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PURE AZORES

Top local tour provider, looking to tour são miguel's main attractions.

Our best-selling São Miguel West and East van tours are the proven and tested way! Explore the island in comfort, with an expert guide!

São Miguel West Van Tour

São Miguel East Van Tour

Do you prefer something more off-the-beaten track.

Our Hiddem Gems tour is perfect for you!  Come explore with us amazing places that only locals know about!  

Hidden Gems of São Miguel Tour

Are you more of the active type.

Our active tours combine multiple soft activities in one day!  Immerse in the best scenery and nature of the Azores in a truly special way ! 

Walking & Kayaking in Sete Cidades

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THE 10 BEST Azores Tours & Excursions

Azores tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Half-Day Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Ponta Delgada

2. São Miguel West Full Day Tour with Setes Cidades Including Lunch

3. Small-Group Ponta Delgada Food Tour in Azores

4. Side by Side Tour - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

5. Furnas Night-Time Experience with Thermal baths and Dinner

6. Canyoning Experience - half day

7. Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour

8. Quad Biking - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)

9. 8-Hour Private Tour in 4x4 Vehicle from Ponta Delgada

10. Luxury Wine Tasting at the Czar Pico Winery

11. São Miguel East Full Day Tour with Furnas Including Lunch

12. Wine & Food Evening Walking Tour in Ponta Delgada

13. Whales and Dolphins + Vila Franca Islet (full day with lunch)

14. Private Terceira Island Full Day Tour

15. Hidden Gems of Sao Miguel Island Full Day Tour with Lunch

16. Cheese & Wine Tasting in Ponta Delgada - Azores

17. Swimming with Dolphins in Terceira Island

18. Azores Sete Cidades Green & Blue Lakes - Private Tour

19. Private Full-Day 4x4 Tour to Lagoa do Fogo & Lagoa das Sete Cidades

20. Buggy Off-Road Excursion from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades - HD

21. E-bike Sete Cidades- "All Mountain" bike program

22. Canyoning in the Ribeira dos Caldeirōes Natural Park

23. Full Day Private Tour West & East in São Miguel Island

24. UNDERGROUND TOUR (Full Day Private Tour)

25. Boat Tour: Cave Tour on The North Coast

26. Off the Beaten Track Half Day Sete Cidades Jeep Tour

27. Terceira Island Highlights Tour - Azores

28. Amazing Furnas, Volcano, lakes and tea plantation

29. BUGGY TOUR - West / Center of the island (off-road)

30. Azorean volcanic wine tour from Angra do Heroísmo

What travelers are saying.

• Half-Day Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Ponta Delgada
• São Miguel West Full Day Tour with Setes Cidades Including Lunch
• São Miguel East Full Day Tour with Furnas Including Lunch
• Furnas Night-Time Experience with Thermal baths and Dinner
• Quad Biking - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)
• Pure Azores Tours
• Azores Epic Adventures
• Azores Adventure Islands
• Azorean Active Blueberry
• Naturalist - Science & Tourism
• Discover Experience
• Amazing Tours
• Trilhos R - Azores Tours

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Azores Archipelago Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Azores Archipelago. We've got 37 trips going to Azores Archipelago, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 15 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the most tour departures.

37 Azores Archipelago tour packages with 915 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Hiking the Azores

The hikes and info were great, even though some last minute changes were necessary due to trail closures. We had a fun, varied group of 13 and the logistics all worked well. The only disappointment was Hotel Zenite on Terceira Island - it was an aging hotel with poor service and should be replaced with a different hotel in the same area.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Best of the Azores: 7 days in São Miguel

Have an open mind about sudden changes to the planned schedule due to weather.

Highlights of the Azores

All went well. Isabelle was very giid and knowledgeable and informative Traveling between island I'm the Azores is time consuming but getting us to the airport two and a half hours before the flight was a waste of a morning You seem to be the only operator who visits four islands, please continue. If you're going there you want to see as much as possible

• Walking Adventure

Walking in the Azores

Fantastic holiday, lots to see and take in. Great to see different islands as each had their own character and attributes.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

São Miguel Active Experience

Excellent tour planning and amazing guide. The islands beauty and diverse natural wonders all came through. Thank you.

