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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels since the main transport is by van with brief, accessible stops.
Wildlife
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.
Azores Trails of Nature
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.
Azores Trails of Nature is a São Miguel–based operator located in Sao Roque, Azores, offering a wide range of guided outdoor experiences across the island.
The company arranges walking tours that explore iconic landscapes such as Moinhos de Félix, Mata do Canário and Faial da Terra (Sanguinho), and organized beach and crater lake hikes to Lagoa do Fogo. Van tours visit major volcanic highlights including Sete Cidades, Furnas, Nordeste and Lagoa do Fogo with half‑day and full‑day options. Off‑road adventures are available through 4x4 safari routes that reach remote viewpoints, crater rims and natural thermal pools. For cyclists, mountain‑bike itineraries traverse Furnas valleys, lakeshores and mountain‑top tracks.
Marine activities include private 4‑hour boat tours along the south coast to view caves and local marine life, and coastal and big‑game fishing charters (4 or 8 hours) targeting species such as tuna and marlin. Some tours include cultural stops like Chá Gorreana tea factory, a pineapple plantation and traditional pottery sites.
Guided experiences vary in duration from roughly 3.5 hours to full‑day routes of 7–8 hours and are offered as private or small‑group options depending on the trip. Azores Trails of Nature focuses on authentic island routes and logistical planning from its Sao Roque base, connecting visitors to Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, Nordeste and coastal highlights on São Miguel.
All descriptions here reflect the operator’s published itineraries and trip summaries.
Base Location
Sao Roque, Azores
Operating from São Miguel island
Tours Offered
22 tours
Hiking, van, jeep, boat, MTB, fishing
Trip Durations
3.5–8 hours
Half‑day to full‑day adventures
Top Highlights
Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo
Trails, viewpoints, tea factory, pineapple farm
Reserve walking tours, 4x4 safaris, van excursions, MTB rides, private boat trips or fishing charters — spaces are limited.
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.
Waterproof jacket
Necessary for potentially rainy and windy weather, especially near volcanic peaks.
spring|fall|winter
Comfortable walking shoes
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
Important for staying hydrated during the full-day tour with limited refreshment options.