{"id":37717,"date":"2024-01-06T16:53:03","date_gmt":"2024-01-06T15:53:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/hiking-in-the-azores-various-islands-with-stunning-nature-and-hikes\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T18:19:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:19:15","slug":"hiking-in-the-azores-various-islands-with-stunning-nature-and-hikes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/azores\/hiking-in-the-azores-various-islands-with-stunning-nature-and-hikes\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking in the Azores: Various Islands with Stunning Nature and Hikes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hiking in the Azores: The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails and Practical Tips<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Azores have always fascinated me, and last year I finally decided to visit this green gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Over the course of two weeks, we explored <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/azores\/sao-miguel-azores-portugal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30581\">S\u00e3o Miguel<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/terceira-azores-agriculture-culture-and-a-rich-history\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30523\">Terceira<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/azores\/faial-in-the-azores\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5545\">Faial<\/a>. And it\u2019s really true: these islands are a true hiker\u2019s paradise.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes hiking in the Azores so special? The volcanic landscapes, lush nature, and well-maintained trails make every adventure unique. In this blog, I\u2019ll share my <a href=\"#wandelroutes-azoren\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#wandelroutes-azoren\">favorite hiking routes<\/a>, helpful tips, and experiences.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" data-id=\"4421\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Azoren-4-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4421\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Azoren-4-980x734.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Azoren-4-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" data-id=\"4422\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Horta-haven-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4422\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Horta-haven-980x734.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Horta-haven-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Go Hiking in the Azores<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Azores consist of nine islands, each with its own unique character and countless hiking opportunities. What they all have in common is their unspoiled nature and peaceful atmosphere. During your hikes, you\u2019ll walk past crater lakes, through ancient forests, and over volcanic peaks with breathtaking views.  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best time to visit:<\/strong> <strong>April through October<\/strong> is ideal for hiking in the Azores. The weather is more stable, and nature is at its most beautiful. It can get very crowded during the summer months, though. I visited S\u00e3o Miguel and Terceira in November, and that turned out to be an ideal month for hiking as well, though of course it can vary from year to year.   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate:<\/strong> Temperatures range from 16\u00b0C in the winter to 26\u00b0C in the summer. Because it\u2019s located in the Atlantic Ocean, you can always expect a shower. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The time difference<\/strong> between the Azores and the Netherlands is 2 hours (it is earlier in the Azores).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">The Azores: A Sustainable Destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Azores are the first archipelago in the world to have earned the international certificate for sustainable destinations, awarded by an organization accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. They are constantly striving to improve in order to meet their goals and enhance <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitazores.com\/en\/sustainable-tourism-destination\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.visitazores.com\/en\/sustainable-tourism-destination\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sustainability<\/a>.   <br\/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The archipelago is an autonomous region of <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/category\/portugal\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/category\/portugal\/\">Portugal<\/a>; the official language is Portuguese, but with a different pronunciation. The dialect, whose sounds are reminiscent of French, is called Micaelense. English is also generally spoken very well on the islands.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"4433\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Azores-Trails-1-2-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4433\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"4833\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/lake-4493200_1920-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Azores - S&#xE3;o Miguel - View of Lagoa do Fogo\" class=\"wp-image-4833\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/lake-4493200_1920-1-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/lake-4493200_1920-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wandelroutes-azoren\">The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in the Azores<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During our trip, we tried out a few hikes, and these are my absolute favorites.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Lagoa do Fogo Hiking Trail, S\u00e3o Miguel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Distance:<\/strong> 11 km | <strong>Duration:<\/strong> 4 hours | <strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> moderate<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This hike was one of the highlights of my trip. The trail takes you to the impressive crater lake, <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/azores\/sao-miguel-azores-portugal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30581\">Lagoa do Fogo<\/a>. We started the hike early in the morning, which was a smart move: the sky was clear, and the view of the lake was phenomenal.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trail is well marked, but some sections are challenging. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Use the SpotAzores app to check if visibility is clear at attractions such as Lagoa do Fogo.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Sanguinho Trail to Salto do Prego, S\u00e3o Miguel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Distance:<\/strong> 4.5 km | <strong>Duration:<\/strong> 2 hours | <strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> moderate<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This trail starts in Faial da Terra and takes you through the abandoned village of Sanguinho, eventually ending at the beautiful Salto do Prego waterfall. It felt almost magical to walk through the dense vegetation and suddenly come upon the waterfall. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring your swimsuit\u2014a dip in the ice-cold water is wonderfully refreshing.