Best of Porto & Azores in 9 days

Second time in Portugal and we decided to go on this trip as we´ve been in Algarve and Lisbon before. While Porto and Ponta Delgada were busy we felt lucky to repeat Portugal as we would be missing out tremendously. Hotels again really well located, clean and comfortable. We loved Douro, the guide was so knowledgeable and concerned on how we were feeling. Getting into and out of the flights was fast so not much time lost on airport time. Sao Miguel island was a highlight of our last decade travel for sure and I recommend everyone to take the trip.

Best of São Miguel Island

I had an absolute blast on my trip. I needed some customization on the tour as I wanted to visit other islands on the Azores and the operator was quick in adapting to my needs and sent me through various options. This was a self-drive tour and everything from the accommodation to car hire was great. The operation suggested some great accommodations that I probably would have not found myself. Stayed in some local Adegas on Pico Island and got to experience everything Pico and Failal had to offer - from whale watching, hiking, and wine tasting. Destination Services Portugal was always prompt in replying and even provided some great local suggestions on what to do and see. Highly recommend this trip to any nature lover, hiker, and someone who simply wants to have a relaxed vacation.

Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive

Portugal in Depth with Azores

Highlights of Spain and Portugal with Azores

São Miguel Soft Hiking

I had great time. The hotel was really good and very close to the center and the tour company Futurismo. Futurismo were nice and professional. The tours were well planned and the guides are super professional as well.

Azores Escape

Atlantic Azores

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Azores Cycling

What people love about azores archipelago tours.

We had a fantastic time. Exploring the island through jeep tour and kayaking was exhilarating. The whale watching and local food experiences were delightful, and the guides were truly local and knowledgeable. This tour was an unforgettable journey, would take it again, thank yuou.

A very beautiful place with wonderful landscapes, thermal baths, cheese and wine. Our guide Sasha was lovely and very informative as well as delightful to talk too. I enjoyed all the activities but do ensure you were good shoes for the home. recommend that a visit to the cheese factory is added the morning you arrive on Sao Jorge.

Azores Archipelago Tours starting in:

• Ponta Delgada (18)
• Family (24)
• Explorer (23)
• Fully Guided (19)
• Personalized (18)
• Private (10)
• Partially Guided (9)
• Self-Guided (9)
• Hiking & Trekking (8)
• Intl. Flights Included (8)
• Self Drive (5)
• Small Group (15)
• 7 Day Tours (13)
• 10 Day Tours (12)
• 2 Week Tours (7)
• 3 Week Tours (4)
• Spring 2024 (19)
• Summer 2024 (30)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (28)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (11)
• Spring 2025 (13)
• Summer 2025 (9)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (8)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (1)
• April 2024 (13)
• May 2024 (21)
• June 2024 (27)
• July 2024 (22)
• August 2024 (23)
• September 2024 (27)
• October 2024 (25)
• November 2024 (10)
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• January 2025 (5)
• February 2025 (5)
• March 2025 (7)
• April 2025 (5)
• May 2025 (8)
• June 2025 (9)
• July 2025 (6)
• August 2025 (8)
• September 2025 (8)
• October 2025 (7)
• November 2025 (1)

Other Regions in Portugal

• Northern Portugal (66)
• Madeira (44)
• Algarve (38)
• Central Portugal (27)
• Alentejo (16)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (32)
• For Couples (17)
• Seniors (13)

Travel Knowing That Your Azores Adventure is covered.

• 24/7 Trip Assistance - 24/7 dedicated care from our team to assist you during your trip anywhere in the world;
• Personal concierge - Take advantage of our local team and chat with us through WhatsApp while you’re in Portugal;
• Trip Refund Guarantee - In the unlikely event that we need to cancel your trip, you’ll be guaranteed a refund within 15 days*; 
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Travel Home > Portugal > Itineraries > Azores Islands

Azores Islands Tour

• Officially Licensed Guides

Luxury Vehicles

Flexible rescheduling, how to spend 7 days in the azores islands.

The nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores are a true gem waiting to be discovered with our 7-day tour itinerary. With lush green landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, the Azores will captivate your senses and leave you in awe. And with our expert guide leading the way, you’ll get to experience the best of what this paradise has to offer.

