The Azores are an archipelago of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, situated at the point where three tectonic plates meet. São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago, formed as a result of a series of underwater volcanic eruptions over 4 million years ago. Here, incredible natural beauty (endemic subtropical vegetation, giant volcanic craters, waterfalls and canyons, thermal springs and lakes) is combined with access to the riches of the underwater world (29 species of cetaceans, a wealth of fish, sea turtles and molluscs).
What special things await you in our programme:
According to ancient Greek legends, the Azores are the peaks of the sunken continent of Atlantis, and the local inhabitants consider themselves descendants of the ancient demigods – the Atlanteans. As well as their unique natural beauty and distinctive volcanic landscapes, the Azores are steeped in legends, some of which we invite you to explore with us on this family tour.
Join us on this new itinerary, packed with experiences and adventures, with Kuluar!
This is a fun-filled family holiday featuring daily outdoor activities, with the added bonus of learning about volcanology and biology, as well as acquiring skills in descending slopes using ropes and a belay system. Our tour will take place in the most comfortable conditions possible: accommodation in a villa with a kitchen and en-suite bathroom, close to the beach, a supermarket and cafés; travel in an air-conditioned minibus with an experienced driver; and constant support from a Ukrainian tour leader with experience of living in the Azores.
You can look forward to a packed, bespoke programme centred on the idea of a high-quality, active holiday for parents and children. The tour is ideal for families with children aged 7–16 who enjoy spending plenty of time in the great outdoors and trying out new and exciting activities (hiking, surfing, canyoning, etc.).
Although our tour is by no means a culinary one, the Azores are sure to delight food lovers. At the local markets, we’ll be able to buy plenty of exotic fruit — pineapples, papayas, passion fruit, bananas and much more. We’ll also sample fresh fish and seafood caught by local fishermen. Delicious and healthy food — another lovely bonus of our trip!
We do not cancel or reschedule tours. If a consultant has given the go-ahead for you to buy a ticket, you can go ahead and purchase it — the tour will not be cancelled through any fault of ours. We are transparent about the cost of the tour. The price includes accommodation and transport along the route. We list all possible additional costs in the description so that you can plan your trip with peace of mind.
Arrival in the Azores, exploring the town of Ponta Delgada
Our team leader will meet you at the airport, and a comfortable private transfer will take you to your villa in Ponta Delgada. On this day, we’ll take our time exploring the old town, visiting the botanical gardens, the medieval fortress and the market with its exotic fruits. We’ll also head to a plantation growing the world’s sweetest pineapples, where we’ll learn about the history of pineapple cultivation in the Azores and sample some pineapple ice cream.
Today’s activities — a stroll around town, pineapple tasting
Sete Cidades and Mosteirós Beach
After a delicious breakfast at the villa, we set off on our first day of sightseeing and adventure. A transfer takes us up to the Mato do Canário Pass (aqueduct), from where we begin our walk to the Set Cidades volcanic lakes. An easy route through a forest of cryptomerias and laurels awaits us, as well as viewing platforms offering panoramic views. The final stop on our route is a series of shallow lakes formed in the crater of a dormant volcano. Here we’ll have a snack at a local café, and after lunch we’ll head to the coast for a swim at the sandy beach of Mosteirush. On the way back, we’ll visit the Ferraria lighthouse and the whale-watching station.
Activities for the day – a hike to the Set Cidadeš Lakes, the beach.
Daily hiking distance – 6–11 km
A hike to a secret waterfall and an exploration of the Atlantic’s underwater world
We’ll start the day with a visit to the volcanology centre on the island of São Miguel and a meeting with scientists who have been studying the structure, origin and development of volcanoes for many years. Here, we’ll learn why and when volcanic eruptions occur, whether they can be predicted, and what impact they have on nature and the world.
We’ll move from theory to practice — setting off on a short but fascinating hike to a secret waterfall and the ‘Lagoon of the 30 Kings’. This walk will introduce us to the island’s wild tropical vegetation and allow us to explore its most remote corners.
After lunch, we have another exploration in store, but this time not on land, but in the water – we’ll set off on a trip aboard a special OceanEye catamaran with a transparent floor, whilst our guide and marine biologist tells us about the underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean and its most fascinating inhabitants (whales, dolphins, rays and even sharks).
Today’s activities – a hike to the waterfall and exploring the underwater world of the Atlantic.
Hiking distance for the day – 4 km
Canyoning, a tea plantation and the Gorreana hike
Today is a day for swimming, but it’s a bit out of the ordinary — after all, we’ll be diving into waterfalls and pools formed by mountain streams. On São Miguel, we’ll have the chance to tackle the easy Salto Cabrito canyoning route. Our activity begins with a briefing and the handover of the necessary kit (including a wetsuit and a belay system), followed by a short hike to the mountain river. Over the course of two hours, we’ll be abseiling, zip-lining and jumping into the water. This adventure is sure to be one of the highlights of the tour.
After the canyoning, we’ll share our impressions and experiences over a hearty picnic at a picturesque spot in the forest. Next, we’ll visit an evergreen Azorean tea plantation, tour the factory and enjoy a cup of warming tea with local desserts. We’ll round off the day with a gentle hike near the plantation, which will introduce us to the rich 200-year-old tradition of tea cultivation in the Azores.
