Bike Tour in Azores - Cycling Holidays in São Miguel
A road bike tour in the Azores archipelago, voted best island destination of the world by National Geographic and located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Europe and the USA. The 9 Azores Islands are the result of the outpouring of lava from the ocean floor, as it stands on the ridge between the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America. Its sub-tropical climate, evergreen fields with luxuriant pastures, flowers, endemic flora and fauna make it a great destination for cycling enthusiasts who want to embark in a challenging adventure in one of the most unique and quaint destinations in the world.
You'll be cycling by São Miguel island, the Azores’ biggest and most renowned island, you’ll ride in immensely scenic and great condition asphalt roads, passing by extinct volcanoes, lagoons, tropical forests, thermal and hot sulfur springs, climbing to viewpoints in Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and relaxing in the best hotels and thermal resorts in São Miguel.
Ride through the unspoilt natural beauty of this “garden” that sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Climb to the top of the volcanoes to be amazed by views of the Fogo and Sete Cidades lagoons. This island of eternal green vegetation, endemic flora and big ocean mammals, some of which can only be seen here in the Azores. These include various unique species of whales and plant life that attract many zoologists, marine biologists and botanists from all parts of the world.
Experience the tremendous variety of landscape, from the mild sunny beaches on the south coast, the green pastures of the central plateau, the rugged coastline of the north, the sub-tropical forests, the harsher volcano peaks of Fogo and Sete Cidades, the sulfur thermal hot springs, the tea plantations, to the alpine views inside the twin lagoons at Sete Cidades.
Go on a whale watch tour, be flabbergasted by the size and majesty of sperm and blue whales, walk the trails along the volcanoes, the lagoons and hot springs, surrounded by the deep blue color of the ocean and the almost fluorescent green of the pastures and forested areas.
Pick up from the airport transfer to Hotel Marina Atlântico, a 4 star hotel overlooking the Ponta Delgada bay with great views of the ocean, or Azor Hotel, the only 5 star hotel in the capital of the Azores. Set up of the bikes, and private briefing for the tour. Free afternoon to relax at the hotel and visit Ponta Delgada. Dinner suggested in downtown Ponta Delgada.
Hotel – Hotel Marina Atlântico or Azor Hotel ( upgrade included in the "premium" option)
After breakfast at the hotel, start your day riding west from Ponta Delgada along the scenic coastline before heading inland. The 10-kilometer climb up the dormant volcano towards Vista do Rei is steady, surrounded by lush greenery. At the summit, enjoy stunning views of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, with its iconic blue and green lagoons nestled in a volcanic crater. Descend into the village of Sete Cidades to visit São Nicolau Church and grab a coffee or snack at a local café. Ride along the lagoon’s edge, then climb back to the crater rim for sweeping views before heading toward the coast. Take the detour to Termas da Ferraria, where you can dip in natural ocean pools heated by volcanic springs. After relaxing, make your way back up the hill and ride through rolling terrain toward Ponta Delgada, completing a memorable day.
Hotel – Hotel Marina Atlântico or Azor Hotel ( upgrade included in the "premium" option)
After breakfast at the hotel, start your ride west from Ponta Delgada, leaving the coast behind as you climb inland after Relva. The 10-kilometer ascent to Lagoa do Canário is challenging but rewarding, with views of the island’s north coast. Near the top, take a short detour to visit the tranquil Lagoa do Canário before continuing your ride. Descend along the canal into the Sete Cidades Lagoon. Stop by the water for a snack, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Continue to the western coast and visit the Whale Lookout Point before heading into Mosteiros, where you’ll have stunning views of the islets and an option for lunch. After Mosteiros, climb back to the main road and ride through Bretanha, Santo António, and Santa Bárbara. Before reaching Capelas, turn uphill to return to Ponta Delgada, completing a day filled with coastal and volcanic landscapes.
Hotel – Hotel Marina Atlântico or Azor Hotel ( upgrade included in the "premium" option)
Breakfast at the hotel. Start of our ride, towards the crater of Furnas. We ride along the south coast of the island; passing Vila Franco do Campo, and stopping to taste its cheesecake, as we gently climb to the Furnas area. Once in Furnas we’ll enter the cobblestones road along the beautiful lake and admire the incredible scenery of this area. Once past the lake area we head to our hotel base for the next few days. Here we’ll be able to relax in the hot springs and amazing gardens of the region before feasting on the typical Furnas stew at our hotel.
Hotel – Terra Nostra Garden Hotel or Furnas Boutique Hotel Thermal and SPA (included in the "premium" option)
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll be going for a loop ride towards the north shore, climbing toward the Salto do Cavalo viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the Furnas lagoon before descending a winding road to Ribeira dos Caldeirões, home to stunning waterfalls and a historic windmill. Continue along the coastal road through Fenais da Ajuda and Lomba da Maia before returning to Furnas. End your day with a relaxing soak at Poça da Dona Beija or a hike to the Furnas Fumaroles to witness the island's geothermal wonders. You can also opt to have a rest day on your bike and relax at the local thermal spots or go for a hike around the lovely Furnas lagoon
Hotel – Terra Nostra Garden Hotel or Furnas Boutique Hotel Thermal and SPA (included in the "premium" option)
Breakfast at the hotel, before out last ride. Reverse route of Option 2 from day 4, taking us to the North Coast of the island, the tea plantations and back through the central plateau to Ponta Delgada. Ride option 2: Furnas – Ponta Garça – Ponta Delgada (44km – 950m) Breakfast at the hotel, before out last ride. Leaving Furnas we climb towards the South Coast where the road will lead us to Ponta Garça, a small town right be the ocean. We continue to ride west along the coast going through Vila Franca do Campo, where we can stop to enjoy once more the cheesecakes and a coffee. Having the same western bearing we face our last climb along Ribeira Chã, rolling downhill to Lagoa and finally to Ponta Delgada.
Hotel – Terra Nostra Garden Hotel or Azor Hotel ( upgrade included in the "premium" option)
Extend your stay in Ponta Delgada for an extra day before or after this trip.
This tour features a mix of challenging climbs, rolling hills, and scenic descents, offering a variety of terrains across São Miguel Island. Cyclists will navigate volcanic craters, coastal roads, and lush green landscapes, including iconic climbs like Lagoa do Fogo and Lagoa das 7 Cidades. The northern and eastern routes include technical ascents and undulating paths along the coastline, while the southern routes offer gentler climbs through charming villages and agricultural landscapes. Riders will experience well-maintained roads, cobblestone stretches, and occasional gravel paths, all showcasing the island's breathtaking volcanic scenery and rich biodiversity.
/ Riding is a great part of my life, and I ride my bike regularly with my friends. I am comfortable with rides of 2 to 3 hours, or even more at a relatively strong pace. I like to be challenged and to surpass obstacles or just ride smoothly in a peloton.
You will get to feel different riding experiences, from tougher climbs to rolling along in great company. You’ll have time to enjoy the great landscapes, gain speed in the descents and also push yourself and climb those tough hills. You’ll enjoy the variety of terrain, riding in a peloton and pushing a little harder just before the stop at the café.
Ricardo "El capitán" Costa is the"roadie" in charge of designing this tour. Having ridden all over the world, from Malaysia to the USA, it is in Portugal that he found some of the best rides in the planet. Ricardo has picked some of the best roads in the region, that will introduce you to his favorite vineyards, coffee stops, viewpoints, hotels and other secret spots.