Imagine taking a dip in the warm, thermal waters of Furnas Valley, surrounded by steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools. Or hiking to the top of Pico Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the islands. And let’s not forget about the iconic Capelinhos Volcano in Faial, where you’ll sail the waters and learn about its fascinating history.

This one-week guided tour itinerary makes for an unforgettable adventure that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. So buckle up, and let’s hit the road! The Azores are calling, and the adventure of a lifetime awaits.

Trip Highlights

• Ponta Delgada
• Guided Hike Through Sete Cidades
• Pico Mountain
• Sailing & Volcano Tour in Faial
• Flores Island

What's Included?

• Luxury Transport
• Private Drivers
• 24 Hour Online Support
• Fully Customizable Tour Itinerary
• Free Cancellation & Rescheduling

Day 1: Arrival in Ponta Delgada & Guided City Tour

Welcome to Ponta Delgada, the charming capital of the Azores! After landing at João Paulo II Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide and taken to your hotel to check in and freshen up.

Once you’re ready, it’s time to hit the town! Your guided city tour of Ponta Delgada will take you on a journey through the streets of this historic city, where you’ll discover its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.

As you walk, your guide will point out the most important landmarks and share stories about the city’s history and traditions. You’ll see the stunning São José Church, a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, as well as the historic city hall and the gardens of the beautiful Palace of São José.

Next, you’ll visit the Mercado dos Lavradores, the city’s bustling market, where you can sample some of the delicious local cuisines and purchase souvenirs. And, of course, no visit to Ponta Delgada would be complete without a visit to the Convent of Esperança, a beautiful building with a fascinating history.

In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city on your own and experience the local nightlife. From traditional restaurants serving fresh seafood to lively bars and cafes, Ponta Delgada has something for everyone.

After a long day of exploration, you’ll return to your hotel for a good night’s rest, ready for the adventures that await you in the coming days. So get ready to soak in the beauty and culture of this magical place!

Day 2: Guided Hike Through Sete Cidades & Surrounding Natural Beauty

Good morning, and welcome to day two of your Azores adventure! Today, you’ll be exploring the breathtaking natural beauty of Sete Cidades and the surrounding areas.

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a guided hike through this stunning region, where you’ll discover its lush green landscapes and breathtaking vistas. You’ll begin by walking around the rim of the Sete Cidades crater lake, a breathtaking natural wonder that’s considered one of the most beautiful sights in the Azores.

As you hike, your guide will share stories and facts about the area’s geology and history and point out the many plants and wildlife that call this region home. You’ll also have the opportunity to take in the panoramic views of the islands, including the stunning green peaks of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

After your hike, you’ll take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings. You’ll then continue your adventure with a visit to the Natural Park of the Azores, where you’ll discover its unique flora and fauna and learn about the efforts being made to protect this fragile ecosystem.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Ponta Delgada, where you’ll have the evening to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. Whether you choose to wander the city’s streets or relax at your hotel, you’re sure to be captivated by the beauty and charm of this incredible place.

So grab your camera and get ready for an unforgettable day of exploration and adventure in the stunning Sete Cidades region!

Day 3: Guided Hot Spring & Geothermal Valley Tour in Furnas

Today, you’ll be exploring the magical Furnas Valley and its incredible geothermal wonders.

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Furnas Valley, where you’ll embark on a guided tour of the area’s hot springs and geysers. Furnas is known for its unique geothermal activity, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness it up close and personal as you explore the valley’s steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and therapeutic hot springs.

Your guide will explain the science behind the valley’s geothermal activity and tell you about the many legends and myths that have been associated with this area for centuries. You’ll also have the chance to sample some of the local cuisine, including the famous cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew that’s cooked using the heat from the hot springs.

After your tour, you’ll have some free time to relax and enjoy the therapeutic waters of the hot springs. Soak in the warm waters and let the stress of daily life melt away as you bask in the beauty of this incredible place.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Ponta Delgada, where you’ll have the evening to rest and recharge for the adventures that await you in the coming days.

Day 4: Guided Pico Mountain Adventure

Get ready to lace up your hiking boots for an unforgettable day of adventure and exploration on Pico Mountain, the highest peak in Portugal!

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the base of the mountain, where your guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment for your climb. You’ll then begin your ascent, taking in the stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside as you go.

