AZORES ROAD + GRAVEL CYCLING TOUR
A 6-Day, 7-Night Island Paradise Tour
19th – 26th June 2027
Guided tour? ✅
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AZORES BIKE TOUR – AT A GLANCE
Bike Type: Road or Gravel
Number of riding days: 6
Tour Type: Guided
Airport: Ponta Delgada
Km / day: 31-82km
Elevation gain / day: 350-2100m
Overall Difficulty: Intermediate
Accommodation: Fabulous 3-4* Hotels
Limited spaces available!
Discover our brand new Island Paradise Azores Bike Tour
Experience the Azores on two wheels from €2,150! Don’t miss this unique guided Azores bike tour, new for 2027, with options for both road cycling and gravel.
Over 6 days, you will ride around volcanic crater lakes, through terraces of tea plantations, and bathe in natural thermal springs. This tour takes place on the island of São Miguel, the largest of the islands with the greatest array of sights to explore. Bikes can be rented here, including e-bikes, so no stress about bringing your own! You will stay in three different destinations: Riberia Grande on the north coast to start, the town of Furnas (home to the hotsprings) in the east of the island, and finally the capital of Ponta Delgada, on the south coast.
The Azores archipelago have been part of Portuguese history since the 15th Century, when they were sighted by Diogo de Silves. Their location in the Atlantic has made them a hub for maritime trade as well as a strategic base during times of conflict. The diversity of settlers arriving in the island over the centuries has contributed to a distinct Azorean identity, deeply influenced by the sea and maritime traditions.
The islands exist due to the interesection of three tectonic plates; the Eurasian, African and North American. As a result, the landscape is volcanic, with deep lakes and steep mountainsides, forested with lush vegetation, and various thermal springs, which you will visit on this tour! Furthermore, the Azores is a premier destination for wildlife in the Atlantic, with over 28 species of cetacean including fin, blue and sperm whales! Its also a vital stopping point for migratory birds and fish, and hosts loggerhead turtles, the Portuguese man o’ war, and various endemic species such as the stunning Azores bullfinch.
Cycling truly is a paradise here! This Azores bike tour is something very special, have a look through the full itinerary to see whats in store.
How challenging is the Azores Road + Gravel Tour?
The mountainous landscape on the island means that this tour is most suitable for riders with a good base level of fitness, comfortable with climbing and with being in the saddle for 4+ hours a day. You should expect some long climbs, and a few steep ones too!
E-Bikes are available for this tour.
What is the terrain like in the Azores?
Off-road, you can expect wide gravel tracks (many of which a vehicle could also drive), as well as fun little backroads and cobbled streets.
On the roads, you will find mostly smooth tarmac, lined with flowers.
Terrain is hilly, but we will choose routes that are customised to the riders in every group.
What sort of bike is best for me?
We will provide routes each day for road and off-road riding, and each discipline will have a choice so you can ride according to your energy levels and ability.
Both the road and off-road riding is spectacular, but for less experienced riders, we recommend gravel. This is because of the fantastic range of easy, non-technical tracks which allow you to explore the island away from the traffic,
Scroll down to read more about the different options below.
Why São Miguel Island?
Its the only island with an international airport, and the best bike rental provider is here. It hosts the best range of hotels and restaurants, but most importantly, it’s stunningly beautiful and showcases the best of the Azores all in one place!
What levels of support do you provide?
This guided tour includes luggage transfers and a support vehicle for nutrition and mechanical assistance. Each group will also have a friendly, English-speaking guide who will be familiar with the terrain and be prepared to assist with any immediate issues.
If you are interested in riding this trip as a self-guided tour, please get in touch via our contact form and we would love to put it together for you!
What type of scenery can I expect in the Azores?
The scenery on São Miguel is just incredible – lush and tropical. On this tour you will ride on the rim of crater lakes, through terraces of tea plantations, and atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic ocean.
You will also have the chance to watch whales from the sea, and visit the stunning hotsprings of Furnas.
Are the roads safe on the Azores?
