The author's tour to the islands of Pico, Sao George and Fayal is like a journey through a time machine that will allow you to imagine what our planet looked like in the pre-glacial period. There will be 7 hikes of varying difficulty, including a trail around a huge caldera (1500 m in diameter and 400 m deep) and a walk through the labyrinths of vineyards with basalt walls, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of our trip (weather permitting) will be a climb to the active volcano Pico (2,351 meters above sea level, or 6,098 from the ocean floor), and a real treat will be watching the sunrise next to the surviving Capelinhos lighthouse and tasting a unique volcanic wine. In addition, we will be able to get acquainted with the life and way of life of the islanders, the history of their survival in isolation from the rest of the world and modern measures to preserve the unique nature of the Azores archipelago.
A tour to the Azores is about discovering unique places in a comfortable environment! We will take a private transfer to the start of each haiku without any difficulties, enjoying the picturesque views along the way. Accommodation in cozy hotels where you can have a good rest after a busy day. Discover the mysterious Azores with KULUAR.
This is a real adventure with daily outdoor activities and exploration of the unique nature of the volcanic archipelago. However, our expedition will be held in the most comfortable conditions: hiking without backpacks, traveling by car and staying in cozy hotels with breakfast, shower and wi-fi. It is ideal for active people who like to spend a lot of time outdoors, but does not require any previous experience in hiking.
You will have a rich author's program from a Ukrainian team leader with experience of living on the Portuguese islands - only the most interesting and best locations, deep immersion in the local culture, careful selection of traditional restaurants and the most responsible acquaintance with the nature of the archipelago.
The expedition involves visiting 3 islands in 8 days, so movement and comfortable timing are key elements of the trip. Our program perfectly balances the intensity of the experience with well-thought-out logistics (including ferry travel between the islands), which will allow the trip to leave a lasting impression.
The program is specially designed for those who want to complete the track without heavy backpacks, while visiting the most interesting places of the Azores.
The program price includes all accommodation, meals and necessary expenses.
More than 25,000 participants have already gone through the program and 97.8% were satisfied. We are sure you will be too!
The highlight of the tour to the Azores is the ascent to Mount Pico, the highest point of the Azores, which is 2351 meters above sea level. This mountain is more than twice the height of the other peaks of the archipelago. Pico also has a unique geological feature: the largest underwater part among volcanoes, which is why it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
However, successful climbing of this mountain depends on two main factors: the physical fitness of the participants and favorable weather conditions. Due to unfavorable weather, the route may sometimes be closed, or you may be advised not to climb. Details of the route and preparation are given in the description of the seventh day of the expedition.
At the beginning of the trip, the team leader will tell you about the possible risks and provide the necessary recommendations to prepare the group for the climb. It should be noted that Piku is an active volcano, and its crater is often covered by clouds, which adds to the atmosphere but can also make the climb more difficult.
Sometimes the first day of a tour is devoted only to arrival, accommodation and getting to know the participants. But our expedition plans to start with an active immersion in the beauty of the Azores archipelago on the first day. After arriving by flight from Lisbon to the island of Faial and having a delicious breakfast in a local bakery, we will go on a short introductory trail to the Monte de Guia reserve. Along the route, we will enjoy panoramic views of the port city of Orta, picturesque views of the peak of the Peak, the ocean-flooded volcano crater, and a cozy sandy beach.
Orta is a city that yachtsmen from all over the world must visit during their round-the-world trips. In the port, each of them leaves their own unique emblem and signature, creating a real street art gallery that we will definitely visit. In the evening, we will visit the legendary Peter Café Sport, a bar with more than a century of history, to taste specialties and socialize with travelers from all over the world.
The mileage by car is 15 km.
Hiking per day - 7 km / elevation difference - 150 m.
We wake up to the sound of waves and the cry of seagulls, have breakfast at the hotel and go to explore the "young" (only 1000 years since the eruption) volcano with one of the largest craters (diameter - 1.5 km) in the Azores. Walking along the crest of a huge caldera at an altitude of 1050 meters, we will discover fantastic 360-degree views that also include the neighboring islands of Pico and Sao George. On the way back, we will visit a national park with a unique collection of giant cryptomeria (a rare coniferous evergreen tree that reaches 70 meters in height). For lunch, we'll go to a typical local restaurant to try traditional octopus or tuna dishes. In the afternoon, we will explore Cape Riberinha and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island - Almosharif.
Car mileage - 55 km
Hiking per day - 8 km / elevation difference - 350 m.
Today we check out of the hotel, taking our belongings with us, because at the end of the day we will take the first ferry to the second island. First, we head to the Western Cape of Fayal Island to see the vast territory (over 2.5 square kilometers) created by the volcanic eruption in 1958. The stability of the only structure here is striking - a 70-meter lighthouse that survived the destructive natural disaster. Next to the lighthouse, underground, there is a museum of volcanology, which collects documentary evidence of this eruption and which we will visit.
Today's trail runs along a volcanic ridge through a relict forest with endemic plants (Azores laurel and heather). It will lead us to the mystical 55-meter deep lava cave Furna Ruim. After a delicious lunch at the Bela Vista family restaurant, we go to take a refreshing dip in the Varadore lava pool, which was created by nature itself.
