quickly "kills" shoes) - take mountain boots with a fairly hard sole. There is a very big difference between different islands and parts of Tenerife in terms of microclimate - you will need all-season clothes - both a swimsuit and a down jacket.

Flight: For the program "in the lodges" it is possible without luggage (track poles and tents can be rented on site). Prices from Poland start from 150 euros round trip without luggage (Tenerife airports TFS or TFN). There are convenient direct flights from Krakow. Do not take tickets with a stopover in London, as you will need a British visa for transit.

Active recreation in Madeira and the Azores. 5 routes for children and adults - from classics to original tours

The Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores archipelago are also of volcanic origin, but they lie deeper in the Atlantic and at a higher latitude, which causes a different climate from the Canary Islands. It's much fresher, more humid and green, which is why there are so many flowers and "rain forests". The mountains are not very high. The highest point of the Azores, the Pico volcano on the island of the same name, is 2351 meters, and Madeira is 1862 meters.  But they are covered with unsurpassed spruce red-green forests and very photogenic misty laurel groves. Hiking is not difficult, but you should pack a raincoat and leg warmers.

In winter, it can be windy and rainy, but it never snows, flowers bloom all year round, birds sing, the temperature is pleasant, the forests are evergreen, and you can even swim - if not in the Atlantic itself, then in stone pools for sure. Speaking of the Azores, each island has its own microclimate, and you should visit several to get the full picture.

Kuluar offers you to visit both Madeira and the Azores, both separately and together. You can choose the tour "In the footsteps of Portuguese sailors" and visit both Madeira and the main Azores island of Sao Miguel (São Miguel) in 10 days. Or to appreciate as many as 3 Azores islands in one trip - Pico, Sao George, Fajal. Or fundamentally explore Sao Miguel, whose hallmark is not only breathtakingly beautiful hiking trails, but also many natural hot springs. Or plunge into a real pirate adventure with your kids!

Our programs in this region focus not only on spending time outdoors, but also on the cultural part - you will immerse yourself in Portuguese (sometimes strange) customs and learn a lot.

When: Both Madeira and the Azores are open all year round, but the best season in the Azores is from May to October.

Who is it for? For beginners in mountain trekking, families with children and teenagers, photographers, rock climbers, lovers of exotic fruits and seafood; those who like volcanic landscapes, mysterious misty rocks sticking out of the ocean, waterfalls, forests, hydrangeas, boat trips and beach holidays.

Who won't like it? For those who absolutely dislike rain, fog, and wind.

Complexity: The hikes are not difficult, suitable for beginners, and some routes are suitable for children, but you should prepare good hiking shoes, as the trails can be somewhat slippery (depending on the season).

Interesting features of mountain trekking: hiking around volcanic lakes and calderas with breathtaking 360° views of both mountains and the ocean; moving through forests and rocks, climbing low peaks.

Flights: Prices from Poland start from 170 euros round-trip without luggage to Madeira (Funchal, FNC airport) and from 200 euros to Sao Miguel (Azores) (Ponta Delgada PDL airport). It is better to choose a transfer via Lisbon, or even go to Lisbon by bus, and then fly, so you can save money, because tickets from this city cost from 50 euros (and even lower if you get a special offer). Avoid transit through London, which requires a visa.

Auto tours on the Lofoten. Whales and northern lights in winter, mountains and kayaking in summer

Warm Polar region. Surely when you hear "Lofoten" you imagine something akin to Greenland, which is always frozen in ice? It is, after all, Norway. But, no! Even in winter, the temperature on the Lofoten archipelago does not drop below zero! You can go rock climbing and cycling almost all year round. It's all about the Norwegian and North Atlantic Currents, which continues the Gulf Stream (hello Canaries!).

So, it's a really great place to go on a trekking tour of the islands, even in winter, and finally visit a town with a name consisting of only one letter - "A" ("O"?). This is not the Icelandic Eyjafjallajökull, to which we will return later.

Okay, what else is interesting? Of course, there are whale encounters, Norwegian fish delicacies (THAT dried cod - hello Portugal!), and local hot tubs.

