If you've read our article about the top 10 hiking trails in São Miguel, you already know we're big fans of hiking, and it's definitely one of the reasons we love this Azorean island.
Anyone visiting the Azores, especially São Miguel, knows that nature is the main draw, even if hiking might not be everyone's cup of tea when they come to the island.
That's why in this article, we're bringing you the easiest trails in São Miguel, suitable for anyone due to their simplicity and accessibility, especially great if you're traveling with kids. These trails are really straightforward and don't require a huge physical effort, although you might encounter a few inclines here and there.
So, whether you're a hiking enthusiast or not, don't miss out on this article about the easiest trails in São Miguel. Let's dive in!
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The EASIEST Trails in São Miguel, Azores – Contents:
1. Chá Gorreana Tea Plantation Trail, one of the most accessible in São Miguel
The PRC28 SMI trail, known as the Chá Gorreana Tea Plantation Trail, is one of the most popular on the island due to its accessibility and proximity to one of the island's main tourist attractions, the Gorreana Tea Factory.
If you've read our article about the top 10 hiking trails in São Miguel, you've probably seen this one listed. And why is that? Well, simply because not every day a person gets the chance to stroll through tea fields, especially for those of us living in Europe, so we consider it a must-do route on the island.
The Chá Gorreana Tea Plantation trail starts at the parking lot of this historic factory, from where you'll need to cross the main road to reach the extensive fields.
Officially, this circular route goes counterclockwise, starting with an uphill path through the beautiful tea plantations, leading up to forests of Japanese cedar.
Once you reach the highest point of the trail, you'll be treated to incredible views combining forests, grasslands, and tea plantations. But there's more! From up there, you'll also catch sight of the island's north coast.
Afterward, it's just a descent back to the factory. Along this stretch, if you hike during harvest season, you'll likely come across plantation workers.
Some tips for this trail:
We recommend doing this route in reverse, i.e., clockwise. We were advised to do it this way, and we can confirm it's the best way to appreciate the views as you descend. Otherwise, you'll find yourself constantly turning around to catch the incredible scenery you're leaving behind.
As you might guess, being an accessible trail close to the Gorreana Tea Factory, there's usually more people on it than usual. If you want to hike with fewer crowds, head out early in the morning.
And well, the truth is, this trail is also one of our favorites because it comes with a reward: relaxing at the Gorreana Factory and enjoying one of their delicious teas. We recommend the black tea, their specialty.
Trail Information:
Trail Profile: PRC28 SMI
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.4 km
Estimated Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Furnas Lagoon Trail, famous for its accessibility and tourist spots
The PRC06 SMI trail, which circles Furnas Lagoon, is one of the busiest in the Furnas area due to its accessibility and ease of hiking. In fact, it's highly recommended for families with kids or older individuals.
But this trail also draws many people for its incredible landscapes, especially around Furnas Lagoon, the star of this hike. But that's not all. Along this trail, you'll pass by several locations featured in our São Miguel guide, making it even more interesting as you can visit multiple must-see spots along one trail. What more could you ask for?
This circular route starts in the village of Furnas, at the parking lot right at the village entrance. From there, you'll find several signs guiding you through the village streets, passing by the famous Poça da Dona Beija Hot Springs, before continuing along a stretch of road that leads to the renowned Furnas Lagoon.
Once at Lagoa das Furnas, you'll pass by various points of interest, such as the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, until you reach the famous area of caldeiras and fumaroles on the north side of the lagoon. After enjoying the curious caldeiras area, you'll continue to one of São Miguel island's essential viewpoints, the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, where you'll be treated to unique views of the lagoon and the entire Furnas area.
Once you've enjoyed the views, all you have to do is head back to the village of Furnas and, why not, enjoy a tasty reward: eating a Cozido das Furnas cooked directly in the caldeiras. If you want to see our restaurant recommendations to try this delicious São Miguel typical dish, don't miss our suggestions about the village of Furnas.
By the way, nothing is perfect, and the truth is, this trail has a downside: it's a path where cars can also drive through. Although we don't believe you'll encounter a lot of vehicle traffic along the route, we do think this might take away some of the trail's charm.
Trail Information:
Trail Profile: PRC06 SMI
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 9.5 km
Estimated Time: 3 hours
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3. Pico das Camarinhas to Ponta da Ferraria Trail
The PRC43 SMI trail, from Pico das Camarinhas to Ponta da Ferraria, is also one of the easiest on São Miguel island. This short circular trail is perfect for discovering one of the main aquatic tourist attractions featured in our São Miguel guide: the thermal waters of Ponta da Ferraria.
