Top Azores Culture

With a dash of adventure in an incredible natural setting, we will unveil a secret unknown for many: the unique volcanic Pico wines, and the people who make it all possible. Intertwined with the local communities we curate encounters and tastings you wouldn’t otherwise be able to live, EXCLUSIVELY with independent wine producers. This heroic wine comes from vines that grow from lava soil and flourish on the rock. All the work is done manually and none of this has changed in 500 years, when the first settlers introduced grape growing in Pico. After our walk in the landscape of Pico Wine, to refresh our feet, we drive you to one of our favorite natural swimming pools, in an amazing setting or just lay down for a bit, exchanging more local stories and preparing your appetite for the next stop. Finally, we take to a wine tasting in a beautiful setting with an emergent and promising awarded independent local producer. You will experience all the landscape and history in your mouth!

Who are we at SMATUR? First, we LOVE what we do, therefore, we have the best job in the world, and the smile is always present; WE LOVE OUR LAND, and we proudly show it off, because no matter how small it may be in size, it is giant in what it can give us; and finally, it is our MISSION to value what we have, to use the sustainability of these small islands as a brand, and together with the energy of the island, to surprise those who dare to visit us.

Exploring São Miguel Island’s stunning landscapes can be challenging with its mix of rugged terrain and remote viewpoints. This half-day quad biking adventure offers the perfect solution, combining thrilling exploration with guided expertise. Take the driver’s seat and navigate both on-road and off-road routes through the mountains surrounding the Sete Cidades Volcano. Weather permitting, marvel at panoramic views of tranquil lakes and the vast ocean.

Discover the best of Sao Miguel's eastern side, without worrying about logistics, on this informative full-day tour. Visit Europe's oldest tea plantation, stop at viewpoints to take in panoramic vistas of the island, and admire the stunning flora at the botanical garden. Plus, see Furnas Lake and the surrounding hot springs and indulge in a traditional lunch of "cozido," a rich stew cooked by thermal vents underground.

Discover the west side of São Miguel island with ease on a full-day tour from Ponta Delgada. A great way for first-time visitors to orient themselves, this tour covers Lake Fogo, Boca do Inferno lookout, Mosteiros, and Sete Cidades, home to the vivid Lago Azul and Lago Verde. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off on this small-group tour.

Spend a few hours exploring Ponta Delgada’s rich culinary offerings on this guided excursion. After meeting up with a knowledgeable local guide at Portas da Cidade, sample local specialties and learning about Azorean food culture while stopping by local markets and eateries like Mercado da Graca, Louvre Michaelense, and O Principe dos Queijos. Enjoy complimentary tastings and drinks along the way.

Discover the best of Pico Island on a full-day guided tour that combines breathtaking landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, whaling history, volcanic scenery, and authentic local culture. Unlike larger group tours, this experience offers a more personal approach, allowing you to explore the island at a relaxed pace while learning about its unique traditions and history from a local guide. From spectacular viewpoints overlooking Mount Pico and the Atlantic Ocean to charming villages, museums, and iconic vineyard landscapes, this tour is designed to provide a complete introduction to one of the Azores' most remarkable islands.

Without a private vehicle, it’s difficult to tour Faial Island in a day. By providing private transportation and guided commentary, this guided tour is a great solution for visitors. It includes all of the Faial Island locations you most want to see such as the Faial Caldeira, Capelinhos volcano, and plenty of viewpoints overlooking the beautiful Blue Island, plus fun facts and Faial history from your guide.

Discover the best of the Azorean island of Faial, without worrying about navigating, on this full-day tour. Travel around the island in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you take in the highlights, including the massive crater, the Capelinhos Volcano, beaches, small villages, and hidden gems. A small group ensures you enjoy a relaxed pace and flexible time at each stop.

Immerse yourself in the rich arts and crafts heritage of Angra do Heroismo on this tour. Try your hand at traditional embroidery, clay, and tile-making, and visit a local coffee farm to enjoy tastings of coffee, tea, and fresh fruit. This hands-on experience offers a unique blend of creativity and local flavors.

