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Tours

E-Bike Tour in Azores, Faial and Pico Islands

Duration 8 Days
Type Self Guided
distance 200 km
Lodging Comfort

Faial, the Blue, and Pico, the Black, are two of 9 islands of the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago of volcanic origin located in the North Atlantic midway between Europe and America.

During this cycling week, you will be amazed by the natural wonders and idyllic landscapes of these two islands. Savor the renowned white wine of Pico, indulge in fresh wild Atlantic fish, and relish the exceptional cheese from the neighboring island of São Jorge. These evergreen islands offer countless surprises. This tour is designed for electrically-assisted touring bikes. Enjoy the marvels of two around-the-island tours in one week!
The e-bike journey covers a total of 200 kilometers over 6 days on these two islands in a self-guided tour. All accommodations and ferry tickets are arranged for you, and your luggage will be transported from inn to inn. A dedicated service team is always available to support you throughout your trip.
Experience a week filled with incredible adventures on two of the Azores’ most spectacular islands. Discover sleeping volcanoes, lush jungle-like areas, historic villages, and towns. Explore the vineyards of Pico, a UNESCO World Heritage site, swim in secluded ocean rock pools, and embark on an exciting whale-watching tour. You will be staying in Nature Hotels and traditional Azorean Holiday Houses, ensuring a comfortable and authentic stay.

Daily Itinerary

Day 01
Arrival at Faial Island
You arrive on the island of Faial via one of the two daily flights from Lisbon or from Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores on São Miguel Island. We will be waiting for you at Horta Airport. A 30-minute drive brings you to a beautiful lodge on the north side of Faial Island.
Enjoy a welcome drink while you receive a comprehensive briefing for the self-guided tour, including detailed information, route notes, maps, navigation app instructions, and a bike fitting session.
Relax in the afternoon by the heated saltwater pool or savor a glass of Pico wine in the lounge. In the evening, you can indulge in culinary delicacies from the Azores. 
Briefing and Bike fit with a Portugal A2Z team member.
Overnight in Cedros, on Faial Island.
Day 02
Stage 1: Volcano of Capelinhos (43.1 km | 26.8 mi)
Today’s highlight is the Capelinhos volcano, which erupted in 1956/57. The route is a figure of eight, centered at km 6 after the first climb. You’ll ride through lush greenery to the almost desert-like volcano area and visit the Capelinhos Interpretation Center, ending with a view from the lighthouse.
Afterward, descend a packed dirt road 6 km along the ocean, with viewpoints and ending at Varadouro’s natural pools and harbor. Refreshments are available at Vista da Baía restaurant (closed Wednesdays) or at a seasonal pizzeria and snack bar.
Continue to Capelo Forest Park for a bike picnic and explore the open-air museum on island life. Nearby, the Capelo Handicraft Center features local crafts. The route returns to Cedros, climbing to 500 meters at km 35 before descending. 
Overnight in Cedros, on Faial Island.
Day 03
Stage 2: Caldeira of Faial & Horta (38.1 km | 23.7 mi)
Cycle up to the Caldeira of Faial, a 2.5 km wide and 400 m deep crater at nearly 1000 m altitude, a highlight of the Azores. The ascent is challenging, with a well-deserved break at the top offering panoramic views. After a steep climb to Cedros village, contour clockwise on a road overlooking the Atlantic, passing an old whale-watching post. Begin a steady 6 km climb to the Caldeira, starting on asphalt, then red dirt roads. The last section features 7 switchbacks with views and an asphalt road to the top, offering a stunning crater viewpoint.
Descend on a scenic asphalt road to Horta, stopping at a monument cross with a view of the city. Enter town from the east, crossing through an old commercial street. Climb to Monte Guia for views of Porto Pim Bay. Visit the whale museum at the base. 
Catch the ferry to Madalena, Pico Island. 
Check-in at your hotel across from the terminal. 
If you feel like riding during the afternoon to explore the area, you can do a loop and swim in the Natural Pool of Barca or Areia Funda, visit Quinta das Rosas, taste Pico wine at nearby wineries or simply relax with a drink at Cella Bar.
Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Overnight in Madalena.
Day 04
Stage 3: Pico Vineyards (35.7 km | 22.2 mi)
Today’s ride is easy and fantastic, taking you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Pico vineyards along the Atlantic coast, framed by basalt stone walls. Pass old winery villages and visit the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Interpretation Center in Lajido for an included wine tasting. Also in Lajido, explore the Volcanoes' House Interpretation Center to learn about the island’s volcanic formation.
In Arcos, swim in the natural pool and enjoy a snack at Café dos Arcos. Continue to São Roque de Pico for a lunch break at Clube Naval and visit the Museum of the Whale’s Industry.
After São Roque, tackle a long climb to the cliffs on the north side of Pico, offering stunning views of São Jorge from Prainha's viewpoint. Arrive in Prainha in the afternoon, where the sea pool offers a refreshing swim. 
Overnight in Prainha.
Day 05
Stage 4: Whalers Towns & Harbors (50.8 km | 31.6 mi)
Today’s route is the longest of your tour, ending in Lajes do Pico on the south side of the island. Expect some climbing, as the east coast is rugged. Start by reaching "Miradouro Alto" at 400 m, with scenic views of the sea and São Jorge Island. Enjoy a 10 km downhill to the eastern tip at Manhenha. Nearby, visit the "Ponta da Ilha" lighthouse.
Cycle through coastal landscapes to Calheta de Nesquim. Here, you can picnic with supplies from a local bar and supermarket, or visit the snack bar Saragaço by the Poça das Mujas natural pool.
Continue uphill along Pico’s cliffs, formed over 270 million years ago. Optionally detour to Ribeiras harbor to watch fishermen, but this will add distance and climbing. After another 12 km, you reach Lajes do Pico, passing through this whaling town. 
Along this final stretch, consider visiting the Ocean Arts and Science Center.
Overnight in Lajes do Pico.
Day 06
Whale Watching (9 km | 5.6 mi)
Today is easy but exciting. Join the whale watcher team from "Espaço Thalassa" for a detailed briefing and a 3-hour Zodiac excursion to spot dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and seabirds (April - October). Outside this period, explore Pico’s plateau with biologists from "Hominis Natura," discovering hidden freshwater lakes and volcanic landscapes. The rest of the day is free; if you wish, take a loop ride to explore the island's interior.
Overnight at Lajes do Pico.
Day 07
Stage 5: Below the Pico Volcano (38.8 km | 24.1 mi)
optional: + 19.4 km | 12.1 mi
After yesterday's "rest day," you have another linear route ahead, crossing back to Faial Island. You can choose to continue riding to your accommodation, making it the longest day. Begin along Pico's beautiful south coast, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the volcanic slopes of Pico.
Pass through small villages and natural pools like São Caetano, eventually reaching São Mateus for a snack break and possible battery recharge. Cycling through the UNESCO-protected Pico vineyards, surrounded by black basalt stone walls, offers a glimpse into the island's wine-growing tradition.
After 25 km, stop for lunch at “Parque dos Fogos” near Candelaria, surrounded by old wine cellars and distilleries. Then, continue for another 10 km to the vineyards of Madalena "Criação Velha," with a breathtaking view over the endless vineyards to Faial Island.
In the afternoon, take the ferry from Madalena back to Horta on Faial Island. 
If riding back to your accommodation at Cedros Velhos, there's another 19 km along Faial's southwest coast. You can charge your battery at the ferry terminal or on the boat.
Our team will assist with bike handover and transfer to the accommodation.
Overnight at Cedros Velhos.
Day 08
Departure
or extension of your journey

