Walking on the Azores

Discover the wild beauty of the Azores on foot with this guide to 70 day walks across the nine islands of this remote Atlantic archipelago. Lying in the North Atlantic Ocean the Azores are an archipelago of nine lush green islands 850 miles west of Portugal. From crater lakes and volcanic peaks to lush forests, waterfalls and dramatic coastlines, the Azores offer an extraordinary variety of landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and Atlantic weather. The walks explore all nine islands and range from 4 to 25km (2–16 miles), typically taking 2–8 hours. Routes are suitable for both beginner and experienced walkers, with a mixture of gentle trails, coastal paths and more challenging mountain routes, including the ascent of Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain. The routes cover the three island groups: the Eastern Group (São Miguel and Santa Maria), Central Group (Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial) and Western Group (Flores and Corvo). The mild climate makes this an ideal destination for year-round walking. 70 day walks across all nine Azores islands: São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, Flores and Corvo, covering the Eastern, Central and Western island groups Clear step-by-step route descriptions with 1:50,000 mapping for each walk, covering volcanic landscapes, crater rims, forests and coastal trails Each route includes distance, walking time, terrain notes and information on points of interest along the way GPX files available to download, making it easy to follow the routes using GPS devices or smartphone apps Detailed practical information on planning, transport, facilities and travelling between the islands Highlights include the ascent of Mount Pico, spectacular caldeiras, waterfalls and sections of the long-distance GR1 route This guidebook brings together the best walking across the Azores, helping you explore everything from crater-rim viewpoints and volcanic summits to lush valleys and rugged Atlantic coastlines. Whether you are visiting a single island or travelling between several, these carefully selected routes provide an unforgettable way to experience one of Europe’s most distinctive island landscapes.