The lush island of Sao Miguel packs its best sights into well-crafted walking tours. In the main city of Ponta Delgada, evening food walks shine – you’ll sample fresh seafood, local cheese, and distinctive Azorean pastries while sipping regional wines.
The Sunday historic walk is especially worthwhile, combining the old town’s Portuguese architecture with a memorable volcanic-cooked meal. For nature lovers, private guided hikes to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo deliver the island’s most dramatic crater views, complete with scenic picnic stops. These intimate tours give you both exercise and cultural insights, making them my favorites for experiencing authentic island life. Let’s look at the top walking tours worth your time.
Good To Know
- The Ponta Delgada Foodie Walking Tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration of local wines, seafood, cheese, and pastries, with a 5.0 rating from travelers.
- The Ponta Delgada Sunday Walking Tour and Fine-Dining Experience includes a volcanic meal prepared by a top local chef and a 3.5-hour tour limited to 12 travelers.
- The Full Day Sete Cidades 4WD Tour with Walking and Typical Lunch provides a personalized experience with hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle, and local guide.
- The Private Walking Tour – Sete Cidades/Mata Do Canário offers an 11 km hike up and around the Sete Cidades Volcano rim, with a picnic lunch and transportation.
- The Private Walking Tour to Lagoa Do Fogo is a 1-hour private tour with hotel/port pickup and drop-off, suitable for most travelers.
Wine & Food Evening Walking Tour in Ponta Delgada
The Wine & Food Evening Walking Tour in Ponta Delgada invites visitors to discover the Azorean cuisine and local culture through a tasting experience in the capital of the Azores. Guests will join a small group and explore the city, sampling 100% Azorean products, including seafood, meat, cheese, charcuterie, and delectable pastries.
The tour also includes tastings of local wines, liqueurs, and a surprise beverage. Lasting around 2.5 hours and covering approximately 1.5 km, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems. With a 5.0 rating and 100% recommendation, this tour offers an in-depth look at Azorean culture through its celebrated cuisine and drinks.
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Sunday Walking Tour and Fine-Dining Experience in Ponta Delgada
On Sundays, visitors can embark on a walking tour and fine-dining experience in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel. The tour, with a 100% recommendation rate from travelers, takes participants through the city’s historic Portas da Cidade and picturesque streets.
Along the way, they’ll sample local foods, experience a tea tasting, and admire baroque architecture and art. The highlight is a volcanic meal prepared by a top local chef, featuring meat, seafood or fish, dessert, and drinks like Azorean beer or volcanic wines.
This 3.5-hour tour is limited to 12 travelers and starts at 10 AM, meeting at the Portas da Cidade.
Read our full review: Sunday Walking Tour and Fine-Dining Experience in Ponta Delgada Review
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Full Day Sete Cidades 4WD Tour Walking Typical Lunch PRIVATE
For a full-day adventure, visitors can embark on a private Sete Cidades 4WD tour that includes a walking component and a traditional Azorean lunch. Priced at $590.81 for up to 6 people, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a knowledgeable local guide.
The experience lasts for one day and isn’t recommended for travelers with back or heart problems. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start. This private tour ensures that only your group will participate, making it a personalized experience.
Read our full review: Full Day Sete Cidades 4WD Tour Walking Typical Lunch PRIVATE Review
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Full Day Lagoa Do Fogo Tour Walking Liquor Tasting PRIVATE
Visitors seeking a captivating full-day adventure can embark on the Lagoa do Fogo Tour, a private excursion that promises a blend of natural wonders, culture, and indulgent experiences. Accompanied by a local guide, guests will explore the breathtaking Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning crater lake, and visit the Caldeira Velha thermal pools.
The tour also includes a walking component and a liquor tasting, providing a well-rounded exploration of Sao Miguel’s natural and cultural treasures. With hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and a delectable lunch included, this tour offers a seamless and memorable experience for up to 6 participants.
Read our full review: Full Day Lagoa Do Fogo Tour Walking Liquor Tasting PRIVATE Review
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Private Walking Tour – Sete Cidades/Mata Do Canário
Guests embark on a private walking tour that showcases the captivating Sete Cidades Volcano and the lush Mata do Canário. The 11 km hike takes them up and around the volcanic rim to the island’s highest point, with a local guide providing commentary on the geological features, wildlife, and flora.
A picnic lunch is served during the descent, and the tour concludes with coffee and pastry. Transportation is provided, including hotel, port, and airport pickup and drop-off for those staying in Ponta Delgada.
The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions, and a moderate fitness level is required.
Read our full review: Private Walking Tour – Sete Cidades/Mata Do Canário Review
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Private Walking Tour to Lagoa Do Fogo
Travelers on the Private Walking Tour to Lagoa do Fogo will be treated to a captivating exploration of one of Sao Miguel’s most picturesque natural landscapes. The 1-hour private walking tour includes a local guide, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, and all entrance fees. Suitable for most travelers, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Guests can choose to meet at the preferred location or request pickup from their Ponta Delgada hotel, airport, marina, or cruise terminal. The tour starts at 9:00 am and has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior. Priced at $300.77 per group (up to 4 people), the tour offers a lowest price guarantee.
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Walking Tour Ribeira Funda – Praia Da Viola
The Walking Tour Ribeira Funda – Praia da Viola takes participants on a captivating journey through the natural landscapes of Sao Miguel. This guided tour includes a delicious lunch and covers all fees and taxes.
Travelers will be picked up from the meeting point at Picos de Aventura – Animação e Lazer and the tour ends back at the same location. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level.
Group size is limited to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. Travelers with certain medical conditions are advised to reconsider this tour.
Read our full review: Walking Tour Ribeira Funda – Praia Da Viola Review
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The Sum Up
Sao Miguel, the largest of the Azores islands, offers an array of captivating walking tours. From exploring the picturesque Ponta Delgada to discovering the stunning natural landscapes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, these tours provide an immersive experience of the island’s culture, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re seeking a wine and food adventure or a private nature-focused excursion, Sao Miguel’s walking tours cater to a variety of interests and preferences.