Walking in the Azores with Madalena Patacho

Start Ponta Delgada.

We start the week with a transfer to Furnas where we walk around the crater
lake. Here food is sometimes cooked by the heat of vents after it has been
buried in sealed pots in the baking earth. This traditional Azorian way of
cooking is known as 'Cozido das Caldeiras' and will be served for lunch. In
the afternoon we head into the Terra Nostra botanical gardens where we have
time to admire exotic flowers and trees from all over the globe. Amongst the
trees and bushes a series of aqueducts leads thermal spring water to a pool
in the centre of the gardens, where for centuries people have been bathing in
its medicinal waters. On the return to Ponta Delgada we stop off at the tea
plantations of Gorreana where we observe the plantation, the factory and
taste some of the local teas. 

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Faial
Island, known as the 'blue island' because of the large quantity of
hydrangeas that bloom during the summer months. After landing, we transfer to
Peter's Café Sport, a traditional resting point for many sailors braving the
Atlantic crossing. Here we will be guided round one of the largest Scrimshaw
(carvings done on bone or ivory) collections in the world.  The variation in
designs of this 19th century art form, so synonymous with the Azores due to
their whaling heritage, provide a varied and interesting experience.After
lunch, we take a short transfer to 'Trupes do Capelo', the start of today’s
short hike. This trail is a wonderful example of the great ecological and
geological diversity that characterizes this Natural Park. The trail finishes
at the dramatic Capelinhos Volcano that rises steeply from the sea and
features a number of unique formations. It was these that resulted in the
construction of the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre. This is
essentially a museum and study centre set up to show visitors how the
volcano, and indeed the whole archipelago, was formed. In the late afternoon
we transfer to our comfortable hotel, our base for the next three nights.

Taking the ferry to Pico offers us a chance to take in the size and scale of
Mount Pico. At 2,351m it is Portugal’s highest peak and dominates the
horizon on our approach. Pico is also known as the ‘black island’ thanks
to the black volcanic earth used in the construction of the walls of many of
the UNESCO-listed vineyards for which it is known.Once on the island, we head
out on our first walking tour of the Santa Luzia Vineyards. Azorean
vineyards are a sight to behold. Built to protect the vines from the harsh
sea winds, they amount to row after row of black horseshoe shapes that score
the lush green coastline. What is more impressive is how the vine grows on
the ground and through volcanic rock, rather than supported by a trellis
through soil.Alternatively, if you prefer to use your time in Pico to join an
optional challenging summit trek to the top of Portugal's largest mountain,
then today is the perfect opportunity to attempt this! This is a very
strenuous 6-7 hour climb which will be led by a local mountain guide and is
always subject to availability and weather conditions (for further
information please check the Extra Expenses & Spending Money section in the
Trip Notes).

From the harbour on Horta we take a ferry to Sao Jorge Island or the 'brown
island'. Crossing times can vary between 1.5hrs and 2hrs 20 minutes depending
on the time of year, and last minute schedule changes are not uncommon. This
is by far the longest day in the itinerary but is well worth it to visit the
fourth island of the trip. Sao Jorge is fascinating visually. Its steep sided
cliffs seem to slice through the ocean, however it is the Fajas (low-lying
areas of lava that were formed from the subsidence of the cliffs) that it is
most famed for. Sao Jorge is also well known throughout the Azores for
producing delicious cheese, one of its main exports. Shortly after arrival in
Velas we transfer to the start of the walking tour from Caldeira do Santo
Cristo to Faja dos Cubres. After arriving at Faja dos Cubres we then take a
transfer back to Velas and across the channel back to Faial. (approx. 2.5
hours walking, distance 10km).

As today is a free day you have the chance to try out many of the other
activities that the Azores have to offer. Apart from offering some unique
walking opportunities, the Azores is perhaps one of the best places on the
planet to spot whales and dolphins. There are 80 species of whale and dolphin
and 25 of them have been sighted off the coast of the Azores, with the most
common being the Sperm Whale. There is also the chance to spot Bottlenose
dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales, Sei whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins
and the holy grail - the Blue Whale. If you choose to go on an excursion,
you will have the chance to observe the behaviour of these wonderful
creatures and learn more about their habitat with the help of the
knowledgeable local experts on board. We observe strict protocols regarding
interaction, maintaining the appropriate distance at all times. Moreover
during feeding and resting times we avoid any interference with the whales’
natural habitat. This afternoon or evening we will take a flight back to
Ponta Delgada.

After breakfast we head into the lush centre of Sao Miguel to Barrosa's
mountain where we get a sense of why this island has earned its nickname the
'green island'. Today's final walk begins with a short but steep uphill
section and continues following a 'levada' (small water channel) close to
which you will find some well preserved species of endemic Azorian flora. The
highlight of this walk is arriving at the viewpoint over the Lagoa do Fogo,
one of the most beautiful volcanic lakes in the entire Azores network. We
stop at Caldeira Velha waterfall for a well earned dip in its warm waters, in
the afternoon we drive to Sete Cidades, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of
Portugal. From Vista do Rei we are rewarded with breathtaking views of
tranquil lakes, blue hydrangeas bordering the crater rim that contrast with
the steep sides of the crater. 

End Ponta Delgada