Exploring the Azores on foot is one of the most authentic and rewarding ways to discover the archipelago’s raw beauty. With over 80 official hiking trails spread across the nine islands, the Azores offer an impressive diversity of landscapes — from volcanoes and lakes to cliffs and lush forests.
A Diversity of Trails for Every Taste
The hiking trails are classified by difficulty (easy, medium, hard) and can be divided into:
- Circular trails: Ideal for relaxed walks that start and end at the same point.
- Linear trails: Perfect for crossing specific regions of the island, often with transport available at the end.
- Thematic trails: Like historical trails (connecting old villages) or geological trails (exploring calderas, fajãs, or volcanic formations).
Unmissable Trails by Island
São Miguel
- Lagoa do Fogo (PR4SMI): One of the most popular trails, it crosses the caldera of an ancient volcano and leads to the stunning Lagoa do Fogo. Moderate to hard difficulty, around 10 km long.
- Salto do Prego (PRC9SMI): A trail that takes you to a secluded waterfall in the forest, offering a unique experience of nature. Easy to moderate difficulty.
- Sete Cidades (PR3SMI): A circular trail connecting the two main lakes of Sete Cidades, providing breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape.
- Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego (PR6SMI): A short but spectacular trail with stunning views of the sea and cliffs.
Terceira
- Mistérios Negros (PRC1TER): A trail through a dense forest of native trees and solidified lava, creating a magical and unique atmosphere.
- Baías da Agualva (PRC3TER): A coastal trail that passes through the southern bay of Terceira, with views of the sea and the bays.
- Serra de Santa Bárbara (PRC2TER): A moderate difficulty trail that leads to the highest point of the island, offering spectacular views over Terceira.
Pico
- Climb to Pico (PR1PICO): The most challenging trail on all the Azorean islands, leading to the highest peak of Portugal, standing at 2,351 meters. The view from the summit is indescribable.
- Caminho das Lagoas (PRC11PICO): A trail that passes through several lakes located in the interior of the island, offering breathtaking and peaceful landscapes.
- Lagoa do Capitão (PRC10PICO): A medium trail leading to a green lake at the top of the island, offering a tranquil and immersive view.
São Jorge
- Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo (PRC5SJ): One of the most famous trails on the island, linking Serra do Topo to Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo. The walk offers stunning views of cliffs and the ocean.
- Fajã dos Cubres (PRC4SJ): A moderate difficulty trail that passes through mountain landscapes and ends at a peaceful fajã with a calm lagoon.
- Trilho da Serra do Topo (PRC6SJ): A challenging trail that leads to the mountain range, offering panoramic views of São Jorge’s coastline.
Faial
- Caminho da Ribeira Funda (PRC1FAI): A medium difficulty trail that crosses the island’s coastline, offering views of the ocean and endemic vegetation.
- Miradouro da Espalamaca (PRC2FAI): A short but rewarding trail with stunning views over Monte da Guia and the city of Horta.
Flores
- Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro (PRC3FLO): Considered one of the most beautiful trails in the Azores, it crosses a lush landscape with several waterfalls, ending at Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro.
- Lagoa das Sete Fontes (PRC4FLO): A trail that leads to a lake in a secluded valley, surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Trilho do Morro Alto (PRC5FLO): This trail leads to the highest point of the island, with stunning views of the sea and the town of Santa Cruz.
Corvo
- Caldeirão do Corvo (PR1COR): This trail leads to the inside of the Corvo caldera, where a landscape of lakes and cliffs unfolds before hikers.
Graciosa
- Caminho do Monte da Ajuda (PRC1GRA): A short and easy trail that leads to Monte da Ajuda, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the island.
- Trilho das Poças Brancas (PRC2GRA): A medium difficulty trail that passes by the island’s thermal springs, ending in an area of sulfurous waters.
Practical Tips for Hiking in the Azores
- Appropriate footwear: Wear waterproof and comfortable hiking boots as many of the trails involve uneven terrain.
- Proper clothing: The weather in the Azores can change rapidly, so always bring appropriate clothing for unpredictable weather, including a rain jacket and warm layers.
- Water and snacks: Even though the trails are well-marked, it’s a good idea to carry water and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
- Signposting and Maps: Most trails are well-signposted, but it’s recommended to have a map or trail app, especially for longer or more remote trails.
Conclusion
Hiking trails in the Azores are one of the best ways to explore the unique nature of the archipelago. Whether climbing Mount Pico, walking through the fajãs of São Jorge, or discovering the beauty of a hidden lake in São Miguel, each trail offers an unforgettable experience of immersion in the untouched nature of the Azores. No matter your experience level, there’s always the perfect trail waiting for you!