In the evening, we take a ferry to the neighboring island of St. Georges (the trip will take about 2 hours) and check into a new hotel.
Car mileage - 60 km
Hiking per day - 7 km / altitude difference - 400 m
After a delicious breakfast with local cheese (it is considered the best in Portugal), we head to the central part of Sao George Island to the most picturesque hike of our expedition in the Faja do Norte National Park. What we will see: an evergreen relict forest of rare plant species found only on the Azores, crystal clear waterfalls and unique ancient settlements on lava deltas that have preserved the traditions and way of life of the first settlers on the island.
Today's lunch will feature a local seafood dish - lapash, and afterwards we will go swimming in the unique natural pool of Siman Dias with vertical basalt columns. It will be a unique experience that you can't miss. At the end of the day, we will take a short walk around Velas to learn about the history of the island's discovery and the legends of sailors.
The mileage by car - 65 km
Hiking per day - 7 km / elevation difference - 800 m
We enjoy a delicious breakfast with exotic fruits. Ahead of us is a new busy day of the expedition - exploring the southern part of this picturesque island. We take our belongings with us, and at the end of the day we take a ferry to the third island of our trip - Piku.
We devote this day to a car expedition along the mountain serpentine with many stops at viewpoints and tastings of local cheese at a factory considered one of the best in Europe and No. 1 in Portugal, and organic coffee. It is here, on the island of Sao George, that the only place in Europe where coffee is grown. In the village of Calheta, we learn about the history of fishing and musical traditions of the islanders, and near Faje Grande we swim in a lava pool.
At the end of the day, we take a ferry to Piku Island, one third of which is a nature reserve, and in its center is an active volcano. We check into a comfortable hotel with views of the peak and lava deltas.
Car mileage - 60 km
Hiking per day - 7 km / altitude difference - 400 m
Our acquaintance with Piku Island will begin on a high mountain plateau with a visit to 7 crater lakes. This landscape cannot be confused with any other place on the planet - fabulous undulating green pastures that resemble a fantasy world. From this enchanted world, we will walk the incredible beauty of the trail called "Donkey's Trail" (translated as a donkey's path). Our route will pass through a national park, an evergreen forest and lead to an observation deck called Mysterio, a giant lava delta where grapes are grown in an unusual way - surrounded by maze walls of basalt stones.
To continue with the volcanic theme, today we will have lunch at a themed restaurant called Magma, where the specialty is beef steak covered with molten cheese and "sweet magma" for dessert (chocolate mousse).
At the end of the day, we swim in the natural pool of Sao Rock to wash away the fatigue of haiku.
The mileage by car - 70 km
Hiking per day - 9 km / elevation difference - 850 m
The basic plan for the day, climbing the Piku:
This day will probably be the most physically demanding, but at the end of it we will be rewarded with a decent reward. Early wake-up at 5 am, transfer to the launch site, obtaining a pre-paid permit, safety briefing and receiving a GPS device. Climbing to the top of the volcano accompanied by a guide, climbing up to 5 hours on average. Rest and lunch at the top, descent to the parking lot, on average 4 hours. In total - about 9 hours. The climb is of medium difficulty, but not all beginners are comfortable reaching the top. In order to be physically prepared for it, we hiked all the trails on the Azory in the previous days. Good weather conditions are a prerequisite for a successful and safe ascent, so the final decision on the possibility of climbing to the top of the Piku will be made by the team leader the day before based on meteorological indicators.
The mileage by car - 75 km
Hiking per day - 8 km / elevation difference - 2100 m
An alternative plan for the day:
We will be able to go on a fascinating trail along the vineyards and the ocean - Criasao Velha. We will see unique vineyards in a basalt labyrinth and bright old windmills, fig orchards and dragon trees, the volcanic cave of Gruta das Tores with different types of lava and geological formations (stalactites, stalagmites, lava balls).
The mileage by car - 40 km
Hiking per day - 13 km / elevation difference - 240 m
A worthy end to this eventful day will be a visit to the Piku Island Winery Museum and a tasting of volcanic wine at the legendary Cella Bar on the oceanfront. We will relax and share our impressions of the day at our cozy hotel overlooking the ocean.
Whales! Today we have a chance to see sea giants, because we are in one of the few places on the planet where we can observe 3 species of whales in the wild: blue whales, sperm whales and minke whales.
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel with our luggage and head out to explore the southern part of Pico Island with its picturesque villages and parks. In the town of Lajes do Pico, we board a boat or go out into the ocean and watch whales and dolphins in the company of a marine biologist, hear them communicate with each other and learn about their character and habits. This trip will remain in our hearts forever, as the world's whale population remains at risk of extinction.
In the afternoon, we head to the Pico Island airport for a direct flight to Lisbon - there are not many flights, usually one flight a day around 17:00.
Car mileage - up to 80 km
The team leader has the right to make changes to the route depending on the weather conditions and general wishes of the group.
For Ukrainian citizens, a biometric passport, insurance, and a return ticket are enough to visit Portugal (you may be asked for these documents at the airport). Citizens of other countries need to have a Schengen multivisa or apply for a visa to Portugal specifically for the tour.
