Azores Trails of Nature: Nordeste Van Tour in Azores

The Azores archipelago, perched in the North Atlantic Ocean, offers a rugged blend of volcanic landscapes and lush greenery, and nowhere is this more vivid than in Nordeste on São Miguel Island. Azores Trails of Nature invites travelers to a full-day van tour that navigates the untamed beauty and cultural charm of this lesser-visited eastern region. Departing from Ponta Delgada, this 7-hour journey reveals vantage points that command sweeping views of the Atlantic and the island’s jagged coastline. A standout moment comes at the highest vantage within the Furnas crater, where volcanic geology meets verdant flora in a striking tableau of Icelandic-like terrain softened by temperate island greenery.

As the van threads through countryside and quaint villages, guests encounter an authentic slice of Azorean life. Towns in Nordeste feature historic churches and traditional tilework, with stories layered in their architecture and streets. The tour also highlights the region’s diverse ecosystems: fern-lined paths, endemic plants like the proud Azores bellflower, and a chance to hear the complex choruses of native bird species unique to this island chain.

Azores Trails of Nature stands out because of its dedication to immersive, locally guided outdoor experiences that prioritize meaningful engagement with the environment and culture. This van tour balances comfort with access, enabling a comprehensive yet relaxed way to absorb the breadth of Nordeste’s character. As rising tourism shifts the islands, the company’s approach preserves the quiet dignity of this remote destination while offering travelers vivid, memorable encounters. For active adventurers interested in volcanic landscapes, coastal panoramas, and cultural narratives, this full-day itinerary delivers an essential window into the wild heart of the Azores.