This volcanic island is also known as 'Ilha Verde' (Green Island) due to its amazing and vast natural scenery, it is also the largest and most populated island in the Azores with around 133,000 people residing on land.

Portuguese navigators sighted and mapped the eastern islands of the Azores around 1427–1432 and an official settlement began around 1439. The original capital was Vila Franca do Campo on the southern coast but due to a devestating earthquake and landslide that buried much of the town, administrative control moved to Ponta Delgada, which became the official capital in 1546.

São Miguel was created by intense volcanic activity, formed over hundreds of thousands of years when three separate volcanic complexes (Nordeste in the east, Fogo in the center, and Sete Cidades in the west) erupted and eventually merged through lava flows and ash deposits.

Along the island and mostly on the hillsides you will find a lot of cedar tree forests surrounded by massive tree ferns, and thousands of blue and purple hydrangeas that bloom along roadsides from June to August.

Due to the islands varied volcanic movement, you will see lots of boiling mud pools, iron-rich thermal rivers, iron bath pools, and natural sea-water hot springs all across the island.

The food in the Azores is very characteristic to its region, using their geological advantages to make traditional and delicious meals. The most famous dish from the island is Cozido das Furnas - A traditional meat and vegetable stew cooked slowly underground in sealed pots using natural geothermal heat (takes 5–6 hours). You also have local food such as: Bolo Lêvedo, a slightly sweet flatbread originating from Furnas. The island is also known for its seafood, specifically their Lapas Grelhadas (grilled limpets) and their dairy, famous for butter, fresh and cured mountain cheeses.

• It'e one of the only islands with an international airport, guaranteeing the best and most accessible flights to fit your schedule.

• The best bike rental providers are here meaning that you will be able to choose the most comfortable bike for your trip.

• São Miguel hosts the best range of hotels and restaurants, stocked with the best traditional foods and stunning room views.

• Most importantly, it's stunningly beautiful and showcases the best of the Azores all in one place!

• It's big enough to spend a whole week exploring and still feel like you need to return to see the bits you missed!

You will be welcomed by a friendly member of our team at the airport at Ponta Delgada, and then taken to the hotel in Ribeira Grande. Here we will give an orientation briefing and complete your bike set up to make sure you are all set for the adventure that awaits.

Image: Portas de Cidade, Ponta Delgada

Airport to Hotel transfer: 20 mins

With stunning views, delicious food, plenty of space for bike set-up, this is a great place to start your tour. Take a moment to relax in the infinity pool and savour the experience that's about to begin...

We will do an easy spin along the coastline near Ribeira grande overlooking the wild Atlantic coast almost the entire way.

Stops: 17km Cafe: Bar dos Poços, 28km Rabo de Peixe for lunch.

Stops: 24km Cafe: 4 Platanos, 42km Rabo de Peixe for lunch.

Stops:

We will finish our ride in Rabo de Peixe for a fresh fish lunch.

The cascata 'Salto do Cabrito' is a 40 meter tall waterfall hidden away in a volcanic ravine. The pool at the base of the waterfall is accessible for a cool freshwater swim! The trail is an immersive journey through São Miguel’s geothermal landscapes, starting at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, the route goes past steaming fumarolas, metal walkways suspended over water conduits and dense woodland. This hike is a perfect exploration of all the island has best!

We will leave Ribeira Grande in a vehicle and drive to Ponta Delgada for our whale watching experience.

We will have a light lunch here before catching our boat.

We will then go on a once in a life time whale-watching experience.

Your adventure begins with a short introduction from the expert marine guides, who will explain the fascinating world of the whales and dolphins that inhabit the waters of the Azores. You will learn about the species that can be encountered throughout the year, their behaviour, communication and migration patterns, as well as important safety guidelines for your time at sea.

You will then board a fast boat with your skipper and guide and head out into the Atlantic in search of marine life. From land-based lookout points high on the coastline, experienced spotters help locate whales and dolphins and guide the boats via radio to their position. The Azores are one of the best places in the world to observe cetaceans, with resident sperm whales, several dolphin species and a rich diversity of marine wildlife. As you approach these incredible animals respectfully, your guide will share further insights, collect research observations and be on hand to answer any questions throughout the experience.

In the morning we will start with visit the tea plantations close to Ribeira Grande are some of the oldest in Europe.

We will cycle east today, thought the heart of the Island, and finish at Furnas, where we will lunch and visit the hotsprings on foot.

Stops: Gorreana Cha Plantation

Stops:

We will finish our ride at this fanatastic café in Furnas before checking into the hotel.

Enjoy a couple of hours bathing in these incredible natural thermal springs. Tickets are included in the price of your trip.

The Vista do Vale Hotel is situated in the picturesque Furnas valley. Surrounded by lush greenery and geothermal springs, it is a serence and tranquil place to relax.

Enjoy stunning mountain views, wellness-focused services, and a blend of traditional Azorean architecture with modern comforts.

We will do a shorter loop from the hotel with a relaxed start so that we have the afternoon to relax and take in the scenery in the town of Furnas.

The loop will take in the famous 'Caldeiras' that are on the outskirts of the town where the famous 'Cozidos' stew is cooked.

Those that would like a day off the bike, we recommend the hike around the lake only - it takes around 2hrs, starting and finishing at the hotsprings.

For those wanting an easier day, there are various shorter versions of this ride too.

Advanced road riders looking for a challenging and epic day out on the bike!

We recommend an afternoon relaxing at the hotel or nearby.

