The Best-Kept Secret of the Azores

Nature, Trails, and Hideaways on the Islands of São Miguel & Pico

While some search for the ends of the earth to find peace, true Atlantic exclusivity is closer than you think. Welcome to the Azores: a sanctuary of silence and immersive nature, just a two-hour flight from mainland Portugal.

This itinerary is crafted for those planning an escape to the islands of São Miguel and Pico, looking for the ultimate guide on where to stay and what to explore.

From the botanical exuberance and emerald craters of São Miguel to the raw basalt power and UNESCO-listed landscapes of Pico Island, we’ve handpicked the archipelago's best-kept secrets.

Forget itinerary fatigue and the crowds. Here, you'll find a curated selection of hiking trails, mirage-like landscapes, and the perfect Small Portuguese Hotels hideaways to recharge your spirit.

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São Miguel Island highlights

The Perfect Crater: Vila Franca do Campo Islet

A ring-shaped nature reserve, sculpted by a submerged volcano just off the southern coast of São Miguel. The real luxury here is restricted access: entry is strictly limited to a handful of daily visitors. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters inside this crater, sheltered from the open ocean, is one of the purest, most exclusive experiences in the Atlantic.

The Untouched Sanctuary: Lagoon of Fire

Located in the center of the island (Ribeira Grande), this is São Miguel’s most rugged, untamed lake. Hike down the steep slopes, framed by endemic vegetation, to its white pumice-sand beach for an unparalleled sense of total immersion in nature.

The Emerald Mirror: Santiago Lagoon (Sete Cidades)

While most visitors flock to the main viewpoints overlooking Lagoa das Sete Cidades, true luxury lies in gazing down at the neighboring crater, Lagoa de Santiago. Flanked by near-vertical slopes and cloaked in a dense, impenetrable forest, its deep, dark-green waters and absolute silence create a pristine, almost mystical atmosphere.

The Luxury of Hiking in Nature: Top Hiking Trails in São Miguel

Lagoa do Fogo Descent (PRC02SMI)
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Medium
Total Distance: 12 km
Duration: 4 hours
Altitude (Min/Max): 201m/581m
The challenge lies in descending the steep volcanic slopes to the lake's pristine shores. Your reward is a secluded pumice-stone beach where the only sound is the wind.

Salto do Prego - Faial da Terra (PRC09SMI)
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Average
Total Distance: 4.6 km
Duration: 2 hours
Located in the Povoação municipality, this is an authentic Azorean jungle experience. A dense trek through lush vegetation culminates at a private, hidden waterfall deep within the woods.

Descent to Rocha da Relva (PRC20SMI)
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Average
Total Distance: 5.6 km
Duration: 3 hours
A true journey back in time on the southern coast. The cliffside descent leads to a car-free fajã (coastal plateau), where traditional wine cellars dictate the slow-paced rhythm of an ancient way of life.

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Pico Island highlights

UNESCO Heritage: The Basalt Labyrinth of Criação Velha

Here, the vines grow close to the volcanic soil, sheltered from the ocean winds by an endless labyrinth of black stone walls (currais) built by hand centuries ago. Protected by UNESCO, this landscape takes on an ethereal beauty during the Golden Hour. The contrast of the dark basalt against the vivid green leaves and the deep blue sea makes this a dream setting for lovers of wine culture and slow living.

The Mountain's Reflection: Lagoa do Capitão

Nestled at an altitude of 800 meters on the Central Plateau lies a landscape that rivals the Scottish Highlands. Far from any hustle, Lagoa do Capitão offers, on still days, a perfect water mirror reflecting the majestic Mount Pico in its entirety. When the famous Azorean fog rolls over the water, the atmosphere takes on an unforgettable, mystical tone.

The Luxury of Hiking in Nature: Top Hiking Trails on Pico Island

The Lakes Trail (PR19PIC)
Type: Linear
Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance: 22 km
Duration: 7 hours
This hike is a journey into the interior of Pico Island in its purest, most natural state. Explore its rich flora and fauna as you pass by several iconic lakes, including Lagoa do Caiado, Lagoa Seca, Lagoas do Peixinho, and Lagoa do Paúl.