MTB Adventure with Azores Trails of Nature in Ponta Delgada

Set on the island of São Miguel in Portugal’s Azores archipelago, Azores Trails of Nature offers a mountain bike tour that takes riders 25 kilometers through one of the region’s most striking natural landscapes. Starting from Ponta Delgada, the islands’ largest city and transport hub, this ride focuses on the mountain tops surrounding the Sete Cidades Lakes, a volcanic caldera famous for its twin lakes in startlingly different colors—one green, one blue. The trails navigate rugged terrain marked by basalt rock outcrops and native laurel forest, offering a sensory mix of volcanic soil aromas and ocean breezes.

The moderately difficult route challenges riders with varied climbs and descents, rewarding them with sweeping views of the caldera below, its crater rim rimmed by rolling hills and patches of endemic vegetation. The geology here is unique—a dormant volcanic caldera formed some 22,000 years ago, creating dramatic ridges and crater lakes that continuously shape local weather patterns.

What makes this tour stand out is the expert-guided approach that blends technical mountain biking skills with environmental storytelling. Riders discover more than just the physical beauty; they gain insight into the rich natural history and cultural legacy of the Azores, a region shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and settlement.

This itinerary suits those who want a balance of physical challenge and immersion in nature’s raw interplay of earth and water. Joining a group tour also fosters camaraderie among riders, heightening the experience through shared effort and the collective energy of discovery. Azores Trails of Nature has carved a niche as a specialist operator committed to sustainable practices and authentic local engagement, making this bike tour a meaningful entry point into São Miguel’s wild heart.