Governo dos Açores Website (parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt)
But even though Ponta da Ferraria is the highlight of this route, it has much more to offer. The trail begins at the Ilha Sabrina viewpoint and continues its path until reaching Pico das Camarinhas, from where you can enjoy beautiful views stretching from Ponta da Ferraria to the village of Ginetes and Pico do Cavalo.
Then, you just have to descend the path until you reach the incredible lava cliff of Ferraria. If you've read our section about Ponta da Ferraria, you'll surely understand why this landscape is so impressive.
Following the trail, once you reach the base of the cliff, you'll get an even closer look at the stunning landscape of this area of São Miguel, characterized by its basaltic rocks. Truly, witnessing the ocean crashing against the volcanic coast will leave you in awe.
And as it couldn't be otherwise, this trail also has a spectacular reward: bathing in the natural pool of Ponta da Ferraria. Of course, afterward, you'll have to follow the trail back to return to the Ilha da Sabrina viewpoint, a stretch that will reward you with beautiful views.
Some tips for this trail:
If you want to enjoy a swim at Ponta da Ferraria during the hike, keep in mind that it's quite a popular spot, especially during the summer months. To avoid crowds, try to arrive early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
We also recommend checking the tide schedules at Ponta da Ferraria. If you visit these thermal waters during low tide, you'll enjoy them much more as there won't be as much wave action.
Although this advice might be useful for any trail on São Miguel island, we recommend being careful with the ground as it can be somewhat muddy if it has rained in the past few days.
Trail Information:
Trail Profile: PRC43 SMI
Type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 3.6 km
Estimated Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
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4. Quatro Fábricas da Luz Trail, a route steeped in history
The PR39 SMI trail, also known as the "Four Light Factories Trail", is another easy trail to explore on São Miguel island. In fact, we could have included it in our article about What to Do in Vila Franca do Campo since it's very close to the town of Vila Franca and provides a great experience for anyone looking to discover this area in the south of São Miguel island.
This linear route strikes us as particularly special because it offers the perfect blend of nature and history. Along this trail, you'll encounter places of great historical significance from the island's industrialization era, showcasing the beginnings of electricity production through renewable sources.
For us, the highlight of this trail from a historical perspective is the section that passes by the Fábrica da Cidade, two buildings in ruins next to the stream, and a little further on, you can see an old loading chamber and the ruins of the Fábrica da Vila.
But that's not all. This path runs very close to a stream and features some waterfalls where you can take a dip, such as the Cascata do Segredo. In fact, it's important to note that at some point along the trail, you'll have to get your feet wet at least, as you'll need to cross the stream. It's not too difficult, but it would be ideal to bring along a towel to dry off.
This accessible and easy trail is a fun adventure for anyone and offers learning opportunities as well. The ruins of the hydroelectric plants provide a somewhat intriguing atmosphere, adding an extra and original touch to this hike.
The views along the trail are beautiful, and if you're up for it, you can take a dip in the stream or the waterfalls you'll come across (just be warned, the water is quite cold).
Trail Information:
Trail Profile: PR39 SMI
Type: Linear
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.1 km
Estimated Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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5. Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades Trail, perfect for discovering two gems of the Azores
The PR03 SMI trail, which goes from the famous Vista do Rei viewpoint to the incredible Sete Cidades Lagoon, couldn't be missing from this selection of São Miguel's easiest routes. This linear route could be quite busy as it starts and ends at two of the most visited attractions on the island. However, we've never encountered huge crowds, perhaps because it has a "significant" distance (7.7 km round trip).
Regardless, we believe it's a great way to explore the Sete Cidades Lagoon and the best viewpoint to observe it. The route begins at Vista do Rei and follows the southwest slope of the Sete Cidades ridges, where you can observe the interior of the crater with its different lakes and volcanic formations.
When you reach the village of Sete Cidades, you'll have completed the trail, and all that's left is to retrace your steps and return to the viewpoint. But before you continue, we recommend taking a break in the village and grabbing a bite to eat at one of its bars, like São Nicolau bar.
Take this time to recharge because the beginning of the return journey is quite steep, although it gradually levels out as you progress, and the views will make you forget the effort, you'll see.
Trail Information:
Trail Profile: PR03 SMI
Type: Linear
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 7.7 km
Estimated Time: 2 hours
And that's it for our post about São Miguel's easiest routes, ideal for anyone due to their simplicity and accessibility.
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