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"5405\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/azores-4795220_1920-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Green fields on Terceira - Azores - Portugal\" class=\"wp-image-5405\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/azores-4795220_1920-1-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/azores-4795220_1920-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"5789\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/karim-sakhibgareev-HNQnnnbvj3E-unsplash-1-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Faial - Azores - blue hydrangeas\" class=\"wp-image-5789\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/karim-sakhibgareev-HNQnnnbvj3E-unsplash-1-1-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/karim-sakhibgareev-HNQnnnbvj3E-unsplash-1-1-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Caldeira, a crater on Faial<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Distance:<\/strong> 8 km | <strong>Duration:<\/strong> 3 hours | <strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> moderate<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/azores\/faial-in-the-azores\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5545\">Faial<\/a>, we walked around the impressive Caldeira, a massive crater with a diameter of 2 kilometers. The trail runs along the crater rim and offers spectacular views. On a clear day, you can even see the islands of Pico and S\u00e3o Jorge.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Monte Brasil, Terceira<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Distance:<\/strong> 7 km | <strong>Duration:<\/strong> 2.5 hours | <strong>Difficulty:<\/strong> easy<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/terceira-azores-agriculture-culture-and-a-rich-history\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30523\">Monte Brasil<\/a>, an extinct volcano, offers a leisurely hike with stunning views of the city of Angra do Hero\u00edsmo. This hike is perfect for a quiet day, and it\u2019s especially beautiful here at sunset. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other beautiful hikes in the Azores include:<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Lagoa das Furnas Trail, S\u00e3o Miguel<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Distance<\/strong>: 9.5 km (loop) | <strong>Duration<\/strong>: 3 hours | <strong>Difficulty<\/strong>: easy<br\/><br\/>A leisurely walk around Lake Furnas, where you\u2019ll pass through geothermal areas.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Lagoa do Congro Trail, S\u00e3o Miguel<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Distance<\/strong>: 1.4 km (round trip) | <strong>Duration<\/strong>: 1 hour | <strong>Difficulty<\/strong>: easy <br\/><br\/>This short trail takes you to the peaceful Lagoa do Congro, surrounded by lush greenery.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Quatro F\u00e1bricas da Luz Trail, S\u00e3o Miguel  <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Distance<\/strong>: 2.1 km | <strong>Duration<\/strong>: 1.5 hours | <strong>Difficulty<\/strong>: easy  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The route takes you past historic sites related to the island&#8217;s early electricity production. Interesting sights and beautiful views.   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Gorreana Tea Plantation Trail, S\u00e3o Miguel<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Distance<\/strong>: 3.4 km (loop) | <strong>Duration<\/strong>: 1.5 hours | <strong>Difficulty<\/strong>: easy  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take a walk through Europe\u2019s oldest tea plantation, enjoy the view of the vast tea fields, and learn about tea cultivation on S\u00e3o Miguel. Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/azoren\/sao-miguel-azoren-wat-te-zien\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/azoren\/sao-miguel-azoren-wat-te-zien\/\">this walk and about S\u00e3o Miguel<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Useful Tips for Hiking in the Azores<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Would you like to take an <strong>organized<\/strong> vacation to the Azores? Then check out <a href=\"https:\/\/priolotravel.nl\/individuele-reizen-azoren\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/priolotravel.nl\/azoren-vakantie\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Priolo Travel<\/a>. They are an excellent Azores specialist.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Always check the weather forecast beforehand<\/strong>: The weather in the Azores can change quickly. Be sure to bring a raincoat and extra layers of clothing. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use hiking apps<\/strong>: We used <em>Komoot<\/em> and <em>Azores Trails<\/em> to plan our routes and download offline maps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wear sturdy shoes<\/strong>: Shoes with good traction are essential, especially on the muddy trails around crater lakes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks<\/strong>, especially on longer hikes like the Lagoa do Fogo trail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Book<\/strong> your accommodations and any rental car <strong>in advance<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accessibility of the Azores<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>During the summer months (April through October), Transavia offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Ponta Delgada that take about 4.5 hours. This is usually the most affordable option. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ryanair operates weekly flights from Brussels-Charleroi to Ponta Delgada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From May through September, Eurowings operates flights from D\u00fcsseldorf to Ponta Delgada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TAP Air Portugal offers other options\u2014including connecting flights and flights during the winter months\u2014to S\u00e3o Miguel, Terceira, and Faial. One advantage of this way of traveling is that you can make a \u201cstopover\u201d (lasting 10 days) in <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/stedentrip-porto-en-lissabon\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2831\">Lisbon or Porto<\/a>, allowing you to combine your trip to the Azores with a city break. Prices start at \u20ac250\u2013300 round-trip. For more information, visit <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.flytap.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.flytap.com<\/a><\/strong>   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Island Hopping in the Azores<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It takes some planning and preparation if you want to go island-hopping in the Azores. That\u2019s because not all of the islands are connected by boat. Ferry routes change with the seasons. Book your ferry crossings or flights in advance so you don\u2019t run into any surprises regarding price or accessibility.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By boat<\/strong>: all the information about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlanticoline.pt\/en\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.atlanticoline.pt\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">boat tickets, current services, and schedules<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From S\u00e3o Miguel, the ferry currently only goes to Santa Maria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The islands of S\u00e3o Jorge, Pico, Faial, Terceira, and Graciosa are connected by ferry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flores and Corvo can be reached by ferry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By plane<\/strong>: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.azoresairlines.pt\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.azoresairlines.pt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Azores Airlines<\/a> <\/strong>offers flights between all the islands of the Azores, but it\u2019s also possible to use ferry services between the islands of the Western Azores (Corvo and Flores) and the Central Azores (Pico, Faial, Terceira, Graciosa, and S\u00e3o Jorge). Check their website for current flights and schedules between the islands. