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Purple lupine flowers in foreground with coastal village, green cliffs, and ocean under blue sky on the Azores.

Fascinating Azores

Islands shaped by fire, wind and sea

8 Days / 7 Nights
Challenging
Purple lupine flowers in foreground with coastal village, green cliffs, and ocean under blue sky on the Azores.

The essentials at a glance

Explore the Azores islands of Faial and Pico on this challenging cycling tour. Discover the mighty Caldeira of Faial, the Capelinhos Volcano, and Pico's distinctive black basalt vineyard walls. Daily distances range from 35-50 km on paved roads and coastal paths with climbs. Highlights include whale watching, wine tasting, natural pools, and ferry crossings between islands. Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels with breakfast, luggage transfer, and airport transfers included.

On the Azores, nature reveals its full, breathtaking power. Towering volcanoes rise dramatically from the sea, lush green slopes give way to stark lava fields and sweeping views of the endless Atlantic unfold at every turn. Black basalt walls frame centuries-old vineyards, while quaint stone houses in small villages whisper stories of island life. In hidden natural pools, the sea beckons for a refreshing dip, and unforgettable encounters with whales and dolphins bring the ocean to life. This journey blends active exploration in untouched landscapes with moments of awe and serenity—an intense, sensory experience shaped by the raw elements of fire, water, and wind.

Itinerary at a glance

Between the mighty caldera of Faial, the black vineyard walls of Pico, and encounters with whales, an impressive island experience unfolds—one that blends the forces of nature, rich culture, and the sea into an unforgettable journey.

Enjoy your welcome drink while receiving personal tour information, including valuable insights and tips for your journey.

The route leads you to the Capelinhos Volcano, where lush green slopes transition into a dramatically stark lava landscape. From the lighthouse, take in sweeping views over the Atlantic before a coastal path guides you to the natural pools of Varadouro. The Capelo Forest Park provides an ideal spot for a picnic. With one final climb, you return to Cedros, carrying unforgettable impressions of fire and sea.

You’ll ascend to the mighty caldera of Faial, one of the Azores’ most spectacular natural wonders. At the top, sweeping views of the island and the ocean reward your climb. You then descend toward Horta, passing scenic viewpoints and the historic old town. From there, a ferry carries you to Pico, where you can unwind with a relaxed evening in Madalena.

On today’s stage, you’ll explore Pico’s iconic vineyards, where black basalt walls frame the sparkling sea. In Lajido, savor a wine tasting and uncover the island’s captivating history at the experience museum. A refreshing dip in the natural pools, paired with a visit to São Roque and its whaling museum, adds variety to the day, which you can finish in style with a relaxing soak in the seawater pool at Prainha.

From Prainha, the route winds along Pico’s rugged south coast toward Lajes do Pico. After a few climbs, sweeping views of the Atlantic and the surrounding islands reward the challenge. Near Manhenha, a stop at the lighthouse “Farol da Ponta da Ilha” is well worth it. Along the way, small stone houses, lush gardens, and tranquil fishing harbors add charm to the landscape. Finally, you reach Lajes, where narrow streets and the legacy of the island’s whaling past give the town its distinctive character.

A truly memorable experience awaits in Lajes do Pico. From April to October, the team at “Espaço Thalassa” will take you out to sea to observe whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds in their natural habitat. Outside of this season, you’ll explore the Pico plateau alongside biologists, uncovering hidden lakes and volcanic landscapes. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace.

Following a restful day, you’ll cycle along Pico’s south coast, treated to stunning views of the Atlantic and the slopes of the majestic volcano. In the villages, you’ll experience the island’s traditional way of life, before a stop in Candelária at historic wine cellars offers a chance to rest. From the vineyards near Madalena, a ferry carries you to Faial, or, if you prefer, you can continue cycling as far as Cedros.

Day
08

Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Challenging

You’ll cycle on paved country roads and quiet coastal paths, with occasional stretches on easy to ride unpaved tracks. Gentle as well as longer climbs await, each rewarded with scenic descents.

 

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Our rental bikes

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***-and 4****-hotels and traditional guesthouses on 3***- and 4****-level
  • Breakfast
  • 2 lunch packages
  • Welcome briefing
  • Luggage transfer
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book

 

  • 1 welcome-drink
  • 1 wine tasting
  • 1 entrance Volcano-Museum in Capelinhos
  • 1 whale watching (April – October)
  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel and back
  • Service hotline

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Horta airport
  • Transfer from the airport to the hotel and back

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Antonia Kreiseder

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Antonia Kreiseder
Travel Specialist
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Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
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