Activities for the day – canyoning, hiking, tea plantation.
Hiking distance for the day – 5 km
Sanguiño and Furnash
On this day, we’ll combine hiking with a dip in the thermal pools. We’ll follow an easy but scenic trail to the Salto do Prego waterfall, at the foot of which we’ll be able to take a dip. Our route will also take us through the small, abandoned village of Sangvinho, with its typical stone cottages and farming equipment. It is a veritable open-air museum that will give us an insight into the way of life of the island’s first settlers.
After the hike, we’ll head to the Furnas Valley to sample a special dish cooked literally in the ground. The fact is that here, through small cracks in the ground (fumaroles), hot volcanic gases and water vapour burst to the surface – the locals have been using this phenomenon as a ‘natural kitchen’ for several centuries.
And nearby is the marvellous Terra Nostra Botanical Park, which features a thermal pool with water at a temperature of +35–42 °C. The perfect way to round off the day is to take a dip in the thermal waters and stroll through the park, which boasts a vast collection of camellias, cycads and orchids.
Activities for the day – hiking in the woods, bathing in the thermal springs, the botanical garden
Hiking for the day – 5 km
Surfing, volcanic caves and a lake of fire
Today we’ll set off for the ‘hot heart’ of the island – Lake Fogo (which translates from Portuguese as ‘fire’), classified as a nature reserve and one of the most precious natural and picturesque spots on the island of São Miguel. Along our route, we’ll walk alongside water channels and levadas, cross the picturesque Ribeira da Praia valley, and the vegetation will be dominated by heather, cryptomeria and Azorean blueberry. Upon reaching the shores of Lake Fogo, we’ll enter a protected area where a large number of migratory and rare birds nest.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy some relaxation on the beach and a surfing lesson (optional). Will we be able to conquer the waves of the Atlantic Ocean on a surfboard? We’ll find out very soon.
Activities for the day – a hike to Lake Fogu and surfing
Distance hiked during the day – 12 km
Return home (free time to buy souvenirs)
After breakfast at the villa, a transfer to the airport will be waiting for us. Provided our flight isn’t an early morning one, we’ll have time to take another stroll around the town of Ponta Delgada to buy some souvenirs and Azorean delicacies. We’re sure you’ll take home not only vivid memories of this island, but also new friends, with whom you’ll have time to plan your next trips with the Kuluar club on the way to the airport!
Depending on the weather conditions, the group’s condition and general preferences, the team leader is entitled to make changes to the route.
Ukrainian nationals need only a biometric passport, travel insurance and a return ticket to visit Portugal (you may be asked to present these documents at the airport). Nationals of other countries must hold a Schengen multiple-entry visa or apply for a visa to Portugal specifically for this tour. We provide the necessary documents and assist with the application process.
After completing a trek in the Azores, we recommend the following routes:
Accommodation for the entire duration of the tour is arranged at a comfortable villa with access to the beach and a supermarket. The cost of accommodation does not include breakfast, but the villa has a fully equipped kitchen – we will organise the purchase of breakfast ingredients on the day of arrival. Accommodation consists of twin or triple rooms, with single or double beds and a private bathroom. For lunch, we’ll stop at tried-and-tested local restaurants, where the tour leader will recommend which traditional dishes to try. Dinners can be enjoyed at a restaurant or as a group cooking session at the villa, depending on your preference.
The minimum age for taking part in the tour of the Azores with children is 7 years. It is recommended that all children in the group have:
Parents play a key role in ensuring that children enjoy their trip. Just how prepared are you for day trips and hiking, and for the strict daily wake-up schedule? Discuss this with our advisers. Ask questions and prepare as thoroughly as possible for the trip, especially if you and your child are new to hiking in the mountains.
The Azores are situated in the Atlantic Ocean and have a subtropical, oceanic climate with small temperature variations. The average temperature in winter is +12 °C, and in summer +26 °C. Short bursts of rain and strong winds are common. The ocean water temperature ranges from 16 °C (in winter) to 23 °C (in summer). Sunlight can be quite intense in summer – special UV protection (sun cream with SPF 50+) and a cap or hat are recommended.
The minimum group size for this programme is: 5 participants. We have calculated the costs for smaller groups as well, increasing them only slightly so that we don’t end up making a loss.
That way, we’ll be able to confirm the date sooner, and you’ll have the chance to buy your tickets and plan your unforgettable trip!
| Number of participants | Value |
|---|---|
| 5 and more | 980 € |
| 4 | 1080 € |
| 3 | 1250 € |
| 2 | 1700 € |
Additional expenses – these are at your discretion, but we recommend having at least €300 on your card for souvenirs, dinners and any other potential expenses and entertainment. If you arrive on the island early or leave later, bear in mind that a meal in a café costs around €25 per person.
If the prepayment amount is too high for you at the moment, but you’d like to book a place, please contact a consultant and they’ll split it into manageable instalments.
👉 Find out more: payment methods and refund terms in the event of cancellation or withdrawal from the trip
Friends! Please do not accept €500 notes. We constantly encounter problems with them when settling accounts with our partners in Europe. Thank you for your understanding!
*Please note: a consultant will help you choose and find flights and recommend insurance, but they are not responsible for making the purchase. Participants either do this themselves or contact our partners; all contact details are in the article: flights, hotels and insurance
