Azores Bike Tour

Our guides will greet you at the pre-tour hotel in Ponta Delgada and conduct a bike fitting and safety review before our first ride: head out of the city on a bike path that follows the shoreline to Vila Franca do Campo. The town of Vila Franca was the original capital of São Miguel until it was destroyed by an earthquake (and subsequent landslide) in 1522—today, it’s prospering once again thanks to banana plantations and the fishing industry. After lunch, continue riding or catch a lift in the van to our first hotel nestled in the volcanic village of Furnas. Tonight, we dine together at the hotel’s restaurant.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Ponta Delgada, Vila Franca do Campo, Furnas
Accomplished: 16 miles / 26 km, elevation gain: 1,253 feet / 382 meters
Longer Option: 29 miles / 47 km, elevation gain: 3,044 feet / 928 meters
Accommodations: Octant Furnas

After a breakfast of island-grown fruit, Azorean tea, and bolo levedo (an airy Azorean muffin) we’ll be properly fueled for a spin around the volcanic caldera of Furnas. From there, our ride continues along a winding road to Ribiera Quente, a quaint fishing village framed by verdant mountains. After a delicious seafood lunch, visit the town’s black sand beach, where the ocean is naturally heated by underwater thermal springs. Hop in the van or tackle the short climb back to the hotel, then spend the rest of the afternoon at the spa. Tonight’s dinner is a very special one: we’ll dine in a 19th-century chalet overlooking the Ribeira Amarela, where the chef will share how the island’s geothermal elements shape local culinary traditions.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Furnas
Accomplished: 27 miles / 44 km, elevation gain: 2,610 feet / 796 meters
Longer Option: 32 miles / 51 km, elevation gain: 3,351 feet / 1,021 meters
Accommodations: Octant Furnas

This morning, begin riding from the hotel or transfer to a starting point further down the road—either way, we’re embarking on an epic loop ride along the island’s eastern coastline. Described by DuViners as one of the most beautiful rides of their lives, the roads are lined with subtropical forests, blooming azaleas, blue hydrangeas, and fragrant Belladonna lilies. We’ll pass the waterfalls at Caldeirões Natural Park and pause at lookout points over the Atlantic, imagining the 15th-century sailors who also gazed eastward towards mainland Portugal. Weather permitting, break for a picnic lunch prepared by your guides. Hop in the van after lunch or keep riding right to the mouth of the volcano and into the caldera before looping back to the hotel. This evening, dine on your own in the village of Furnas—our guides can readily recommend a few favorite restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Furnas, Provoação, Nordeste, Achadinha
Accomplished: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,696 feet / 822 meters
Longer Option: 56 miles / 90 km, elevation gain: 6,485 feet / 1,977 meters
Accommodations: Octant Furnas

First planted on São Miguel in the 16th century, oranges were the island’s principal export until 1842 when a blight wiped out the industry. It was a watershed moment that led to economic reinvention: dairy farming became a new mainstay, while crops like pineapples, passionfruit, tobacco, and tea were introduced. This morning, we’ll take a short transfer to the Porto Formosa Tea Factory, one of only two commercial tea plantations in all of Europe. After a fascinating history lesson, enjoy a refreshing cup of tea on the veranda overlooking the tea fields, the Atlantic Ocean stretching into the distance. From there, start riding west along the coast, passing through fishing villages en route to lunch. Our next hotel is a boutique eco-resort set on a bluff above the island’s best volcanic-sand beach. This evening, we meet our friend and sommelier João for a masterclass in Azorean wines and dine on an organic feast.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Ribeira Grande, Fenais da Luz, Mosteiros
Accomplished: 10 miles / 16 km, elevation gain: 731 feet / 223 meters
Longer Option: 20 miles / 33 km, elevation gain: 1,896 feet / 578 meters
Accommodations: Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort or Sensi Azores

Today’s route is all about Sete Cidades, the island’s enigmatic volcano, which derives its name from a folk story about star-crossed lovers. A short transfer brings us to the starting point for our ride, where we begin with a steady climb up the volcano’s southern slope. Our destination is Vista do Rei—a lookout point with magnificent views of the caldera’s twin lakes, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). Descend into the village of Sete Cidades for a coffee break, then climb to the top of the crater, soaking up a spectacular island panorama followed by a glorious downhill along the coastal road. This picture-perfect ride finishes back at our hotel, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool or head to the beach for a refreshing swim. Tonight, we meet for an apéritif before a memorable final dinner at our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Sete Cidades, Bretanha
Accomplished: 34 miles / 56 km, elevation gain: 3,018 feet / 920 meters
Longer Option: 54 miles / 87 km, elevation gain: 4,447 feet / 1,355 meters
Accommodations: Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort or Sensi Azores

Your guides will transfer you back to the island capital of Ponta Delgada. You may wish to stay a little longer in order to experience São Miguel a few other ways—perhaps diving, hiking, or golfing.

Meals: Breakfast