Azores Island Hopping : Walking Holiday

Azores Island Hopping

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.8 Read 4 reviews

Hopping from island to island to discover the rich and distinctive Azorean culture
Stunning volcanic peak of Pico, rising like a majestic silhouette
Walking through the magnificent and wild landscapes of Sao Jorge Island
Discovering the Island of Hydrangeas, Faial
Exploring the historical monuments and beautiful marina in the capital, Ponta Delgada

This extraordinary archipelago in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean has vivid green and lush landscapes, unspoilt geological wonders, volcanic peaks and dormant craters. The islands of the Azores also boast a profusion of exotic gardens and vibrantly-coloured flowers due to their temperate climate. This itinerary takes in no less than four islands; from the most famous, Pico, with its dramatic 2351m volcanic peak; to Faial, the Island of Hydrangeas, this is a journey of discovery, blending fantastic walks with visits to wild and remote places. Take a whale watching tour and with luck view sperm whales and dolphins frolicking in the ocean and follow trails through “fajas”, fertile headlands dotted with orchards and hamlets. A coastal hike from Candelaria to Magalena reveals a region with a unique method of viniculture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through vineyards surrounded by stone walls made of black lava and admire the views over the ocean and Pico volcano.

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What To Expect

If you interested in walking through unique and unspoilt landscapes, rich in unusual geology, dormant volcanoes and hillsides full of flowers and vineyards, then this tour will appeal to you. Explore three of the islands and discover the rich and vibrant Azorean culture as you meet the locals. A wonderful whale watching trip is also included.

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent holiday.

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking, Wildlife Watching | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking holiday, Trip includes wildlife watching as part of the itinerary

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Coastal & Island

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveller this holiday would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Grade & Terrain

This walk is graded easy to moderate and includes daily walks of between 5-16 km following footpaths, tracks and costal paths. This tour is suitable for people that are in good physical condition. Although the daily distances are not that far, you should be aware that there are some elevation gains on all of the walks.

Navigation

You will be provided with detailed route notes and the itineraries traced out on maps which will be integrated into the route notes to help you find your way. You will also be provided with helpful hints such as information on local restaurants, museums, etc.

The walks mostly take place on coastal or inland footpaths and at times rocky tracks (driveable). Some of them are marked. However, please be aware that the trails are often poorly maintained and after rain can be slippy. It is therefore a good idea to bring hiking boots with good grips. Always bring a warm outer garment for walks on the caldera rims and ridges as it is can get cooler at the higher elevations.

We also provide you with access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App, which you can use to navigate. We strongly recommend using this App, or at least having it on your phone ready to use should you ever be in any doubt about your direction.

Accommodation Information

This self-guided walking tour in the Azores includes 7 nights in 3* and 4* hotels and a guesthouse. All of the accommodations have been specifically chosen for their comfort and also for their great locations.

Alternative accommodation

During the high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. Solo walkers are also welcome for an additional charge.

Meals

7 Breakfasts are included. You can eat dinner in restaurants in the towns and villages close to your hotel or at your accommodations. For lunches you can find local cheeses, meats and breads in local shops or markets.

Included

7 Nights in 3* and 4* Hotels and a guest house
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Transfer to and from Ponta Delgada Airport
All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
Ferries
Whale watching trip
Detailed maps, information pack, route notes
GPX tracks and access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone Navigation App
Organisational assistance and backup from our area manager in the Azores/France and our office

Excluded

Travel to and from Ponta Delgada
Flight from Ponta Delgada to Pico
Flight from Horta to Ponta Delgada
Lunches and dinners
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)
24/7 emergency assistance

Extras

Additional nights before or after the holiday

When To Go

This trip is available to start from the beginning of April to the end of September. Please note that depending on the ferry schedules and internal flight times, the order of the walks may change.We will adapt your itinerary accordingly for you and let you know about this when we confirm the booking if this has been necessary. The flight on Day 2 may not be a direct flight and we will also let you know about this if this is the case. The direct flight from Ponta Delgada to Pico usually operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays only but can change.

If you are booking your internal flights yourself, we recommend that you try to book the earliest flight possible on Day 2 from Ponta Delgada to Pico which will allow you to do the walk that day.

Time of Year

The Azores Islands are best enjoyed from April - September.

Getting to the Start

On arrival at Ponta Delgada Airport a transfer is included to your hotel. The journey from the airport to Ponta Delgada takes around 20 minutes. Ponta Delgada Airport is served by TAP Portugal and SATA Air Azores. SATA have direct flights from London Gatwick every Saturday between April and October.

Another option is to take a flight on a low-cost airline to Lisbon, then take SATA or TAP from here to Ponta Delgada.

The two flights in the itinerary are not included in the price, but as an optional extra. If you wish you can either book the flights through Macs Adventure, or you can book them directly through SATA Air Azores.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking/cycling gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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