Top 7 Hikes in the Azores

Sandra has just returned from her beloved Azores, where she was working on the upcoming Pocket Azores guidebook set to release in October 2024.

The Azores are a paradise for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, offering a multitude of hiking trails. The clearly marked paths wind through hills, quaint woodlands, and pastures, navigating the rugged basalt coastline. Hiking in the Azores truly captures the idea that the journey is more important than the destination, as visitors explore the islands' protected nature reserves, parks, and pristine landscapes in their natural state.

Grab your hiking boots and trekking poles, as they’ll be essential even on the easier trails. The varied terrain often classifies most hikes as moderate or challenging. While our main recommendations are along official trails, we’ve also included a few hidden gems that are not officially designated but offer stunning views or easier access for less experienced hikers.

Here are the top hiking trails in the Azores.

1. Caldeirão

Ideal hike to appreciate the smallest island

6km (3.7mi) one-way, 2 hours, easy

Corvo, the smallest island in the Azores, is also the most remote, featuring just one town with fewer than 400 residents located in the lowlands by the sea. The rest of the island is dominated by pastures and the water-filled caldera of the dormant volcano that formed it—Caldeirão.

Estrada do Caldeirão begins at the only roundabout in Corvo, situated across from the post office, and winds its way through farmlands and hills draped in moss, with a gentle ascent as you approach your destination. If you're lucky, you'll encounter little more than the occasional farmer, grazing cattle, and the sense that the island is yours alone.

If you're spending time on the island, set out for Caldeirão as early as possible, before the tour boats from Flores arrive. During peak season, over a dozen visitors may come to Corvo each day, all heading to the lagoon. Embrace the fog and wind for a chance at a clear view of the lagoon, and then stroll back to town before lunch. For those on a tight schedule, consider hitching a ride or paying someone approximately €10 per person to drive you up, then walk back down.

2. Monte da Guia

Best workout hike

3km (1.8mi) round trip, 1 hour, easy

On pleasant days, many locals from Horta park near Fábrica da Baleia de Porto Pim and walk or bike up to Monte da Guia and back along a mostly flat route. It’s rarely crowded (most visitors prefer to drive up for the views or take the Entre Montes PRC08 FAI trail), but be ready to share the path with those out for their daily exercise.

Close to Forte de Nossa Senhora da Guia, there’s an essential viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the nearby Pico. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the scenery of Porto Pim bay and Horta from the church at the hilltop.

3. Mata do Canário

Ideal for stunning landscapes

11.8km (7.3mi) one-way, 3 hours, moderate

As one of the most popular islands in the Azores, São Miguel's iconic lagoons and viewpoints frequently grace social media, representing the essence of Azorean beauty. On the Mata do Canário trail, you’ll discover a picture-perfect spot while descending on uneven (occasionally steep) and slippery paths, all while gazing at the famous blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades.

You can park your rental car close to the trailhead, but it's easier to drive to Sete Cidades and take a taxi (about €15) to drop you off there. The trail concludes near Igreja de São Nicolau in the town center.

4. PR01 SJO

Most renowned trail

9.5km (6mi) one-way, 3 hours, moderate

This is the most renowned trail in the archipelago, offering a genuine reward midway: São Jorge's most secluded and challenging village to access, Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo. If you're visiting in the summer (as many accommodations and restaurants close during the off-season) and have the time, consider splitting this hike into two days and spending the night at Caldeira before continuing to Fajã dos Cubres.

This trail is great for families with older children who can manage the walk, with plenty of resting spots along the route.

This hiking trail begins at Serra do Topo, following a narrow, slightly inclined dirt path flanked by dense vegetation. After about 50 meters, the route gently descends, winding around hills and cliffs—making trekking poles and sturdy hiking boots essential, especially if it has rained recently.

5. Fajã de Lopo Vaz

Best hike for stunning natural scenery

3.4km (2.1mi) round trip, 2 hours, moderate

If you ask an Azorean which island is the most beautiful in the archipelago, they’ll likely say it’s their own (naturally), with Flores as a close competitor. I can attest to this, not only because Flores is my home but also due to its stunning, unspoiled beauty.

Fajã de Lopo Vaz is among the most renowned hiking trails on Flores. This steep path of rock and dirt descends sharply along the island's southern coast, presenting a challenging trek with breathtaking views, unique flora you won’t find elsewhere in Flores, and a pebble beach where you can rest before retracing your steps.

Always watch your footing and be cautious of loose rocks, and don’t forget to download the trail map ahead of time, as mobile service is unavailable along the route.

6. Vinhas da Criação Velha

Best heritage walk

6.9km (4.3mi) one-way, 2 hours, easy

The landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this walk takes you to its very core. You can start the trail from its official point in Porto do Calhau, or opt for a shorter roundtrip from Porto da Areia Larga in Madalena, which is about 2km (1.2mi) one way to the windmill.

Whichever starting point you choose, most of the route follows a coastal road with views of the neighboring island of Faial and the ever-present Mount Pico inland. Be cautious of traffic; as of this writing, the road had recently been rebuilt after a severe storm, and some areas lacked sidewalks. About halfway along, as you approach the striking red Moinho do Frade, a gravel path will lead you through the unique currais, a fascinating network of low basalt walls designed to shield the vines from the ocean.

After your hike, to complete the vineyard experience, consider stopping by Adega do Vulcão for a wine tasting.

7. Chá Gorreana

Best hike for tea enthusiasts

3.4 km (2.1mi) circular route, 1 1/2 hours, easy

One of the two tea plantations in São Miguel (and the oldest in Europe) features its own official hiking trail. The PRC28 SMI trail begins just across from Fábrica de Chá Gorreana, weaving through small forests and pastures before leading hikers to the renowned tea fields.

After exploring the tea estate and enjoying the ocean views (if the weather allows), retrace your steps back to the factory, where hikers can enjoy a complimentary cup of the locally grown tea.

Tips for hiking in the Azores

• If you’re hiking solo, inform your accommodation or a trusted person about your chosen trail, your start time, and your expected return. Alternatively, consider hiring a taxi for drop-off and pick-up.

• If you feel uneasy about hiking alone, numerous local companies provide guided tours.

• The weather in the Azores can shift rapidly, particularly near the coast or at higher elevations. Travel light but be prepared for sudden changes.

• Trails are marked with yellow and red stripes every 500m (0.3mi) or white stripes if it’s a Grande Rota, but outside peak season or during storms, some paths may seem overgrown. Download the official trail map to ensure you're on the right track.

• Some trails pass through pastures. Always close gates behind you and try not to disturb the cattle—watch for cow droppings along the way.

Continue planning your trip to the Azores:

Here’s everything you need to know for your first journey to the Azores No car? No worries! Here’s how to enjoy the Azores without a rental With so many islands and limited time, prepare with an island-hopper's guide to the Azores