On the last day of this trip, it's up to you whether you prefer to relax at the accommodation for a few more days, explore other islands, or begin your journey back home.
Our team will be happy to take you to the airport or any other place on the island.
see all days

Dates & Prices

From 1629.00€​/person  |  Min. 2 participants

Single Supplement:
From: 315€

More Information

Included
 
  • 7 overnights at selected accommodations;
  • 7 Breakfasts at the hotel;
  • 5 days cycling;
  • Pick-up at the airport and transfer to Your accommodation on Faial Island;
  • Final transfer to the airport or any other place on Faial Island;
  • E-Bike Rental with pannier rack, pannier bag, lock and quick repair kit;
  • Overnight storage of the bikes;
  • App on your phone with maps, GPS tracks, and descriptions of stages;
  • Welcome drink, briefing and all A2Z self-guided tour information material;
  • Entrance to the Interpretation Center of Capelinhos on day 2;
  • Whale Watching Tour (3h) on day 6;
  • Luggage transport inn to inn;
  • 2 Lunchboxes (day 2 and 3);
  • 24 hours support line.

 
Not Included
 
  • Flights to Faial Island;
  • Personal equipment;
  • Other personal expenses;
  • Hotel city taxes;
  • Bike helmet;
  • Lunches;
  • Dinners;
  • Non-standard transfers;
  • Tips;
  • All items not mentioned in “ Included”.

 

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