Hiking routes in the Azores Islands

Lost in the middle of the Atlantic, the volcanic archipelago of the Azores surprises the traveller with its dreamlike landscapes and exuberant nature. A hiking paradise where it will be difficult to decide where to start. A good place to start might be these 7 routes through the Azores that we suggest below.

This volcanic archipelago of nine islands lies at the confluence of three tectonic plates in the Atlantic Ocean. Since the Portuguese colonised them in the 15th century, populations of different nationalities have settled here. They have served as a refuge, a food supply on different routes and a hunting ground for sperm whales. The human impact on these volcanic islands, originally covered by relict vegetation of the "sperm whale" type, has been felt by many people.laurisilva"The landscape has been significantly transformed. Whether with pastures for livestock, Asian conifers for timber harvesting or with the colourful hydrangeas planted to demarcate farms and provide shelter for livestock.

The islands are known for their famous anticyclone, but each one has its own "idiosyncrasy" and this is reflected in the different landscapes that dot the selection of routes shown below.

Western Group: Flowers and Corvo

These two islands are the westernmost and furthest. They have the particularity of being located on the North American plate and of being the two islands with the smallest population and the lowest population density.

Flores Island

Flowers is the larger of the two, and as its name suggests, the abundance of rock flowers and hydrangeas is overwhelming. The island's 4,000 inhabitants are distributed in a few urban centres, among which the following stand out Santa Cruzthe capital. The roads run along the coastline with its countless viewpoints, or pass between lakes such as the Caldeira Funda or the Dry. If there is one thing that stands out about this island, it is its lush landscapes with its waterfalls, such as the iconic Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro and the waterfall of the Poço do Bacalhau.

We propose two routes to get to know this island. A linear route parallel to the west coast, between the villages of Lajedo and Faja Grandethrough the Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiroand a second circular route in which we will visit the lakes Negra, Comprida, Seca and Brancaat the Planalto Central.

Route 1: from Lajedo to Faja Grande via the Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro

The first route follows the PR 02FLO between the villages of Lajedo and Faja Grande, parallel to the coast. You can get to Lajedo by bus (web) or taxi from Faja Grande.

The route passes through different villages such as Lajedo, Mosteiro and Fajazinha, allows us to contemplate the sea with some coastal islets, climbs up to a viewpoint and gives us the option to visit the emblematic Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro before reaching Faja Grande.

Route 2: Negra, Comprida, Seca and Branca lagoons.

The second option is a circular route from the "Miradouro das Lagoas. We will follow a section of the PR 03 FLO by the Morro Alto e Pico da Sé Nature Reservewhere you will be able to see four lagoons of the central highlands: the Blackthe Compridathe Dry and the Branca.

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Canyoning in Azores: Flores Island

Corvo Island

The second western island is Corvo. The smallest of the nine islands of the Azores archipelago, at just 17 square kilometres. Elongated in shape, it is only 6.5 km long by 4 km wide, and is crowned by a crater, the Caldeirao. Its population barely exceeds 400 inhabitants.

Route 3: Touring the interior of the Caldeirao.

The route we propose is to walk along the Caldeirao by the PR02 COR. From the port you will have to hire the services of a "carrinha" or taxi to take you up to the Monte Gordo viewpoint and then pick you up at the agreed time.

From just over 550 m we descend to the crater to skirt the lagoons, watched by the countless cows, amidst mosses and hydrangeas.

Central Group: Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa and Terceira.

The central group is formed from west to east by the islands of Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa and Terceira.

Faial Island

This is one of the smallest islands that form part of the central group of the Azores. It is linked to whaling as a stopover, supply and recruitment of sailors, HortaIts capital city still retains traces of this past. In its central part there is a large volcanic crater of 2 km in diameter, located at an altitude of 900 m and a depth of 400 m, the Caldeira. From a geophysical perspective, Faial can be considered the westernmost territory of Europe (if you remember, Flores and Corvo are already on the American plate).

Route 4: from the caldera viewpoint to Punta Capelinos

The route we are proposing follows the second stage of the GR 01 Faial Coast to Coast.

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, for the spectacular views of the caldera and the views of the neighbouring Pico.

The second, by the descent through forests of cryptomeria (trees of Japanese origin introduced for logging). The third, because it runs through the laurel forest, a part of the "levadas" (levadas)The second, because it allows you to climb several volcanoes, but in a continuous up and down that will test your endurance. The fourth, because it allows you to climb several volcanoes, in a continuous up and down that will test your endurance.

And the fifth, because it ends in the "Ponta de Capelinhos". formed in the last eruption in 1957, where you can visit the interpretation centre for the Vulcao dos Capelinhos.

Pico Island

Pico is notable for its large mountain, Ponta do Pico (2351 m)The roof of Portugal and a watchtower visible from many points.

Route 5: through the wine-growing landscape of Pico Island

The Wine-growing Landscape of Pico Island (in Portuguese, Paisagem da Cultura da Vinha da Ilha do Pico) was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.

The route we propose starts from the capital, Madalenawith its white facades and small harbour.

It runs through vineyards, mills, agricultural walls, fig trees... following in its first part the route of the PR05 PIC to Porto do Pocinho.

From here we will enter the municipality of Criaçao VelhaWe will pass through several oratories or "empires" and return to Madalena.

Terceira Island

This island is a mixture of volcanic areas with laurisilva and open land used for livestock. Highlights include spectacular viewpoints, volcanic caves and the capital, Angra do Heroismoprotected by the volcano Mount Brazil. On the island there are many marked hiking trails, we propose two, the route of The Black Mysteries and the route of the Furnas do Enxofre. The two routes are very close to each other, about 4 km in a straight line between the starting points.

Route 6: The Black Mysteries

This route is marked as PR C1 TER and its markings will take us past volcanic lava formations (these are the "black mysteries") with laurel forests, wooden walkways, spectacular cryptomeria forests, pastures and two lakes in which green frogs croak.

The starting point is the car park of the Gruta do Natala 700-metre long lava tube that can be seen in the visit.

Route 7: Furnas do Enxofre

The second route consists of a spectacular circular route, around the Furnas do Enxofrevolcanic gases, "fumaroles" of volcanic origin.

The starting point is the car park of Algar do CarvaoThe 90-metre-deep lava tube, which, like the Grotta do Natal, has also been fitted out for the visits.

Not to be missed...

• Swimming in beaches, natural pools, wells, waterfalls...
• Watch the sunset in Large Girdleisland of Flores
• Take a leisurely stroll through the island's various towns and villages, such as Madalena (Pico) or Praia da Vitoria (Terceira)
• Go out on a boat to see cetaceans or go along the coastline
• Visiting the caves Algar do Carvao y Gruta do Natalin Terceira (web)
• Taste the ice creams and sweets of the different islands.
• Enter a local market to buy passion fruit and pineapples from San Miguel.