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Azores: The Eco Wonderland

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Description
Be mystified by this hidden beauty in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores Islands. This slice of heaven will welcome you with its lush rolling green hills, black-stone cliffs, sustainable farm land, fresh clean air, volcanos, breathtaking lakes, winding roads that lead you to natural hot springs and so much more!

In recent years, the Azores was named the most sustainable tourism destination in the world. It's quite impressive to see how this tiny set of islands can prioritize conservation of its land over tourist dollars! We're excited for you to experience this wonderland and advocate for sustainable tourism globally.

Located in the center of the Atlantic, this archipelago is formed by 9 islands. Your destiny will be São Miguel. The island was settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century, in the year 1427, by the Portuguese explorer Diogo de Silves. The privileged location allowed São Miguel island to expand rapidly, though production of wheat that was exported to Portuguese garrisons in North Africa, as well as sugar cane. Orange production and its exportation to the English market is what brought the island so much wealth. And now, they produce pineapples on the island which take over 2 years to grow!

On this adventure you will get to explore the island with our local host, Jorge. He has been working in tourism on the island since he was 14 and he can't wait to show you his side of São Miguel. The off the beaten path side that will hopefully get you in touch with your inner nature self. You'll experience amazing flora, feel the energy from the active volcanos and nature, taste amazing gastronomy, admire beautiful lagoons and more.

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival, you will be collected at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. Here you'll be welcomed by your weekend host.

Day 2

Morning
Sete Cidades Volcano - 2 hours hike and the most beautiful view of the Island!
Afternoon
Sete Cidades Volcano - Lunch (included) in a local restaurant; visit to a local church and the western point of the island: Mosteiros town.
Evening
Free time

Day 3
Morning
Valley of Furnas by the south coast - hike in Lagoa das Furnas.
Afternoon
Lunch (included) - local cozido or a picnic around the lake; Furnas, local rituals with hot waters, and Terra Nostra garden for a handpan concert.
Evening
To finish the day a cup of tea or a glass of wine during the sunset.

Day 4
Morning
According to the weather: relaxing massage and thermal bath or coasteering or canyoning.
Afternoon
Lunch by the ocean (included); short hike to waterfalls.
Evening
Departure, flights back to Lisbon.

What's Included
- 3 night accommodation in shared or private room
- Food - Breakfast
- Food - Lunch
- Entrance Fee / Tickets
- Local Guide
- Ground Transportation - Once you arrive to São Miguel

What's Not Included
- Extra Food
- Extra Drinks
- Air Transportation - Return flight (Lisbon-Azores, Azores-Lisbon)
- Ground Transportation - To / from Lisbon Airport

Things You Should Know
- Weather dependent: The Azores is a wildly beautiful destination, but due to its location, we are subject to unpredictable weather conditions. Always be prepared with a rain jacket. It is common groups will have different experiences depending on weather conditions and necessity to change plans last minute.
- Accommodations: Shared bedroom can be two twin beds or combined double bed at your request. The hotel resort is absolutely stunning and you might never want leave. It is located in the town of Caloura on the cliffs overlooking the sea. You may be roomed with another Remote from the opposite sex. If you have specific rooming requests, please be sure to book with a friend or choose the private room option.

Host Introduction
Jorge is a tour guide, handpan musician and an natural enthusiastic. Lisa is a psychologist, meditation instructor and wellness events planner. In 2014, together they have created a project exclusively dedicated to the promotion of awareness and well-being on the island of São Miguel, Azores, as a privileged destination of pure connection with nature.

Minimum To Operate
4 people

Maximum Capacity
14 people

Deadline To Book
7 days prior to the start of the experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Nation Reviews

Definitely a highlight of the Remote Year program!

The Azores is a magical place but the highlight was having our fantastic guide Jorge who was not only extremely knowledgeable but also a delight to spend time with. Definitely a highlight of the remote year program!

An Incredible Trip to the Azores

It is very difficult to describe just how fantastic this trip was. I was immediately struck by the peacefulness of the island (Sao Miguel). Our guide, Lisa, kept us busy but never hurried. We saw the natural beauty of the area at pace perfect to absorb the surroundings. The natural variety of the island surprised me. The group kept commenting that parts reminded us of Hawaii or Mexico or Ireland or Scotland. So much variety! The food was amazing everywhere we went. The Azores where the highlight of my time in Portugal. Considering Portugal is stunning pretty much everywhere, that is saying a lot!

All the majesty

Majestic. Ethereal. Vibrant. Peaceful. Harmonious. All the words that come to mind when reflecting on my time in the Azores. There is a spiritual essence to this place that must be experienced in person. Videos and photos capture some of it, but you must visit. Our guide, Lisa, was exceptional. I am a better person because of her in our short weekend together. She showed us so much of the island, organized great dining options, comforted us during a rainforest rainstorm (yep, it happened!). The food, the sights, the glory of the island - whew, it gives me chills thinking about it.

Our city guide, Bernardo, recommended this place and it was ALL THAT + MORE! I would strongly suggest you visit!

Great guide and setting

Jorge, our guide, was such an enjoyable person to be with. I really enjoyed the trip.
The views from the crater were breathtaking (as you can see in the sample images) but do note your experience can vary depending on the weather.

Great experience!

One of the better side trips that Remote Year has available. Not only is the island just beautiful but our guide, Jorge, was extremely knowledgeable, accommodating, and generally a solid guy to be with for the weekend. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Lisbon/Portugal.