Talking about tours to the Lofoten Islands, of course, it is impossible not to mention the Aurora Borealis, aka the Aurora Borealis, aka the Southern Lights - colorful flashes that instantly appear in the dark sky, fascinate and do not allow you to take your eyes off the colorful ribbons of light shimmering in the sky. To see Aurora and whales in all their glory, plan a winter trip.

In summer, you can go kayaking and spend as much time as possible walking in the mountains. They are not high (the highest point is just over 1000 meters), more like rocks than mountains, but they have surprisingly interesting shapes and colors.

The ideal way and format of traveling to Lofoten is by car, with overnight stays in traditional Norwegian rohrbu houses, which are known for their bright red color. Kuluar offers car tours in our own minivan in small groups (up to 8 people), where you will feel comfortable and receive the full attention of our team leaders.

When: Almost all year round. Cod season in spring, hiking season in summer, and whale season in winter.

Who is it for? Fans of gorgeous Arctic landscapes and "northern vibe", whale watching, sperm whales and the aurora borealis, boat trips and long walks on the beaches; photographers and those who like to travel in small groups.

Who is not suitable for? Those who are afraid of unpredictable weather.

Difficulty: This is not a difficult driving tour that is suitable for anyone.

Interesting features of the trekking: In winter, some tracks may require small crampons (iron spikes) for shoes (usually available for rent on site).

Flights: Your flight will be to Bodø (BOO airport) via the Norwegian capital, Oslo (connecting flights are also available in Copenhagen). Prices from Poland start from 160 euros round-trip without luggage.

Tours in Iceland: trekking, hiking or by car without heavy backpacks and tents

This island nation is called the "Land of Ice and Fire". Everyone has heard of its extraordinary natural treasures - millennia-old glaciers and volcanoes that still erupt periodically, as well as the "Golden Ring of Iceland", whose main attractions are the Haukadalur Geyser Valley, the cascading Gudlfoss Waterfall and the Thingvellir National Park.

The specialty of this island country is the combination of a large number of extraordinary (exotic for us) natural phenomena on a fairly small territory - abundant huge waterfalls (the Azores are a little jealous of their size), hot springs, black Atlantic beaches, and interesting peaks.

As you can imagine, Iceland is rich in volcanic manifestations, including not only the volcanoes themselves, which delight tourists and photographers with amazingly picturesque lava flows every few years, but also hot springs, hot lagoons and lakes, and geysers. Yes, it was Iceland that made geysers fashionable, because it is home to the "father of all geysers" - a geyser named Geysir. The reason for this fiery nature is the geographical location of the island. It is located on the border of two tectonic plates, the Eurasian and North American, above a fault in the Earth's crust, which makes the region a hot seismic spot as the plates move in opposite directions.

Also, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights - we hunt for them in the car during the tour in campervans in winter. A special audience that may be interested in a tour to Iceland is photographers. Even if you are not one of them, you should take a good camera so that you don't regret it later - because it is here that a waterfall, Aurora Borealis and some fresh volcano can get into your camera lens at the same time.

So what about Eyjafjallajökull (or Eyjafjallajökull?). On our overnight hiking trip in Iceland, we cross the pass between the two glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull. By the way, it is believed that only 0.005% of the world's population can pronounce the name of the first glacier and the volcano of the same name, known for its eruption in 2010. So it's a sin not to try to challenge this statement on the spot.

A long 13-day track with overnight stays in tents in well-organized campsites in summer, or a short trip in campervans in winter - it's up to you!

When: The standard season is from mid-June to August, but we also offer an original winter travel option.

Who is it for? Fans of millennial glaciers, dormant (and not so dormant) volcanoes, endless beaches and uninhabited lava fields, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, canyons, Game of Thrones, fluffy horses and gnomes; photographers.

Who won't like it? Such human beings have not yet been born.

Complexity: Depends on the program. A car tour is suitable for everyone, while a hiking trip requires some preparation - it is advisable to have experience of hiking in the Carpathians and spending the night in tents.

Interesting features of mountain trekking: crossing black lava fields, through passes, along glaciers and over waterfalls. You will need good storm and waterproof clothing, even in summer.

Flight: Direct flight to Reykjavik (RKV airport) from Poland, prices from 110 euros each way without luggage.

