7 independent reviews for Hiking holiday in the Azores with thermal hotsprings
Reviews for Hiking holiday in the Azores with thermal hotsprings
Edwina Jones review 30 Aug 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We just loved the varied landscape. It is so beautiful, green and lush. The walks enabled us to experience this all across the island. Whale watching, which was an add on was a particular highlight. Another highlight was a visit to the tea plantation and factory where impressive British Victorian machinery was still operating at full capacity - don't think the guide quite understood why we were so enthused by the sight of it.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It was extremely busy in August and although we were very lucky with weather I would choose to go either earlier or later in the year another time. There were huge numbers of hire cars but being on guided tours we were able to access restaurants and other areas that tourists in hire cars were not able to go as booking was essential. Check the walking routes on an app as we had one to Lago do Fumo that was a slog up and down the volcano to a lake that looked better from the rim which we would have avoided had we but known how dull and how much hard walking it would be for so little reward. For the hot springs the changing facilities can be rudimentary so take a swimsuit that is easy to get on and off but definitely worth the effort at the end of a long walk. On the whole the walking was not difficult, but the high humidity can make it challenging at times and you need to take your time and carry plenty of water.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had three different guides across the week and mostly there was only 3 of us in the group and only 8 on one day. At least two of the guides were training to be teachers on the island and were guiding whilst on holiday. We also ate in several local restaurants as part of the guided tours which helps to provide employment and supports local agriculture and fishing. The whale watching supports research, local biologists and seamen.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday, with a very good small hotel from the 'Charming House' group in the centre of old Ponta Delgada as a base, informative guides who drove us around carefully to mostly really enjoyable walks and sites of interest. Rui, the agent who organised our itinerary was super helpful and really concerned that we got the most from our holiday.Gaetan Tardif review 13 Apr 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The food and the vistas. The Beehive tour was very enlightening.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It feels colder than the thermometer indicates in April because of the wind. Bring a wool hat. It will come handy up the mountain where a baseball cap will not stay put! Also, Ponta Delgada airport is a mess while under construction. Everything seems to be running an hour or two behind schedule and services are few.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To a certain extent. We did stay in larger hotels and that created a larger footprint and narrower sharing of wealth.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
8/10. The people were super friendly.Stephen Fisher review 12 Dec 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our guide was really very good and offered so much more than the itinerary we had been given. He gave us options and alternatives throughout the week. Thoroughly enjoyed our cozido meal in Furnas and the extra bike ride around Cete Cidades was a bonus!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The walks we did were not particularly long in distance but they required a certain level of fitness. We took walking boots but a decent pair of walking shoes would be fine. If you have time the half day food tour in Ponta Delgado is worth it, you get to hear a lot about local history and culture too.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used local guides, restaurants and companies during our stay. We visited local businesses such as potteries, tea plantation and pineapple farms. The guides were very aware of the environment and reported any concerns that they had such as blocked paths, polluted waterways.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous. A really good balance of activity and culture, came away with a good understanding of the island and its very interesting geography.Alice Martini review 5 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The views were wonderful everywhere. I remember particularly fondly the bath in the hot ocean waters in Ferraria.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do bring a rain jacket and take every occasion to bathe in spring and ocean waters. The hikes may seem short but they are perfect to not wear you out and allowing you to recharge. Don't miss o lagoa do fogo it's so wonderful up there.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Possibly, yes. All our guides were locals and the whale watching was organised by a company/charity that study cetaceans and employs local marine biologists.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing.Julie Williamson review 15 Dec 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Experiencing being in the wild Atlantic ocean, off the rugged north western coast, where warm volcanic waters meet the turbulent sea. Overall, the sheer variety of landscapes within a small and very accessible island is ideal for a week-long holiday.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you're an active and adventurous traveller, be clear about what options for activities are available to you at the time of year you are planning to visit so that you're not disappointed about not being able to do everything you would like to try e.g. given seasonal variations and availability.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were impressed at how much we learned about how local people live and work, their communities, culture and history. This is thanks to the knowledge and enthusiasm of our local guides who obviously enjoy meeting like-minded visitors! We felt comfortable that we were able to support the local economy through all our activities and spending. We were able to select our hotel in advance and were delighted with its central location, the comfort, ambience, atmosphere and facilities it offered.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We made a really good choice, thanks to the helpful brochure information and the knowledge that Responsible Travel provide good back-up support if ever needed. It's an excellent location providing interest and variety, combining lots of activity while still having time to be able to relax and wind down too.Rena Alekperova review 25 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Beautiful time getting to know the country through our interaction with Rodrigo and others. Great selection of a hotel and activities.. thank you Paulo and Carmen!Mandy Saunders review 2 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Absolutely everything we did, visiting the 3 main lakes Sete citades, Lagoa de fogo and Furnas, kayaking to ile franco de campo, coasteering , canyoning, whale watching and swimming with dolphins.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We combined 2 holidays, week one with fun activities and week two swimming with dolphins (3x) and whale watching. We had one trip of the swimming cancelled due to the weather but luckily all others went ahead.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The people on the island are very respectful of the island and sea, looking after and preserving what they have, it is at the heart of everything we did.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely amazing.Holiday Reviews
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