Yes, the roads we ride on São Miguel are generally very safe for cycling, with many sections having just light traffic. We hate traffic just as much as you do – we stick where ever possible to small backroads, and if on gravel – the best smooth gravel tracks we can find. (We don’t like hike-a-bike either!)
Are bikes are available for rental on the island?
Yes! Bike hire is available from our partners on São Miguel. You can check out the options in the bike rental overview page of the itinerary. Note that e-road bikes are not available. So, if you wish to ride on the road, you should be an intermediate rider and happy with some climbing!
✅ Road bike
✅ Gravel Bike
✅ E-Gravel Bike
✅ Mountain Bike
✅ E-Mountain Bike
What type of hotels can I expect?
Expect high quality, 3-4* hotels on this tour, with stunning views, spacious rooms, bike storage and some have spa facilities too.
Can a bring a non-riding partner?
Yes! The Azores is an incredible destination to explore, on and off the bike, and we understand that many of our clients would love to share this experience with someone else who is not a cyclist. This package includes everything apart from the riding itself, so you can enjoy the walks, whale watching, the hot springs and everything else together.
Just select the ‘non-riding package’ on the booking form, for €400 off the standard price.
MTB and Gravel Cycling
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.
Road Cycling
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 for hire. 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.
Azores Road + Gravel Tour Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1: Ribeira Grande Ride + Guided Hike
35-70km
380-1300m
On your first day we will do an easy spin along the coastline near Ribeira Grande, overlooking the wild Atlantic coast almost the entire way.
In the afternoon we will take a guided hike to Salto do Cabrito, a stunning route through tropical forests which finishes at a waterfall. Bring your swimsuit!
Day 2: Whale and Dolphin Watching
25km
419m
Your day will start with a 25km ride.
In the afternoon, your whale-watching adventure begins! There will be a short introduction from the marine guides, who will explain the fascinating world of the whales and dolphins who inhabit the waters of the Azores. You will then board a fast boat with your skipper and guide and head out into the Atlantic in search of marine life.
Day 3: Furnas Geothermal Springs
31-51km
800-1300m
In the morning we will visit the tea plantations of Chá Gorreana, some of the oldest in Europe!
In the afternoon we will cycle east, out past the tea plantations and thought the heart of the island, and finish at Furnas, a village famous for its hotsprings and geothermal activity. We will lunch, check in to your next hotel then visit the hotsprings on foot.
Enjoy a couple of hours bathing in these incredible natural thermal springs. Tickets are included in the price of your trip.
Day 4: Furnas Loop
37-82km
1000-2300m
We will have a few different options for todays ride, so everyone has a chance to get in what they want. Those that are back for the afternoon can enjoy a walk to the thermal springs and explore around the town and river, and the lush gardens.
Day 5: Furnas to Ponta Delgada
45-42km
740-1040m
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 Ponte Delgada. In the afternoon there will be time to explore the this fascinating town, the capital of the island.
Day 6: Sete Cidades Loop
47-61km
1000-1400m
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.
There are two options for the ride, so you can choose depending on your enegry levels on the day!
Day 7: Depart
Airport Transfers to Ponta Delgada
We will be sorry to see you leave!
Join our 2027 Guided Tour!
19th – 26th June 2027
Twin Room: €2,150
Single Room €700 extra
What’s included?
Airport transfers at the start and finish
7 nights bike friendly accommodation
Buffet breakfast each morning
5 Guided rides
Guided hike to Lagoa Azul
Whale and dolphn watching
Furnas Hot Springs entry
3-course dinner for 6 nights
Luggage transfers
Support vehicle
GPX files in advance
Friendly and knowledgeable guides with you every pedalstroke of the way
Civil liability Insurance
5* service – our promise!
Those dates don’t work for you? Send us a quote request for a private tour!
CUSTOM CLUB AND GROUP TOURS
We have hosted groups of up to 45 riders and some clubs come back to us year after year. In the past we have delivered large group tours from Madrid to Lisbon, Lisbon to Faro, and many others. We can build you a point-to-point tour, a single location trip, or anything else in between.
Check out what we can offer by following the link below, and get in touch via the contact form.
Get in touch
If you have any questions before you make a booking, or if you would like to arrange a private tour, we would love to hear from you.
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