The Azores: Adventures in Europe's Hawaii
The beauty of a night visit to Salto do Prego waterfall Photos: Michal Jonca
AUTHOR: MICHAL JONCA
THE AZORES
ADVENTURES IN EUROPE’S HAWAII
Do you love adventure? Then you'll adore the Azores! This Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic is a true paradise for nature lovers and thrill seekers. From breathtaking treks to whale watching, there's so much to do in this fascinating place. So if you're looking for an adventurous week that's also full of natural beauty, look no further than Europe’s Hawaii.
The stunning views around the coastline of the Azores do resemble Hawaii’s
The largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, is everything you can do in a week on the archipelago. Disappointed? You shouldn't be! Sao Miguel is simply a breathtaking place, full of lush nature, spectacular views, and a whole lot of activities.
As it's a relatively small island, you can stay in the capital city of Ponta Delgada for the whole week, rent a car, and explore this place at your own pace. The following itinerary is just an example. You can reshape it as you like because even the most distant points on the map are accessible by car within 1.5 hours.
DAY ONE-aRRIVE & GO KAYAKING
Start your adventure by exploring the ex-capital city of the archipelago - Vila de Franca do Campo. Here, you can go kayaking to explore its coasts small coves and lush mangroves. If you're feeling brave, paddle out to Islet do Vila de Franca and get a closer look at the amazing basaltic formations - they are truly breathtaking!
The three-hour kayak adventure is just the beginning. About half an hour's drive from Vila de Franca, there is a stunning caldera lake named Lagoa do Fogo. If you're lucky with the weather (as the lake is usually covered with clouds), you can go for an easy, 2-hour trek down the rim of the lake and admire its amazing views.
After those adventures, you can relax in one of São Miguel's hot springs - Caldeira Velha. It's located in the middle of a forest, so you can enjoy its thermal waters while admiring birds and other local fauna.
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DAY 2-PINEAPPLES & SETE CIDADES
Among a few plants cultivated in São Miguel, pay attention to the delicious pineapples. The best way to start your second day is by visiting the famous pineapple farm Plantação Ananases A. Arruda. It's only a few minutes drive from the Ponta Delgada city center.
Luscious pineapples at the farm
After that, it's time to discover the western part of the island. Start by driving up to Sete Cidades - two lakes linked by a narrow strip of land located in an extinct volcano crater. It's one of the most spectacular spots on the island and you can take a break from your adventure exploring to take in the amazing views and hidden trails.
The most interesting trekking is called Mata do Canario. A twelve kilometer trail along the crater rim will provide you with an amazing panoramic of the island. If you're hungry for more, you can continue your walk and enter the circular trail called Serra Devassa.
Not far from Sete Cidades, you can find a place called Ponta da Ferraria. It's a unique spot where hot streams from the underground spring connect with cold oceanic water. You can hop in the water but be careful! Waves are strong, so you should always hang lines in the water.
The warm streams meet the ocean at Ponta da Ferraria
DAY THREE-WHALE WATCHING & WATERFALLS
The Azores archipelago is one of the best spots in the world to observe whales. Join one of the morning boat trips from Villa Franca do Campo and get a chance to see sperm whales, dolphins, and even pilot whales. It's an amazing experience you will never forget!
After your whale-watching adventure, it's time to cool down in a refreshing waterfall. But first you need to drive about 40 minutes and make a two hour hike!
The waterfall's name is Salto do Prego, and the best thing about it is that you can enter the water and take a waterfall shower. If you have enough time, you can extend your hike to another waterfall - Salto do Cagarrão. I do recommend taking a headlamp with you.
After that, don't forget to visit the island's most beautiful hot springs - Poca da Dona Beija. It's a natural thermal pool located in the city of Furnas.
Visitors enjoying the hot springs at Boca da Dona Beija
day four-furnas
Speaking about Furnas - São Miguel island is unique because of its geothermal activity. The best place to see it for yourself is Furnas.
Start with a visit to Terra Nostra Park, an amazing botanic garden where you can explore nature and admire its colors. Then, go to a geothermal park and try to find one of the many fumaroles - they are little holes in the ground full of steam and sulfur dioxide - it's really impressive!
Next, you can go north to admire the coastline jagged by the ocean. I strongly recommend you make a Praia da Viola trail that leads to one of the only beaches on São Miguel.
Stunning beach at Praia da Viola
DAY FIVE-HOTELS, TEA & HELL
There is no better sunrise point in São Miguel island than the abandoned Monte Palace Hotel. This bad investment from the 90s had become one of the most unusual urbex spots in the world. Remember, you enter it at your own risk!
Later, I encourage you to visit the Cha Gorreana tea factory to learn about the fascinating history of tea in the Azores. A package of tea is a great idea for a souvenir for a friend or family member.
Not enough trekkings? Let's go then! Janela do Inferno or what’s known as the water route to the window of hell!
day six-pico da vara
Pico da Vara is the highest peak on the island. It's located in the eastern part of São Miguel and completing it should take about 5 - 6 hours. Unfortunately, the terrain is pretty challenging because of the mud, but the views you will get in return are worth it!
If you finished it - well done! You deserve something delicious. What would you say to probably the best steaks you'll ever eat? Associação Agrícola de São Miguel is the restaurant in the north part of the island. It's famous for its beef steaks and local wines. Make sure to reserve your table at least three days in advance!
Looking into one of the best steak restaurants in Sao Miguel Courtesy: Associacao Agricola
DAY SEVEN-CANYONING & MORE HOT SPRINGS
You have almost completed your adventures in São Miguel! But you still have one final challenge - canyoning in the Ribeira dos Caldeirões. It's a waterfall canyon where you can slide down the rocks, jump from the highest points, and enjoy the crystal-clear water in between. Everything is under the eye of a professional instructor.
After that, it's time to make one last trek - Salto do Cabrito. It's a waterfall in the north part of the island, and it will take about two hours to reach. If you dare, you can swim under it. But the water is really cold.
Not far from the waterfall, you'll find your last hot springs - Termas Caldeiras. They are not too spectacular, so if you wish, you can go back to our favorite, Poca da Dona Beija, as I guarantee it's worth visiting it twice!
A beautiful park with natural waterfalls, hiking trails and hot springs
CONCLUSION
As I mentioned in the beginning, São Miguel is a small island. You can easily modify the above-mentioned plans and add or remove something. Whatever you choose, I promise that one week in this paradise will be enough to create memories for a lifetime! Have fun!
Looking in a long view to the coastlines of the Azores
Finally, Artsy Chow Roamer is the blog for you if you want to experience a little art, food or travel without leaving the comfort of your own home or pick up tips for your next adventure.
Happy travels!
Michal Jonca
Michal Jonca is passionate about travel and food experiences has visited 40+ countries on four continents. He is a Travel Leader at the largest Polish travelers club, Soliści, organizing adventurous trips worldwide and the Community Manager at Passport Photo Online. Currently, he enjoys workation in Thailand and writes his blog.
A MESSAGE FROM ARTSY:
If you liked what you read, you might also enjoy other blog posts under Guest Bloggers and Just Because on my website. There you will find some other posts from helpful folks on health and wellness, travel and all things artsy.
I also like to add helpful notes sometimes at the end of my guest blogs that I know my readers will want to know. I have a great hotel for you here that I think you will want to stay in should you visit the beautiful Azores and the island of Sao Miguel.
Enjoy this tour video for additional info
Look for my next blog posts on my latest explorations for who to see, what to eat and where to go. Until then…
Cheers,
ArtsyChowRoamer
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