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"31543\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/02-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Quinta do Icaro - A-Bungalow\" class=\"wp-image-31543\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/02-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/02-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"31552\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/07-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Quinta do Icaro - bathroom shower\" class=\"wp-image-31552\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"31547\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/06-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Quinta do Icaro - Double Bed\" class=\"wp-image-31547\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/06-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/06-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hotels in the Azores<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our tips for sustainable accommodations in the Azores:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/nature-stay\/quinta-do-icaro\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/overnachting-in-natuur\/quinta-do-icaro\/\">Quinta do Icaro<\/a><\/strong> on Terceira: 7 unique wooden villas for 3\u20135 people with a saltwater pool. Close to the natural pools of Porto Martins and Praia da Vit\u00f3ria Beach. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quinta do Bom Despacho: near Ponta Delgada. Sustainable accommodations in a beautifully renovated farmhouse with an organic garden and a swimming pool. They use renewable energy and serve local products.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pico do Ref\u00fagio: also on S\u00e3o Miguel, in Ribeira Grande. A charming complex of former tea plantations converted into apartments. Here, you\u2019ll sleep surrounded by green hills with a view of the ocean. A perfect spot for nature lovers.   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aldeia da Fonte: located on Pico, in Lajes do Pico. An eco-resort nestled among the trees with spectacular ocean views. An ideal base for whale watching or climbing Pico Volcano.    <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hotel do Canal on Faial. A small-scale hotel in Horta. Within walking distance of cozy caf\u00e9s, such as the famous <em><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/azores\/faial-in-the-azores\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5545\">Peter Caf\u00e9 Sport<\/a><\/em>. Simple yet comfortable, the staff is happy to offer tips on the best hikes in the area.   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Azores Wine Company: in Picos. In Madalena, a unique destination for wine lovers. Here, you\u2019ll literally sleep among the vineyards in stylish rooms featuring modern architecture. Sample the local wines and dine at an excellent restaurant.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Car Rental in the Azores<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for transportation on each island, you can take scheduled buses on the main routes on S\u00e3o Miguel and Terceira, but these generally won\u2019t take you to the sights or trailheads.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The easiest way to explore the islands is to rent a car. There are several car rental companies, but we chose <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/autatlantis.com\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"(https:\/\/autatlantis.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AutAtlantis<\/a><\/strong>. When signing the rental agreement, we opted for the \u201cSuper Relax Pack,\u201d which reduces the deductible to a maximum of \u20ac100.  <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Whale and Dolphin Watching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Azores are surrounded by a unique ecosystem with nutrient-rich waters, where you can spot 28 species of whales and dolphins, including bottlenose dolphins, as well as whales that pass through the Azores during their migrations, such as spotted dolphins, sperm whales, and even blue whales, which are most commonly seen toward the end of winter.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditional whaling gave way to \u201cwhale-watching\u201d long ago. The best time to spot whales is from May through September. If you don\u2019t want to go out to sea, you can visit one of the information centers or try to spot them from one of the observation towers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An excursion starts at around \u20ac60 per person and is generally conducted using a Zodiac, but you can also choose to go out on the water on a catamaran or fiberglass boat. Before you set out, you\u2019ll receive a briefing about the ocean, what you can expect to see (no guarantee you\u2019ll see anything!), and a review of the safety procedures. The excursion lasts about 3 hours.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">S\u00e3o Miguel, Terceira, Pico, and Faial are the best islands for a whale-watching tour. You can book the tour on-site. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/azores\/faial-in-the-azores\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/azoren\/faial-rust-natuur-en-wandelen\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about Faial<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/terceira-azores-agriculture-culture-and-a-rich-history\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/azoren\/terceira-azoren-natuur-cultuur\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Read more about Terceira here<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/azores\/sao-miguel-azores-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30581\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read more about S\u00e3o Miguel here<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking in the Azores on a map<\/h2>\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1aBbsr0BGTgthdwCI2-PFDAhFjGtahpo&#038;ehbc=2E312F&#038;noprof=1\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the best hiking trails in the Azores. Learn about the best hikes, practical tips for your hiking adventure, and the unique natural beauty of these Portuguese islands. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":37723,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[260,189,191],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37717","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-azores","category-portugal","category-hiking-tours"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37717","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37717"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37717\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37723"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37717"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37717"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37717"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}