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HALF DAY
FAIAL ISLAND – CALDEIRA AND THE VOLCANO OF CAPELINHOS
Departure
the quay side and drive to the belvedere at Espalamaca, from where there
is a splendid outlook towards the Port and the charming old town of Horta.
Then drive up 3,000 feet to the centre of the Island to inspect a vast volcanic
crater known as “Caldeira”, over a mile in diameter and 1,200 feet deep,
surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. Continuing westward, we pass the typical
Azorean villages of Ribeira Funda, Praia do Norte and Norte
Pequeno, from where there is a magnificent view of Capelinhos, the
Volcano which rose from the sea in 1957. The Volcano is now extinct, but it’s
possible to see the effects of that devastating eruption. The tour returns
along the south coast of this hydrangea-filled, windmill-dotted Island, through
Capelo and Castelo Branco back to Horta.
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HALF DAY COSTAL HIKE FROM CAPELINHOS TO VARADOURO
Duration: 2,5 hours
Distance: 7Km / 5 miles
Requirements: Good sport shoes or boots, protection against rain and sun
Difficulty: easy
Departure by bus. Drive along the south coast of the island to Capelinhos volcano, which emerged from the sea in an eruption which occurred in 1957/58 and lasted for 14 months. After looking at the new land created by the volcanic activity, walk past the ruins of houses, which are now covered by volcanic ashes. After we will pass a former whaling port walk on an unpaved road along the coast. After a while get to the new lighthouse which was built to substitute the one destroyed by the eruption. On the way to Varadouro, our walk will pass several spots that provide nice views over the sea. Finally we arrive at the bay of Varadouro with its swimming pools at the coast made out of black volcanic stones. There used to be a spa and still today it is a popular spot for summerhouses due to its mild climate, which also allows wine – growing. Go back to Horta by bus.
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HALF DAY FIRE LAKE AND RIBEIRA GRANDE
On this tour drive through Ponta Delgada towards North - East along the pleasant roads bordering agricultural areas stretching across the island to the small town of Ribeira Grande. Ribeira Grande is the oldest and largest city on the north coast and has the feeling of Portuguese influence. Continue along mountain roads to the summit of Pico da Barrosa Mountain, where you will see fine views of the Fire Lake, said to be one of the most beautiful of the island's lakes. On the way to Ponta Delgada, we can overlook the western part of the Island with over a 100 small volcanoes. The return to Ponta Delgada will be made via the new road, descending towards Remédios in the south and via Lagoa. Before reaching Ponta Delgada, a visit to a Pineapple Plantation will also be made. Return to the Pier.
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HALF DAY LAKES AND VILLAGE OF SETE CIDADES
The entire region of Sete Cidades is dominated by the impressive Caldeira of Sete Cidades, which with its 12km diameter, is the most spectacular volcanic scene in the Azores. Under the View point of Vista do Rei from which King Carlos I of Portugal contemplated this impressive panorama in 1901, there lie 2 volcanic lakes, the Green and the Blue Lakes, separated by a narrow bridge. Together the two lakes have an area of 482 hectares, and they are 19 meters deep at their greatest depth.
On the shores of the Blue Lake is the village of Sete Cidades, enigmatic as its own name (Seven Cities) and surrounded by the dark forest covered walls of the Caldeira. In this tour there is the opportunity to see the lakes not only from the highest point but also to admire at close quarters. On the way back to Ponta Delgada we will find Santiago Lake which is unique in its style. Return to the Pier.
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