As you climb, your guide will point out the unique flora and fauna that call this region home and share stories and facts about the mountain’s history and geology. You’ll also have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Azores and the Atlantic Ocean, making this a truly unforgettable experience.

At the summit of Pico Mountain, you’ll be rewarded with even more stunning views and a sense of accomplishment that only comes from reaching the top of a great peak. Take in the vistas, snap some photos, and bask in the satisfaction of a job well done.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Ponta Delgada, where you’ll have the evening to rest and reflect on the day’s adventures. Whether you choose to wander the city’s streets or relax at your hotel, you’re sure to be captivated by the beauty and charm of this incredible place.

Day 5: Sailing & Volcano Tour in Faial

Discover the stunning island of Faial, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich volcanic history.

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the port, where you’ll board a sailboat for a guided tour of the island’s stunning coastline and volcanic landscape. As you sail, your guide will point out the many geological wonders that make this island so special, including towering volcanic cliffs, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear coves.

You’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and explore the island’s many hidden beaches and coves. You’ll also visit the volcanic crater of Capelinhos, a powerful symbol of the island’s volcanic history and one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the Azores.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Ponta Delgada.

Day 6: Guided Hike Through Flores Island's Unique Landscapes

Join your private guide to explore the beautiful and unique landscapes of Flores Island, home to some of the most diverse and stunning natural beauty in the archipelago.

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Flores Island, where your guide will lead you on a guided hike through the island’s many scenic trails. You’ll experience everything from lush green valleys and rolling hills to towering waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs, all while taking in breathtaking vistas and fresh sea air.

As you hike, your guide will share stories and information about the island’s history, culture, and natural wonders. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the many hidden gems of Flores Island, including tranquil lakes, serene forests, and breathtaking viewpoints.

One of the highlights of your Flores Island hike will be a visit to the Rocha dos Bordões, a dramatic volcanic formation that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This breathtaking site is sure to leave you in awe and will be a highlight of your Azores adventure.

Your driver will return you to your accommodation in the evening.

Day 7: Farewell To The Azores

Today, unfortunately, marks the end of your incredible Azores adventure. But don’t worry, you’ll be departing with memories that will last a lifetime!

After breakfast, your private driver will meet you for your airport transfer and to bid you a fond farewell as you return home.

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Fill out the form below with the destinations, wish-list, an idea of budget, & preferences for your perfect trip.

Your personal tour planner will be in touch within 24 hours of receiving your request to begin planning your custom itinerary.

Your private guide and/or driver will meet you at the pre-arranged starting point of your tour and everything necessary for a seamless tour experience.

Get Your Customized Azores Tour Itinerary

At Portugal by Luxe, our experienced tour planners are dedicated to creating bespoke itineraries that perfectly match your interests and preferences. Whether you want to explore the Azores in-depth, discover the best of Portugal’s cities and countryside, or create a combination of both, we’re here to help.

So why wait? Get in touch with us today and start planning your next adventure!

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Discover nine amazing islands

The 1st archipelago in sustainability awaits for you.

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Azores 4 Travel

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7 best hikes in the Azores

Apr 14, 2024 • 7 min read

When it comes to hiking, the Azores deliver in a big way © Photoschmidt / Getty Images

Sandra has just returned from her native Azores where she was researching the upcoming Pocket Azores guidebook - out October 2024.

The Azores are heaven for nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts, with dozens of hiking trails to choose from. The well-marked official paths cut through hills, small woods and pastures, twisting up and down the rugged basalt coast. The experience of hiking in the Azores embodies the philosophy that it’s the journey that matters, not the destination, as travelers uncover the islands' protected nature reserves, nature parks and quasi-untouched landscapes in their wildest state. 

Pack your hiking boots and trekking poles because you’ll need them, even on the trails classified as easy. The uneven terrain deems most trails as moderate or hard. While most of our suggestions for hikes follow official trails, we've included a few that are not classified as such but worthy of mention for the views they offer or because they're more accessible for travelers not as accustomed to hiking. 

Here are the best hikes in the Azores.

1. Caldeirão

Best walk to grasp the smallest island

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

Corvo, the smallest island in the Azores, is also the most isolated, boasting only one town with a little under 400 people clustered on the lowest region near the ocean. The rest is pastures and the water-filled crater of the inactive volcano that originated the island — Caldeirão.

