.jpg)
Açores
between Craters and the Sea
The Triangle Islands Trail – Azores Adventure is a 9-day experience across São Jorge, Faial and Pico — three islands shaped by volcanoes, cliffs and the rhythm of the Atlantic.
We begin in São Jorge, following trails that wind between steep green slopes and quiet fajãs by the sea. The days unfold at our own pace — running, walking, breathing, talking. Nights bring warm food, ocean air, and rest. In Faial, we cross ancient craters and black volcanic soil, finishing the day at Capelinhos, where the land meets the sea in silence. In Pico, we pause. Watch the whales pass through the channel. Walk through centuries-old vineyards. And slowly, step by step, make our way up the mountain that watches over all three islands.
Everything flows. The paths, the meals, the crossings. It’s a journey where the essentials are taken care of, so you can be fully present — in the movement, in the landscape, in each moment lived.
This is not just a trail running trip – it’s a deep connection with the rhythm of the islands, their stories, and their breathtaking landscapes. It’s a complete experience for nature lovers, explorers and those seeking a journey that goes beyond the ordinary.
9 days and 8 nights
100 kilometers
1.200 €
6 - 12 people
Included
-
8 nights (Hotel, guesthouses) – shared room basis
-
All breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch, 3 dinners
-
Whale Watching Tour (Pico Island)
-
Luggage transfer between accommodation
-
All transport needs in S. Jorge, Faial and Pico Islands; and boats between islands
-
Portuguese guide (English speaking), and local guides in all included activities
-
Basic Insurance during the Tour
Not included
-
International flights
-
Activities and visits not mentioned in the program
-
Meals not specified in Included
-
Upgrade in the basic insurance
-
Personal Expenses
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arriving in São Jorge
We meet in São Jorge — a wild, green island where cliffs fall into the sea. The journey begins with a welcome in an old adega, where the smell of wood, wine and local food set the tone. It’s the calm before the trail. Time to slow down, unpack the rush, and feel the island’s rhythm and get ready for the trails ahead!
Arrival at the hotel: Transfer from São Jorge Airport
Accommodation: Urzelina, São Jorge
Day 2 – From Topo to Fajã dos Vimes
Time to head up to the Trails in São Jorge! After a hearty breakfast, we start our journey to the East side of the Island, to the small village Topo. From there we drop the car and put our legs to work, crossing some of the most emblematic Fajãs, small plains (mostly farmable) originally created by lava or landslides that stand in the foot of coastal cliffs.
The steep descent works as an invitation to speed up the pace as we get closer to Fajã de São João, with some stunning stone little houses with the sea as a background. From there we keep going in a constant up and down, rolling until we get to Fajã dos Vimes, so we can finish our day in the neighbor Fajã. Now we just have to sit, rest and enjoy local specialties with Pico Mountain standing in front of us — a place of silence, weaving looms, and coffee grown by the ocean.
Distance: 20 km
Ascent: 1.060 m | Descent: 1.000 m
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Accommodation: Fajã dos Bodes, São Jorge
Day 3 - From Vimes to Santo Cristo
As a warmup, nothing better than a good jogging by the sea. That’s how we start one more day, leading the group to the top of the Dragon Island. We go up the stone stairs carved into the rock, under dense vegetation, so we can defeat this wall facing Pico Island and look over the other side. Open views to the other side — raw, remote, peaceful.
From there, we roam down the north slope of the island in one of the more acclaimed trails in the region, to get to the stunning Fajã of São Jorge, Santo Cristo, where we will rest body and mind. There, time slows down.
Distance: 16,5 km
Ascent: 950 m | Descent: 950 m
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Accommodation: Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, São Jorge
Day 4 – By the North Slope of São Jorge
Breakfast taken, strength recovered! We do our first kilometers by the sea in the dirt road that connects Santo Cristo and Fajã dos Cubres.
From there we climb and run through the mountain range that stands out in the central area of the island, approaching some of the highest points of São Jorge, before we start our descent to our destination. Wide views, open skies, and a long descent to Fajã do Ouvidor, where the sea invites us for a swim.
And we finish our circuit the best way possible, salt on our skin and enjoying a typical meal with the satisfaction of one more stage done.
Distance: 21 km
Ascent: 870 m | Descent: 860 m
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Accommodation: Urzelina, São Jorge
Day 5 – From Velas to Horta (Faial Island)
Today the pace changes. A break from the trail run! A boat takes us from São Jorge to Faial, so let’s sit back and enjoy.
Once installed in Horta we go out for a small hike in the hills that stand by the coast in the city.
Accommodation: Hotel, Horta
Day 6 – 10 volcanos’ Trail
Energy recovered, the car takes us to the center of the Island, the starting point of our route. A little over 1.000 meters high, the Caldeira do Faial receives us with the most impressive scenery.
From there we start our 20 kms journey of one of the most beautiful Trails in Azores, running and hiking through the 10 volcanos that exist in the fissure alignment of Capelo. It’s a path through fire and time — soft soil, black rocks, silent craters.
In Capelo Forest Park, a delicious typical picnic will be waiting for us, to strengthen our bodies for the ups and downs of the Trail that leads us to the giant Vulcão dos Capelinhos.
Distance: 21 km
Ascent: 970 m | Descent: 1.760 m
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Accommodation: Hotel, Horta
Day 7 – From Horta to Pico
Fascinated by the wonders of Faial, we go back to the sea and cross the canal that separates the Isalnd from Pico, the third and last island we will visit in this adventure. We use our break from the Trails to explore the Sea, look for whales and, with luck, observe some of the biggest living beings on the Planet.
This resting day is perfect for the challenge we will face the next day!
Accommodation: Madalena, Pico Island
Day 8 – Pico. From the Sea to the Mountain
The day starts with a slow jogging by the Sea, ideal to warm up for the uphill in front of us. At kilometer 3 we are interrupted by a succession of stone walls, stacked by hand by farmers, over the last centuries. We are in Lajido da Criação Velha, nominated in 2004 as World heritage of UNESCO.
After crossing the historic vineyard, our focus turns to the immense Mountain in front of us, the biggest one in Portugal, reaching the 2.351 meters high. Opposed to what you could expect, the uphill reveals itself smooth, with the dirt roads winding up the Mountain until we reach the hut. From there we have left the slow walk up to the top of Portugal, Pico Mountain.
From the top we share and remember all the memories we got from this adventure! Then we head back down to Madalena and toast to the amazing last days!
Distance: 31 km
Ascent: 2.410 m | Descent: 1.100 m
Duration: 6 to 8 hours
Accommodation: Madalena, Pico Island
Day 9 – Back Home
Today we head back home. Thank you for coming on this adventure with me!
See you in the next trip!