What to see:

• The caldeiras in the town centre

• There are a number of beautiful gardens - Jardim da Alameda (free) and Parque Terra Nostra (€17 entry)

We cannot stay in Furnas without experiencing the Cozido de Furnas - a dish cooked with the heat of the earth itself!

Today you will ride west along the southern coasline, with incredible views of the Atlantic all the way.
You will have a fun descent to start the day, and finish in Ponta Delgada where we will stop just before the finish with a pineapple plantation tour.

Stops: @20km Queijadas do Morgado in Vila Franca do Campo (en route)
@45km Pineapple Plantation for a snack...

Lunch: At finish

Stops: @20km Queijadas do Morgado in Vila Franca do Campo (en route)
@45km Pineapple Plantation for a snack...

Lunch: At finish

There will be longer version. ofthe transfer ride for those that want it!

We will finish our ride at Cais de Sardinha for a fish lunch in the harbour.

The Mercure Ponta Delgada Azores in the vibrant heart of Ponta Delgada offers an outdoor pool and wellness center. The on-site restaurant provides delicious local food too.

We will leave this afternoon free for exploring, relaxing or we can organise something together for the group.

Today we will ride out straight to one of the most beautiful areas of the whole island - Sete Cidades.

A bright blue lake in a crater, surrounded by magical lush forest, this will be an unforgettable ride.

Stops: Van for drinks and snacks as there are no cafés on the way where we will want to ride.
Lunch: We will finish in the town centre for lunch.

Stops:

We will eat together in one of the great local restaurants in Ponta Delgada.

We will be sorry to see you leave!

You will be taken to the airport in Ponta Delgada in time for your return flight.

June is one of the best months to visit the Azores, offering warm, comfortable conditions and long daylight hours.

Daytime temperatures typically range between 21-23°C, while the Atlantic Ocean remains wonderfully mild, often around 19-20°C.

The landscape is lush and green, hydrangeas line the roads in many areas, and the clear summer conditions often provide spectacular views across the coastline and volcanic landscapes.

However, you will need to embrace the nature of a tropical island climate! Weather can be very changeable. The rain may pour for 30 minutes, to be followed by hours of sunshine. This is all part of the Azorean experience - warm and lush - and this is what makes the landscape and the vegetation so special.

Bring a jacket!

To see the best of the island, you must be prepared to climb!

Each day, you will have a choice of routes so you can ride according to your energy levels and ability, but if you're not comfortable with climbing, we recommend hiring an e-bike for this tour.

The Azores is an awesome place to get off the road, whatever your technical ability and experience.

Wide, sweeping gravel tracks, cobbled streets and small backroads provide great terrain for the novice gravel rider. If you are more advanced, there is an extensive network of trails just waiting to be explored.

Don't forget that the Azores is mountainous! So whilst the riding is not technical, a reasonable level of fitness is required for you to enjoy the climbs.

E-MTB and e-Gravel bike hire is available on the island.

If you're a roadie, you can expect some spectacular days out here, on beautiful roads lined with hydrangeas, and views over the sea.

A road bike will allow also you to explore further than on a gravel bike or MTB.

Be aware that some of the smoothest roads do experience some traffic, but we will do our best to ride at quieter times of day. We recommend road riding for intermediate and advanced riders only due to the nature of the terrain on the island.

E-road bikes are not available. If you have any questions about your choice of bike for this tour, please get in touch and we would be more than happy to talk it through.

6 evening meals are included in this trip, we will recommend and organise restaurants for you to enjoy.

We support small, local cafes and restaurants, and eating where you can ‘how the locals do’.

All dietary requirements will be happily catered for – just let us know what you require, or what your likes or dislikes are.

1 night (the penultimate evening) we will leave you free to explore Ponta Delgada by yourselves.

Your hotels are handpicked to ensure that they complement your experience of the Azores.

• Bike*

• Inner tube, hand pump, levers*

• Pedals*

• Helmet*

• Cycling shoes

• Powermeter/Di2/Sram batteries/Garmin chargers as appropriate

• Sunglasses (including clear lenses if you have them)

• Cycling gloves

• Cycling rain jacket (essential - see above)

• Saddle (All of our hire bikes are equipped with a saddle, of course. However, we recommend that you bring your own if it is comfortable for you rather than spending a week sitting on a saddle that may not be suitable for you.)

• Suitcase

• Bib shorts, jersey, gilet, socks (for 8 days)

• Arm/leg warmers

• Rain/wind vest

• Base-layer (depending on season)

• Chamois Cream

• Rear bike light

• Water bottles x 2 (we have bottles available to purchase).

• Garmin/Wahoo and mount

• Energy bars/snacks that you particularly like!

• If you have hired a bike you can ignore the highlighted items

• Regular clothes and light jacket or jumper for evening

• Swimsuit (avoid pale colours, as the minerals in the hot springs can cause discolouration)

• Hiking boots or trainers

• Hiking clothes, including waterproofs

• Evening shoes / sandals

• Passport (Check expiry date)

• Travel Insurance

• Small day bag (accessible for you in the van during rides, and for the hikes)

• Sun protection

• USB charger

• First aid kit

• Toiletries, don’t forget contact lenses!

• Credit/debit card

• Medications and prescriptions

• Power adapter

• Mobile + charger

• Ear plugs / eye mask

• Powerbank
  
  *Ignore if you have rented a bike

Paradise Cycling Tours Unipessoal LDA

Bairro da Boavista 6
8100-016 Alte
Portugal
NIPC 517913704
RNVAT 11760

Contact:
Fiona Hunter Johnston +351 931325694

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