Estrada do Caldeirão starts at the only roundabout in Corvo – across from the post office – and snakes up the island through farmland and moss-covered hills, its inclination gently increasing the closer you get to your destination. With any luck, around you there won’t be more than the occasional farmer driving by, the peering eyes of grazing cattle and the feeling you have the island all to yourself.

If you’re staying on the island, walk up to Caldeirão as early in the morning as possible before the tour boats from Flores arrive – during peak season, there can be more than a dozen people arriving in Corvo daily and they’ll all flock to the lagoon. Brave the fog and the wind for a hopefully clear view of the lagoon, and walk toward town before lunch. For travelers on the island for just a few hours, hitch a ride or pay someone to drive you up (approx. €10 per person), and then walk back. 

2. Monte da Guia

Best exercise walk

3km (1.8mi) roundtrip, 1 hour, easy

With good weather, plenty of Horta locals park near Fábrica da Baleia de Porto Pim and walk or cycle uphill to Monte da Guia and back on a mostly flat path. Although it never truly gets busy (most tourists drive up for sightseeing purposes or hike the Entre Montes PRC08 FAI trail instead), be prepared to share the road with folks on their daily exercising outings. 

Near Forte de Nossa Senhora da Guia there is a must-see viewpoint from where you have one of the most spectacular views of nearby Pico . And, of course, take some time to appreciate the view over Porto Pim bay and Horta from the church at the top of the hill.

3. Mata do Canário

Best for iconic landscapes

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

As one of the most visited islands in the Azores, São Miguel’s iconic lagoons and viewpoints often pop up on social media as the quintessential Azorean landscapes. At the Mata do Canário trail, you can find one of those envy-inducing photo ops as you walk downhill on rough (sometimes steep) and slippery terrain, with eyes locked on the famous blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades . 

You can park your rental car near the starting point, but it’s simpler to drive to Sete Cidades and hire a taxi (approx. €15) to drop you off there. The trail ends near Igreja de São Nicolau in the center of the town.

4. PR01 SJO

Most famous trail

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

It is the most famous trail in the archipelago and it comes with a true reward midway: São Jorge's most isolated and hard-to-reach village, Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo. If you're on the island in the summer (most accommodations and restaurants are closed off-season) and have time to spare, split this hike in two and spend the night at Caldeira before heading to the final stop at Fajã dos Cubres. 

It's a good trail to do as a family if you’re traveling with older kids who can handle the walk, with plenty of resting stops along the way.

This hiking route starts at Serra do Topo via a narrow, slightly uphill dirt path lined with thick vegetation. The trail begins to go gently downhill after about 50m, zigzagging around hills and cliffs – a trekking pole and hiking boots with good grip come in handy, even more so if it has recently rained. 

5. Fajã de Lopo Vaz

Best hike for natural beauty

3.4km (2.1mi) roundtrip, 2 hours, moderate

Ask an Azorean which island in the archipelago is the most beautiful, and they'll tell you it's the one where they live (of course), rivaled only by Flores. I second that, not only because Flores is my home island but also because it's hard to beat its untouched natural beauty.

Fajã de Lopo Vaz is one of Flores' most famous hiking trails. A very steep rock and dirt path that plunges down the island's south coast, it's a challenging route that offers gorgeous views, plants and flowers you won’t see elsewhere in Flores and a pebble beach where you can recharge before you go back up the same way.

Always mind your step and potential falling rocks, and be sure to download the trail map beforehand, as you won't have mobile service along the way.  

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 the heart of it. Set out on the trail from its official starting point in Porto do Calhau or do a shorter roundtrip version and begin at Porto da Areia Larga, in Madalena — from here to the windmill, it's about 2km (1.2mi) one way.

Regardless of where you choose to start from, most of the path follows an oceanside road with a view to neighboring Faial and the ever-present Mount Pico inland. Mind the traffic – at the time of writing, the road had been rebuilt after a major storm and parts of it didn’t have sidewalks yet. About halfway, as you get closer to the bright red Moinho do Frade, a gravel path will take you through the unique currais , an intricate pattern of low basalt walls protecting the vines from the ocean.

After the hike, if you want to complete the vineyards experience, stop by Adega do Vulcão for a wine tasting.

