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Hiking Trails in the Azores Islands
 


The islands have an excellent network of trails that allow you to explore their most beautiful and unspoiled places on foot. Hike on green and wild paths, discover waterfalls, and take spectacular photographs of stunning landscape, all of this while breathing the fresh, clean air of the Azores.

The unique volcanic origins of the islands created the ideal natural setting for stunning and vibrant scenery. No matter which island you choose, be it from the Western, Central or Eastern Groups, you’ll always be surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, as well as the vast blue ocean.

The trails of the Azores are divided into three levels of difficulty - easy, medium and hard – and are classified by the Regional Government of the Azores to ensure the safety for walkers of various ages and levels of fitness. All the trails on the islands are clearly marked with trail signs to help keep you on track during your trekking adventures. Due to the mild year-round temperatures of the Azores, hikers can enjoy hitting the trails in any season. If you’re planning your trip for the winter, you’ll be treated to rushing waterfalls, fuller streams and lakes, and lusher greens. Coming in the spring and summer means you’ll be around to see the flowers of the Azores in full bloom. Just be sure to check the weather conditions before you go so you can pack everything you’ll need! With stunning verdant landscapes, exotic plants, dormant volcanoes, mesmerizing lakes and amazing views, the beautiful trails of the Azores will surely dazzle even the most seasoned hikers.
 
Favorite trails in the Azores:
 

Salto do Prego trail on São Miguel Island

 
 
The hike to Salto do Prego on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores is short and sweet, but the view of the falls would be worth hiking all day for. Salto do Prego is easily in the top 10 must-visits on Sao Miguel, and for an island replete with natural splendor, that is really saying something.
 

 

Mistérios Negros trail on Terceira Island

 
 

The Mistérios Negros hiking trail in Terceira Island is a discovering experience of secrets lakes.  Pico do Gaspar, is the highest point of ‘’Mistérios Negros’’ at 6116ft (645 metres), where a lot of Azores endemic vegetation can still be found.

 

 

Pico Mountain hike on Pico Island

 
 
Pico’s mountain is Portugal’s highest point with some huge 7713ft tall (2.351 metres). It sure stands out in the middle of everything and is a piece of extreme beauty to the eyes marking Pico’s and neighbor islands view.
 

 

Fajã dos Cubres & Serra do Topo trail on São Jorge Island

 
 
Faial’s Island most interesting hiking trail leads to one of the coolest- if not the coolest- places in all of the Azores archipelago:  Capelinhos volcanic activity lasted a long period of 13 months and left behind a lot of geological vestiges that can be found by trekking among the ash paths of this trail.
 

 

Miradouro das Lagoas – Poço do Bacalhau trail on Flores Island

 
 
The Poço do Bacalhau hiking trail in Flores Island is one of hikers favorite as it is a 3 in 1 experience allowing  to discover 3 of the island main attractions with only one hike: starts in Negra and Comprida lakes viewpoint, has panoramic views over Fajã Grande and ends with a huge 90 metres high (295 ft tall) waterfall.
Negra and Comprida lakes viewpoint is one of the best Flores spots for artistic photos as the day lighting starts to disappear and just by crossing the street you’ll find Lagoa Seca which translation is ‘’dry lake’’. Once you’ll start getting down to Fajã Grande be careful with the slippery stairs and once there just turn right and you’ll find the powerful Poço do Bacalhau waterfall. From the dark rocks covered with green vegetation falls this huge waterfall where the majority of hikers enjoy a cool refreshing bath after a long walk. Poço do Bacalhau is one of the most charismatic attractions in an island with such a peculiar personality as Flores.
 

 

Lagoa do Fogo trail on São Miguel Island

 
 

 

Dez Vulcões trail to Capelinhos on Faial Island

 
 
The Dez Vulcões trail, on Faial, passes 10 volcanoes to reach the lunar landscape of Capelinhos, formed by a 1958 eruption. It combines the three trails of Caldeira, Levada and Capelo-Capelinhos. Hiking up to the Capelinhos Volcano is possible

 

 

Cara do Índio trail on Corvo Island

 
 
Cara do Índio via PR1 COR Trail is a 5.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Corvo, Azores, Portugal that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching.
 

 

Baías da Agualva on Terceira Island

 
 
This trail is partially integrated in protected area for habitat or species management of Costa das Quatro Ribeiras of Terceira’s Natural Park, also classified as Special Area of Preservation in the context of Natura 2000. This route, along the North coast of the island, connects the villages of Agualva to Quatro Ribeiras.
 
 
 

 
Other cities to explore
 

Lisbon

Porto Alentejo Madeira Algarve
 
 
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