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Azores Trails of Nature: Nordeste Van Tour in Azores - Ponta Delgada

Azores Trails of Nature: Nordeste Van Tour in Azores

Ponta Delgadaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

7 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels since the main transport is by van with brief, accessible stops.

Overview

Journey through Nordeste’s volcanic peaks, coastal lookouts, and charming villages on a full-day van tour with Azores Trails of Nature. This adventure reveals the Azores’ rugged spirit and rich local heritage from the highest points of the Furnas crater to hidden natural reserves.

City Tour
Fishing
History Tour
Sao Roque, Azores

VAN Tour - Nordeste | Full Day

Min 2 people up to 8 • 7H • All ages • Lunch included!

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Adventure Photos

VAN Tour - Nordeste | Full Day photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a breathtaking 7-hour journey through Nordeste, one of the Azores' hidden gems. Experience stunning viewpoints, lush landscapes, and rich history as you visit the highest point of the Furnas crater, explore charming towns, and discover vibrant nature. This unforgettable adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Explore the less explored trails in the island


Duration

Approximately 7 hours


About

One of the least known places for those who visit us, however, is considered one of the most beautiful areas of the island: it is the municipality of Nordeste, also considered the 10th island of the Azores due to its geographical position. On this tour, we will show you the best that exists along the route towards the Northeast side of the island, with its superb viewpoints and paths between mountains with extraordinary beauty. Start by visiting the highest point of the Furnas crater, the “Salto do Cavalo”, 805 meters high, where we will have a fantastic view over Furnas, Povoação, and the island of S. Maria on days with good visibility. Then, we head towards the oldest town on the island discovered in 1432, the municipality of Povoação. We will travel all over the north coast with superb views over the hillside, jagged by cliffs and an enviable green that you will never forget until you reach the municipality of Nordeste where we will stop to see its historic center, as well as to have lunch. This side of the island is known for its fantastic and exuberant nature, so we will stop at the most varied viewpoints, such as Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada places known to residents as a favorite spot to see the sunrise, as well as for its beautiful flowers and surrounding nature. In addition to these, we also have the viewpoint of Vigia dos Barcos with a privileged view over one of the oldest fishing ports on the island. Do not forget also the option of stopping at the environmental center of Priolo where you will have the opportunity to have a guided tour with one of our guides and thus to understand the measures practiced in the region for the protection of this beautiful endemic bird (the Priolo), and its habitats. In the direction of Ponta Delgada you will have the opportunity to stop at several viewpoints, namely, the Whale Watcher in Algarvia, a place used to spot whales for their hunting, an activity that was abolished in the 20th century. Then, we stop at the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park to contemplate the beautiful waterfalls and their windmills, this being one of the highlights of the tour. Our tour is ending and then we will have a relaxed trip to the city of Ponta Delgada, where we are sure that each corner visited will remain in your memory forever.

Highlights

  • Visit the most flowery municipality in Portugal
  • Enjoy the observation of endemic species
  • Explore the different shades of green on the Northeast side of the island
  • Discover the geological roots of the island of S. Miguel.
  • Learn about the history of the Azores with your expert guide
  • Small groups where you will have all the attention you need

Route:

  • PDL
  • Ribeira Grande
  • Costa Norte
  • Ribeira dos Caldeiros
  • Vila do Nordeste (Lunch)
  • Pico Bartlomeu
  • Povoação
  • Salto do Cavalo
  • PDL

Observations

  • Lunch is included only for shared tours
  • Rates include a guide
  • Minimum of 2 people
  • Licensed Tour Operator
  • Casualty and Professional Liability Insurance
  • Pick-up & Drop off on hotel in Ponta Delgada

Adventure Tips

Pack layers for variable weather

The Azorean climate can shift quickly, especially near volcanic highlands, so bring waterproof and insulating layers.

Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear

Though you’re on a van tour, expect short walks on uneven or rocky terrain at lookout points and villages.

Bring a camera with zoom

Capture distant coastal cliffs, birdlife, and panoramic views from the highest vantage in the Furnas crater.

Carry refillable water

There are limited stops for refreshments, so staying hydrated throughout the 7-hour tour is important.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Azores Bullfinch (Priolo)
  • Common dolphins off the coast

History

Nordeste's villages feature 16th-century churches and traditional tilework reflecting centuries of Azorean heritage.

Conservation

The Azores maintain strict environmental protections to preserve native flora and fragile volcanic soils amid growing tourism.

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Adventure Hotspots in Ponta Delgada

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Necessary for potentially rainy and windy weather, especially near volcanic peaks.

spring|fall|winter specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Needed for short walks on uneven terrain during lookout and village visits.

Camera or smartphone with zoom

Ideal for capturing expansive landscapes and wildlife from a distance.

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Important for staying hydrated during the full-day tour with limited refreshment options.