7. Chá Gorreana

Best walk for tea lovers

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

One of the two tea farms in São Miguel (and the oldest in Europe) has its own official hiking trail. The PRC28 SMI trail starts across the street from Fábrica de Chá Gorreana, travels through small woods and pastures, and finally takes travelers to the famous tea fields.  

After walking around the tea farm and stopping to admire the ocean views (weather permitting), follow the path back to the factory, where hikers are invited to sample a complimentary cup of the locally grown brew.

Tips for hiking in the Azores

•  If you’re hiking alone, let your accommodation or someone you trust know which trail you’re taking, what time you’re starting the hike and when you expect to return. Alternatively, hire a taxi to drop you off and pick you up.
•  If you feel uncomfortable walking the trails alone, plenty of local companies offer guided hiking tours.
•  The weather in the Azores can change fast, especially closer to the coast or higher elevations. Travel light but be equipped for sudden changes.
• Trails are marked with yellow and red stripes signs – or white stripes if it’s a Grande Rota – every 500m (0.3mi), but outside the peak season and during storm season some paths may appear to be neglected. Download the official trail map  to check if you’re on track along the way.
• Some trails cut across pastures. Make sure to always close the gates behind you and try not to disturb the cattle – keep your eyes peeled for cow droppings.

Keep planning your trip to the Azores:

Here's All you need to know for your first trip to the Azores No car? No problem! Here's  How to get the most out of the Azores without renting a car So many islands and so little time! Plan ahead with An island-hopper's guide to the Azores

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UK hot weather: Anticyclonic system from the tropical Azores to send temperatures soaring

WATCH: Latest Met Office weather forecast

By Nathan Rao

Published: 16/04/2024

Cold weather will hold out for the next day or so before the warmth returns ahead of the weekend

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A ‘long-overdue’ dome of high pressure about to settle over Britain will bring a return to summer-like sunshine and warmth.

An anticyclonic weather system stretching from the tropical Azores islands will build a shield around the UK, fending off storms swarming the Atlantic.

Stormy conditions giving rise to hundreds of flood alerts will this week finally give way to a long spell of dry weather, experts promise.

It spells good news to farmers and those in regions left knee-deep under floodwater after weeks of heavy rain.

Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services and social commentator, said: “We have not seen high pressure for a long while, so this is long overdue and will bring an end to the persistent rain and risk of flooding that we have seen through the winter and into the start of spring.

“This is a region of high pressure that will build up from the Azores and then form a separate high over the UK, and this will keep the Atlantic at bay, and other low-pressure systems surrounding the country.

Temperatures start to rise

NET WEATHER

“The sunshine will be strong at times, with the clarity of the air under high pressure, so people should take the necessary precautions.”

It comes as Britain wraps up for a chilly snap which pushed temperatures at the start of the week back to freezing.

A swath of cold air sweeping into the country triggered torrential downpours in southern Britain, while the north woke to bitter frosts.

Cold weather will hold out for the next day or so before the warmth returns ahead of the weekend.

Dale said: “It is going to be more home-grown warmth that we get over the next fortnight, rather than anything unusually hot pulled in from the Continent. “And it will take time to get going. We are looking at the end of the week and into the weekend for the temperatures to start picking up.”

Thermometers will dip to -5C in Scotland and northern Britain over the next couple of nights before ramping back into the high teens by the start of next week.

Temperatures will fluctuate through the end of the month, with clear overnight skies triggering colder mornings.

However, with high pressure close and the jet stream to the north, Britain will get a break from the wet and windy weather.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: “It has been a lively start to the weather through this working week, but we are going to see things drying up and calming down as we head into the weekend, and this is because an area of high pressure is moving in.

“What we will see this week, is slowly the jet stream moving to the north, and this high-pressure creeps and creeps and by the weekend it is sitting over us.

“High pressure means calm and fine weather, and this is coming for the weekend.”Scotland and northern regions will be at risk of further wintry flurries ahead of mid-week, experts warn.

But a slow return to warmer weather will see temperatures rise widely through the second half of the month.

Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden said: “Through Tuesday evening and into Wednesday, it will be cold enough for showers to turn wintry across parts of the far north and Scotland.

“But later in the week, high pressure and more settled weather will finally take hold.

“It is likely to be on the cool side to start with before temperatures start to finally warm up significantly during the final third of April.”

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