Azores: Green Island Trails

Tour Style:

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

Activity:

Drive & Hike, Wildlife Watching | Enjoy the best of a large region by car and on foot. Day hikes in the best places. Itinerary usually inn to inn, with mapping provided. No bag transfer. Car hire offered as an option or included., Trip includes wildlife watching as part of the itinerary

Activity Level & Terrain

This tour is suitable for people that are in good physical condition. This tour is rated easy to moderate. 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 may be slippery. 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.

• 7 Nights in 2* and 3* Hotels
• 7 Breakfasts
• Car Rental (CAT B similar to a VW UP for 2 people)
• 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 and our office

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

• Additional nights before or after the holiday

When To Go

This walking tour is available to start on any day from April to the end of September.

Time of Year

Walking in the Azores is best during the months of April to the end of September.

Getting to the Start

On arrival at Ponta Delgada Airport, you can pick up your rental car and drive to your first night's accommodation. 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.

You will drop off the car at the airport on completion of the trip.

Getting from the End

You will drop off the car at the airport on completion of the trip. The journey from Ponta Delgada to the Ponta Delgada Airport is approximately 20 minutes. Ponta Delgada Airport is served by TAP Portugal and SATA Air Azores.

SATA has direct flights to London Gatwick every Saturday between April and October. Another option is to take a flight on SATA or TAP from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon, then take a low-cost airline from Lisbon.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Car Hire

Equipment

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 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.