Stay : The Central Azores in ten days
By leaving for Faial directly from Lisbon, you can hope to visit the three islands of the central group; you will then have to negotiate your journey carefully, depending on the schedules of the boats in particular.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
10 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : The Central Azores in ten days - 10 days
Day 1: Faial
Steps: Horta
Visit to Horta from his port. Climb Monte da Guia for a good overview of the bay. It is possible to swim in Porto Pim on the other side of the peninsula.
Day 2: The tour of the island
Steps: Castelo Branco, Capelo, Horta, Cedros, Fajã, Capelinhos, Praia Do Almoxarife
Tour of the island of Faial, passing by Praia do Almoxarife, Cedros, Capelinhos and its fascinatingcentre d'interprétation du volcan. Walk on the heights or on the volcano itself, then return to Horta from the south via Morro de Castelo Branco.
Day 3: Hiking
Steps: Caldeira
Hiking in the Faial Nature Park, in the centre of the island. A must visit to Caldeira.
Day 4: Pico
Departure for Pico by boat (only minutes) and discovery of Madalena and its surroundings. Explore the Gruta das Torres, get lost in the giant labyrinth of Crição Velha's vineyards, classified as World Heritage, visit the Vin Wine Museum and leave with a bottle of verdelho. Sleep in Madalena.
Day 5: The tour of the island
Tour of Pico Island along the north coast. Walk in the middle of the adegas, these traditional basalt wine cellars, and discover the wine-growing area and the interpretive centre of Lajido. Visit of São Roque and its whaling factory. The interior and its sparkling lakes, then Lajes do Pico, its beautiful museum, its world-end atmosphere and its magnificent views over Mount Pico.
Day 6: Meeting the whales
Whale watching in Lajes (also possible from Madalena), then an afternoon walk in the surroundings. Or visit the south coast and its misterios, lava flows that have taken everything on their way, or the east coast, far from everything, and less touristic.
Day 7: São Jorge
Departure from Madalena or São Roque (Cais do Pico) for São Jorge. Arrival in Laid and discover the small town. Visit of Sete Fonts park, near Rosais. Walk to the lighthouse if possible.
Day 8: The south coast
Steps: Velas, Ribeira Seca, Fajã Dos Vimes, Topo
South coast of São Jorge. Visit of the handicraft cooperative of Senhora da Encarnaço, in Ribeira do Nabo, and then the Fromage cheese factory at Riberira Seca. Photo stops on the fajãs road, and definitely stop at Fajã dos Vimes Café. Depending on your time, push to Topo or return directly to Laid.
Day 9: The North Coast
Steps: Fajã Dos Cubres, Fajã Da Caldeira De Santo Cristo
North coast of São Jorge and its fajãs. Not to be missed: Fajã do Ouvidor, Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, one of the most inaccessible. Only walkers will be able to reach it: superb panoramas guaranteed.
Ideas for holidays and week-end breaks São Jorge
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