After hiking in the Azores, we recommend the following routes:
During 8 days in the Azores, the group will change 3 places of residence.
The first two nights we will spend in a guest house located in Orta (Fayal). The price does not include breakfast, but the accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen - the team leader prepares breakfast. The peculiarity of accommodation is double rooms, single beds. For lunch, we will stop at trusted local restaurants, where the leader will advise which traditional dishes to try. Dinners can be in a restaurant or joint cooking in the lodge.
On Sao George Island we will spend 2 nights in a hotel in Velas. The price includes breakfast, accommodation - double rooms, single beds. Lunches - we will stop in small restaurants + sandwiches to take with us.
We will spend the last 3 nights of the expedition in an apart-hotel in Madalena on Piku Island. The price does not include breakfast, but the accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen where the team leader prepares breakfast. It is possible to make an organized purchase of food for dinners (instead of restaurants).
The Azores are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and have a subtropical, oceanic climate with low temperature amplitudes. The average temperature is +14 °C in winter and +24 °C in summer. Frequent but short-lived precipitation/strong winds are characteristic. The islanders say: "Nos Açores, somos abençoados - nunca está demasiado calor e nunca está demasiado frio", which means "We are blessed in the Azores - it is never too hot or too cold". The sea temperature varies from 16ºC (in winter) to 23ºC (in summer).
The hike to the top of the Peak is considered to be of medium difficulty and physically quite demanding, but it is accessible to beginners in good physical shape (provided that you climb in a group and the weather is good). The route is marked and quite crowded - several hundred hikers pass it every day.
The ascent is about 4 kilometers long and has an elevation gain of 1150 meters, in some places it is quite steep and requires attention. By the standards of ordinary tours, this is a big gain and then a drop in altitude, and not everyone is comfortable with the whole way. Sometimes it's worthwhile to reach only 1500 meters and see the panorama of the neighboring islands. The team leader will understand your condition and make some changes.
The type of soil varies along the ascent: stone, gravel and soil. You should also be prepared for sudden changes in weather and fog, so it is recommended to take warm waterproof clothes. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning landscapes with panoramic views. This can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
The Azores, like Madeira, belong to Portugal, but are located almost in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, between the Iberian Peninsula to the west and Canada to the east.
They are known for their warm subtropical climate, tranquility and unspoiled nature.
The Azores are home not only to introverts, but also to numerous plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the archipelago. During your hike, you can encounter endemic flora such as the Azores heather and laurel forests, as well as a variety of birds and cetaceans.
The hiking routes in the Azores are suitable for all levels of experience and fitness, ranging from leisurely coastal walks to challenging mountain climbs. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking for scenic walks, there are routes to suit all tastes. The islands are geologically active, and hiking in the archipelago often brings you close to fascinating geothermal sites such as geysers, hot volcanic springs, and fumaroles. These natural phenomena add an extra dimension of intrigue to your hiking experience.
Additional adventure opportunities include canyoning, whale watching, caving, and paragliding.
In fact, it is very easy to get to the Azores, despite their remoteness. There are many flights from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The flight to the archipelago lasts about 3 hours and costs about 100 euros, and in the low season it is less than 50 euros with luggage.
It is warm and never snows. In winter, the daytime temperature is around +18°C. The Azores are perfect for all-season hiking. But we recommend spring, summer and fall as the best seasons for hiking. At this time it is not so cloudy and humid, there are more sunny days, so the visibility in the mountains is better. High season is the height of summer. It's the warmest time, but there are a lot of tourists.
It is interesting that in any season in the Azores, daily temperature fluctuations are not very pronounced, which is usually not typical for mountainous terrain. This is because of the mild Atlantic climate. The best way to describe the usual feeling of being in the Azores is "humid and warm".
Local wine, local tea (from the only plantation in Europe), and volcanic barbecue cooked in geysers will win you over :)
To participate in the program, you need insurance that will cover active tourism in Portugal on the heights up to 2351 meters . Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some participants thousands of euros. You can find our recommendations on insurance here: "Insurance for trekkers in Portugal".
Minimum group for this program: 5 participants. We have calculated the costs for a smaller number, but increased them slightly. So as not to be in the red ourselves.
So we can confirm the date earlier, and you will have the opportunity to buy tickets and plan your unforgettable trip!
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 and more | €1250 |
| 4 | €1300 |
| 3 | €1450 |
| 2 | €1850 |
Additional expenses. We recommend having at least €450 for additional expenses and entertainment. The main costs are:
If the amount of prepayment is too much for you at the moment, but you still want to book a place, write to the consultant and he will break it down into comfortable parts.
👉Check out: payment methods and refund conditions in case of cancellation or departure from the route.
Dear friends! Please do not take 500 euro banknotes. They constantly cause problems when making payments to partners in Europe. Thank you for your understanding!
*Please note: the consultant will help you with the selection and search for air tickets, recommend an insurance company, but will not make a purchase. Participants do it themselves or contact our partners, all contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels and insurance.квитки, готелі та страхування.
