Full Day Hiking Trail Sete Cidades and Ferraria

Exploring São Miguel Island through the Full Day Hiking Trail in Sete Cidades and Ferraria offers a comprehensive experience of nature’s beauty. Priced at $75.60 per person, this 8-hour adventure is designed for those who enjoy active outdoor pursuits combined with breathtaking scenery. The tour features pickup service and a mobile ticket, making logistics smooth and straightforward. With a maximum of 8 travelers, the group size feels intimate, allowing for personalized attention from the guide.

This tour stands out for its combination of mountain hikes, panoramic viewpoints, lakes, and thermal baths. It’s especially suited for those with moderate physical fitness who want to explore the highlights of São Miguel in one day. The experience is flexible enough to adapt to weather conditions, and the guide’s storytelling enhances the journey with local legends and insights.

Key Points

• Price of $75.60 per person for an all-day excursion
• Duration of approximately 8 hours with transportation included
• Visit multiple viewpoints, lakes, and the Lagoa das Empadadas
• Relaxing thermal baths in Ferraria at the end of the day
• Small group size of up to 8 travelers for a personalized experience
• Booking typically occurs 39 days in advance

Exploring the Sete Cidades Volcanic Complex

The tour begins with a journey into the Sete Cidades volcanic complex, a major highlight of São Miguel. You’ll pass through lush green areas mixed with rocky soils, setting the scene for a day immersed in nature. The hike includes a climb to one of the highest points in the region, offering sweeping views of the central island and its famous lakes.

From this vantage point, the scenery is truly impressive, with vistas that capture the expansive green pastures, the lagoons, and the intricate volcanic landscape below. The guide explains the formation of these lakes and shares stories about the area’s volcanic past, adding depth to the visual experience.

Walking Through Pastoral Landscapes and Forests

After the initial ascent, the trail takes you through the south coast’s vast pastures, where paths are lined with blooming hydrangeas that brighten the landscape. Continuing into a cryptomeria forest, the hike offers a cool contrast to the open pastures and provides a shaded area to enjoy the surrounding flora.

One notable stop is at the Lagoa das Empadadas, a serene lake surrounded by lush vegetation. The route also includes a visit to Lagoa do Canário, a scenic spot known for its tranquil waters and natural beauty. These lakes are accessible during the hike, giving a sense of the island’s volcanic and hydrological diversity.

Visiting the Grota do Inferno and Vista de Rei Viewpoints

The journey features stops at some of São Miguel’s most iconic viewpoints. The Grota do Inferno viewpoint delivers dramatic views into the volcanic crater, with rugged terrain and expansive vistas. Then, at the Vista de Rei viewpoint, travelers can gaze upon the famous blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades, with the Monte Palace hotel abandoned nearby adding a touch of intrigue.

These viewpoints are perfect for photos and for appreciating the scale of the volcanic landscape. The guide shares local legends and stories behind these spots, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Picnic Lunch and Scenic Drives to Mosteiros and Ferraria

Midway through the day, the group enjoys a picnic lunch, allowing time to relax and take in the scenery. Afterwards, the vehicle continues to the Escalvado viewpoint, where you see the parish of Mosteiros and the Ponta da Ferraria.

The scenic drive offers panoramic views of the lava platform and the Ferraria Lighthouse. This stretch combines natural beauty with a sense of island history, as the landscape tells stories of volcanic activity and coastal life.

Relaxing in the Natural Thermal Pools of Ferraria

The day concludes with a visit to the Ferraria natural pools, where warm Atlantic waters provide a soothing end to the active day. It’s wise to be mindful of tide conditions—high tide can cool the waters, while low tide may cause the water to become excessively hot.

The thermal baths are a highlight, offering a chance to unwind after the day’s hikes. The pools’ unique location along the coast means guests can enjoy the sound of the ocean while soaking in naturally heated waters.

Logistics and Group Experience

With pickup offered and a small group size, the tour maintains an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The moderate physical activity involved makes it suitable for most healthy adults, though some walking on uneven terrain is required. The guide speaks in Spanish, as evidenced by positive feedback about the effort to communicate in the language, enhancing the cultural connection.

The tour is flexible enough to adapt to weather conditions and tide predictions, with options for a full refund or rescheduling if canceled due to poor weather. Booking tends to be quite in demand, with reservations typically made 39 days in advance.

Why Choose This Tour?

This full-day experience appeals to those who want a well-rounded taste of São Miguel’s landscapes—lakes, viewpoints, forests, and coastal thermal baths—all in one day. The guided approach provides insights into local legends and geological history, making it more enriching than self-guided hikes.

The small group size ensures personalized attention and a chance to ask questions. The inclusion of lunch, transport, and thermal baths makes it a convenient, value-packed option for active travelers.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour suits adventurous travelers with moderate fitness levels who appreciate scenic hikes and want to learn about the island’s volcanic origins. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy small group settings and local storytelling. Visitors seeking a combination of outdoor activity and relaxation will find this tour offers a satisfying balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour requires moderate physical activity, so it’s best suited for older children or teenagers with good fitness levels.

What should I wear for the hike?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially since the terrain includes rocky paths and forested areas.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a picnic lunch is part of the experience, giving travelers time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

How long is the drive between stops?
The tour involves some scenic drives, including to the Mosteiros and Ferraria viewpoints, but the total time is within the 8-hour schedule.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, with the option for a full refund.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the tour is weather-dependent, favorable conditions are typical outside of peak storm seasons, and the tour adapts to weather fluctuations.

Are there any safety tips?
Pay attention to tide conditions at Ferraria, as high tide can affect water temperature and safety. Always follow the guide’s instructions.

Will I see dolphins or whales?
This tour does not include whale or dolphin watching; it focuses on hiking, viewpoints, and thermal baths.

What language does the guide speak?
The guide speaks in Spanish, with noted efforts to communicate clearly and effectively.

How physically demanding is the hike?
The hike involves moderate activity with some uphill walking and uneven terrain, suitable for those with decent fitness levels.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, but children should be comfortable with hiking and walking on rocky paths. It’s best suited for families with older kids.

How do I book?
Reservations are made through the provider, Fun Activities – Azores Adventure, and are recommended 39 days in advance for availability.

This Full Day Hiking Trail in Sete Cidades and Ferraria offers an authentic, scenic, and relaxing way to explore São Miguel’s volcanic landscapes. With its mix of viewpoints, lakes, forests, and thermal baths, it provides a well-rounded day that combines adventure with tranquility.