Azores Bike Tour

Welcome to São Miguel, the largest of the lush islands that comprise the Azorean archipelago. Your home base: the Grand Hotel Açores Atlantico, one of the most iconic properties in Ponta Delgada. Celebrated for its prime location, the hotel is close to the island’s old town and faces the marina—which means ocean views to lull you to sleep tonight. Get settled, explore the historic center of town at your leisure, and start tomorrow’s bike tour completely refreshed. In the morning, enjoy an included breakfast before your bike tour begins right at the hotel. Pricing is based on double occupancy. The amount listed is the starting price.

Inclusions: Hotel, Breakfast
Accommodations: Grand Hotel Açores Atlantico
Price per person in double occupancy: $200
Price in single occupancy: $300

To reserve call +1 888 396 5383

Your guides will greet you at the pre-tour hotel in Ponta Delgada. We’ll begin with a bike fitting and safety review, then 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 a light brunch, we’ll set our bikes aside and board a boat in search of dolphins. If we’re lucky, we may even spot a sperm whale; our local guide is a marine biologist who sheds light on these aquatic residents of the Atlantic (and a few visiting species, too). Back on dry land, we’ll transfer or finish riding to our first hotel, a sleek property in the volcanic village of Furnas. Tonight, we’ll take it easy with dinner together at our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Ponta Delgada, Vila Franca do Campo, Furnas
Accomplished: 16 miles / 25 km, elevation gain: 1,401 feet / 427 meters
Longer Option: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 3,273 feet / 998 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 short hike around the volcanic caldera of Furnas. Trek past gurgling springs of steaming hot water and Furnas Lake before finishing at the steaming fumaroles—a preview of our lunch. Since the theme of the day is all things volcanic, our midday meal in the local village is São Miguel’s most famous dish: Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked by volcanic steam in an underground oven. For those who want get back on the bike today, take an optional spin around the volcano, or spend the rest of the afternoon soaking in the thermal lake at the Terra Nostra botanic gardens. Tonight’s dinner is a nourishing feast of locally caught seafood and vibrant salads at a family-run restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Furnas
Accomplished: 2.5 miles / 4 km hiking
Longer Option: 22 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 2,375 feet / 724 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: 44 miles / 71 km, elevation gain: 4,356 feet / 1,328 meters
Shorter Option: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,647 feet / 807 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, and crops like pineapples, passionfruit, tobacco, and tea also thrived. This morning, we’ll take a short transfer to see one of the island’s “new” trades: one of Europe’s only tea plantations. The Mota family has been growing black and green tea on volcanic island terraces since 1883, and our visit includes both a fascinating history lesson and a refreshing cup of tea. Start riding west along the coast, passing through fishing villages en route to a lunch of chicken in piri-piri sauce. We’ll cross from the north side of the island to the south and check in to our next hotel with time for poolside cocktails or an afternoon massage. This evening, meet our friend and sommelier Joao for a masterclass in Azorean wines. An organic feast of island-grown vegetables and locally caught sushi follows.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Ribeira Grande, Rabo de Peixe
Accomplished: 35 miles / 56 km, elevation gain: 2,630 feet / 801 meters
Longer Option: 43 miles / 70 km, elevation gain: 3,723 feet / 1,135 meters
Accommodations: Sensi or Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort

Today’s route starts with Sete Cidades, the island’s enigmatic volcano which derives its name from a folk story about star-crossed lovers. Start riding from the hotel before a steady climb up its southern slope until we reach the Vista do Rei, a lookout point with magnificent views of the lakes and village below. Descend into Sete Cidades for a coffee break, then choose to catch a lift back to the hotel or spend your last full day in the saddle. For those who wish to keep riding, we’ll climb to the top of the crater for some spectacular ocean views, followed by a glorious downhill that brings us along the coastal road. This picture-perfect ride finishes at our hotel with a light lunch. Tonight we meet for an apéritif heading to a restaurant lovingly adorned with antiques from the owners’ past life in Macao. Our memorable final meal features sustainable and locally sourced ingredients paired thoughtfully with wines from the Azorean island of Pico.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Sete Cidades, Ginetes
Accomplished: 23 miles / 38 km, elevation gain: 2,568 feet / 783 meters
Shorter Option: 16 miles / 26 km, elevation gain: 2,020 feet / 616 meters
Accommodations: Sensi or Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort

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