Faroe Islands: a week-long tour by car and a series of hikes with comfortable accommodation in lodges on the islands of Sørvogur, Michines, Kalsoy

This Danish archipelago of volcanic origin with as many as 17 islands has a lot to offer. Minimal tourists and trees and maximum sheep, birds and fjords. The "dead end" here is not your friend who forgot a storm jacket at home, but a very cute bird. The subarctic climate does not mean harsh winters. The roofs of houses are covered with moss, strange pagan traditions of dolphin hunting are practiced, and waterfalls argue over which is the biggest, tallest and most beautiful.

As with many other Scandinavian archipelagos, the best way to travel the Faroe Islands is by car in a small group - you can see several islands (because there are ferries between them), save vacation time, and enjoy socializing and making new friends, but without the hustle and bustle. It is fully consistent with the "northern waibu" mentioned above.

During a week-long road trip around the Faroe Islands accompanied by an experienced Kuluar team leader, it is quite possible to see all the sights - the legendary Kalsoy Island, Bøsdalafossur waterfall, Dranganir sea cliffs, and climb to the highest point of the archipelago - Slættaratindur.

When: From May to August.

Who is it for? For those who want to slow down, love waterfalls, green mountains, fjords, open space, Arctic vibe, Birdwatching, Scandinavian vibe, architecture and ancient settlements, leisurely walks.

Who is not suitable for? For those who love forests (spoiler alert - there are none here) and really dislike the wind and are not prepared for unpredictable weather.

Difficulty: For adults. Easy, you can do it without experience, but it is important not to have a fear of heights.

Interesting features of mountain trekking: Some trails have a specific terrain inherent in the northern islands - they can be steep and slippery.

Flight: Flight to Vága Floghavn. FAE Airport is the only airport on the Faroe Islands - flights from Copenhagen, Bergen, Oslo. Ticket prices from Poland start from 250 euros round-trip without luggage.

Why is it worth going to the islands with KULUAR?

• Wide range of programs

Do you like to sleep in a tent, spend less time in the car, and do more hiking? Or what if it's the other way around - you prefer comfortable accommodation, leisurely walks through ancient towns, exploring local cuisine full of fresh fish and seafood. Or maybe you prefer beach vacations or fun quests with your kids while traveling? Do you like a real thru hike with a full backpack? Or maybe without a backpack at all, or with a small one?

Island trekking tours with KULUAR are very diverse - you can choose almost any format, level of difficulty or season. Just contact our consultant.

• Experienced Ukrainian team leaders

KULUAR has dozens of team leaders, each of whom specializes in one or more countries/regions and has been working for many years. For most of them, a particular island or archipelago is a second home, where they spend a lot of time and know it intimately - culture, geology and landscape, interesting tourist and non-tourist locations, the best restaurants, etc. The languages of communication are Ukrainian and English.  Traveling with such an escort is a real pleasure and a full-fledged tourist experience in exploring the region.

• A real hike, not a set of excursions, but at the same time as comfortable as possible

KULUAR is a mountain club, so we offer not just a trip, but a full immersion in the wildlife of the islands you choose to spend your next vacation. This is the real outdoor you are looking for! A simple set of excursions or a driving tour can be offered by anyone. Full-fledged, intense trekking tours and active recreation on the islands - only with KULUAR.

• Organic local food

On our island hike, we don't eat canned food and condensed milk, but interesting and tasty products from local farms and seafood.

• Profitable

Usually the price of the programs includes all accommodation, meals, transfers and visits to all hot springs, parks, etc.

• Date guarantee

We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the consultant has given you the go-ahead to buy a ticket, you can buy it. The program will not be canceled through our fault.

• 97.8% of satisfied participants

Since its inception, more than 25,000 participants have already taken part in the Couloure and 97.8% were satisfied. We are sure you will be too!

If you go to the islands, go with Kuluar!

Which is better: Iceland, Madeira, Azores, Canary Islands, Lofoten, Faroe Islands?

Are you already confused by all these "Teide" and "Eyefjallajokütlı"? You like everything, but how do you choose a specific location for your next vacation?

Here's our guide to help you decide on your island trekking for the next season, but we certainly recommend visiting all of the above archipelagos over time!