Walking in the Azores - Sunflower Books

Discover the best walking trails in the Azores

The Azores, a stunning archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a great destination for nature lovers and walkers. With its lush green landscapes, dramatic volcanic peaks, and crystal-clear lakes, the Azores offers a diverse range of hiking trails suitable for all levels.

Our guidebook to walking in the Azores is your ideal companion.

The Azores is made up of the following nine islands: São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo. Our guide features walks on all of these islands. Below are some of the highlights.

São Miguel

Mosteiros to Rabo do Asno (Walk 1): This ideal starter walk runs high above São Miguel’s steep west coast, affording marvellous views of the sea.

The starting point is the village of Mosteiros (‘Monasteries’), spread out on coastal flats and framed by steep bluffs. En route you cross rural countryside and visit idyllic hamlets, where time seems to stand still. Many traditional silos on stilts (granelos) can still be seen – mainly to keep hungry rodents away, but also because of the dampness.

Furnas circular walk (Walk 5): Encircled by high forest-covered slopes, the picturesque village of Furnas lies scattered in a wide green basin. This peaceful countryside is of volcanic origin – just like the rest of the island. Nowhere on São Miguel is this more obvious than here.

With its hot springs, boiling mud cauldrons and steam clouds, Furnas seems to open up into the centre of the earth. Above the village, hidden behind a small mountain ridge, lies tranquil Furnas Lake.

But beneath its surface the earth also boils and bubbles, and along the shore there are more mud cauldrons and hot rocks.

Santa Maria

Paul de Baixo circular walk (Walk 6): This walk leads from the grasslands of the flat western part of Santa Maria. It’s barren and parched in summer but lush and green in winter. You’ll head towards the wooded mountain ridge rising in the middle of the island.

All of a sudden you find yourself in the ‘desert’. This strange open plain, almost bare of vegetation, has sandy soil glowing with intense yellows and reds.

Clays crop out in different parts of Santa Maria. Old clay pits (barreiros) can still be seen near Vila do Porto and the airport. This circular walk takes you to the wonderful natural woodlands on the slopes of Pico Alto.

Santo Espírito circular walk (Walk 9): This pleasant country walk gives you a taste of rural Santa Maria. It begins in Santo Espírito, a quiet village with a fine baroque church. There’s also an interesting museum here, dedicated to the island’s history, with household and farming utensils on display.

Terceira

Serreta circular walk (Walk 12): For centuries the northwestern part of Terceira has been troubled by the volcanic eruptions typical of geologically unstable regions.

Where the island has been partly inundated with lava in recent times, the rocky soil makes agriculture almost impossible. For this reason the woods have spread – an oasis of nature in the otherwise intensely-cultivated Terceiran landscape.

This walk takes you high above the coast, through peaceful countryside, to the Ponta do Raminho, where there is an old whalers’ look-out. You head back to Serreta along the wooded hillsides of the Serra de Santa Bárbara.

Graciosa

Ribeirinha to Praia (Walk 13): Crossing Graciosa from the west coast to the east, you become acquainted with this idyllic island. Traditional whitewashed houses and old windmills are scattered over a gentle countryside crossed by a myriad of stone walls.

You then wander through shady woodland and come upon strange walls, entrances and ruined houses in semi-darkness. Nature has recaptured and almost completely overgrown the once-cultivated area. Your destination is the village of Praia with its small sandy beach.

São Jorge

Fajã do João Dias (Walk 17): The north coast of São Jorge drops abruptly and dramatically over 400m/1300ft into the sea, with dense vegetation clinging to the cliffs. Inaccessible by car, Fajã do João Dias lies down by the sea, isolated from the outside world.

A mere handful of houses stand on the small coastal strip, but some are still inhabited year-round. The hamlet’s only connection with the rest of the island is via an old footpath that was skillfully built, winding up the cliffs.

You can still see heavily-burdened mules and horses on the path. If the sea is calm, a small fishing boat can come to drop anchor in the bay and its beautiful sandy cove.

The best time for walking in the Azores

The best time to visit the Azores for hiking is during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) months. The weather is mild, and the landscapes are vibrant with blooming flowers or autumnal colors. However, the Azores can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering its unique charm.

Getting around

The Azores is well-connected by air, with regular flights from major European cities to the main islands of São Miguel and Terceira. Once you arrive, you find buses and ferries connecting the main towns and villages. However, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the islands at your own pace.

The Azores offer a diverse range of trails and stunning landscapes. With its friendly locals, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery, the islands are a truly unforgettable destination. Buy our guidebook to walking in the Azores.

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