Discover the island of Faial from one end to the other! With the full day tour, you get to know all the main sights of the island, and even get to choose a few extra stops of your choice! For example, you can visit a museum, as well as bathe in one of our wonderful beaches. If you want to know a little more about our nature, you can choose to visit more remote panoramic viewpoints! The duration is approximately 7-8 hours, and includes insurance, local guide, lunch and even snacks and drinks on board our vehicles... Don't waste time and book your tour now!

Visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory, the only one of its kind in Europe, where you will learn more about the island's tea culture through the different processes involved in its production and where, at the end of the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste a cup of tea accompanied by traditional biscuits!

Take a trip back in time, discover the old winemaking traditions, that still remain in place today and make it an obvious choice for UWH designation. Walk through its vineyards and taste their exclusive wines.

Discover the extraordinary Pico Island vineyard culture landscape, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In this small group experience, you will explore the famous black stone currals, visit the Vineyard Landscape Interpretation Center, get to know the Pico Wine Museum and discover the wine tradition that shaped the island’s history for centuries. Along the way, enjoy unique views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Peak Mountain, while a local Guide shares stories, traditions and curiosities about one of the world’s most unique cultural landscapes. An authentic experience that combines heritage, culture, nature and wine in the heart of Pico Island.

Discover the history and beauty of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city, on a walking tour of its most emblematic sites. The route starts at Alto das Covas and goes down through Rua da Sé towards the Cathedral of the Azores, the Sé Cathedral (entrance included). We continue towards the Angrense Theatre, and our next visit is to the Palácio dos Capitães-Generais, exploring this building full of history (entrance included). We will make a stop at the pastry shop “O Forno”, where you can taste a traditional local sweet alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The tour continues through the charming Duque da Terceira Garden, passing by the Praça Velha, ending the tour at the Pátio da Alfândega, where there is the statue of Vasco da Gama, with a breathtaking view to the bay of Angra do Heroísmo

Explore one of São Miguel’s most iconic landscapes on this private half-day tour to Sete Cidades, combined with a visit to a traditional pineapple plantation. Travel through scenic roads toward the breathtaking Sete Cidades volcanic crater, famous for its twin lakes surrounded by lush green mountains. Stop at some of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints, including Vista do Rei, where you can admire unforgettable panoramic views over the crater. During the tour, visit a local pineapple plantation and learn about the traditional greenhouse cultivation unique to the Azores. Discover the history of Azorean pineapple production and enjoy the opportunity to taste local pineapple products. This private experience offers flexibility, comfort, and personalized attention, allowing you to explore at your own pace while discovering the natural beauty and local traditions of São Miguel.

Come and discover the stunning landscape of the central plateau of Pico Island through a walk through its magnificent lagoons, hiking unique nature trails in the dense Japanese cedar forest. Already on the north coast you will find the typical houses made of volcanic stone and the centenary vineyards of the famous Pico wine, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and biodiversity of this magical island.

Spend a relaxing evening at the Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths in Furnas during this nighttime excursion from Ponta Delgada. Bathe in the natural pools (tickets are not included), enjoy a guided nature walk, and feast on Cozido das Furnas, a traditional Azores meat and vegetable stew boiled underground in volcanic steam from the hot springs. Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Ponta Delgada.

Pico Mountain is the tallest mountain in Portugal and can be very difficult to climb, especially for newcomers. On this full-day outing, climb the mountain and sleeping volcano with a professional, certified Pico Mountain guide belonging to the Association of Azores Mountain Guides. It’s a 5-mile (8 kilometers) hike to the top at 7700 feet (2350 meters), with your guide watching out for the proper routes and your safety and well-being.

Discover the natural beauty of São Miguel’s east side on this scenic day trip. Witness bubbling hot springs in Furnas, and sample iron-rich waters and traditional “cozido” stew cooked by volcanic steam. Visit the stunning Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall and unwind at the scenic Santa Iria viewpoint, a memorable mix of volcanic wonders and serene island landscapes.

Dive into the island's natural beauty on this full-day guided tour, From the ocean to the lush green fields going throw different landscapes while you learn about the rich history and culture of the island. This is a tour that can be totally personalized, but we always show you the main highlights in a very comfortable and full of style van.

This tour starts by visiting the pineapple plantations 'Augusto Arrudo', near Ponta Delgada city, where you will see how the pineapple is produced inside of greenhouses. After the pineapple plantations, you will see the south coast of the island until we arrive to one of the most important viewpoints of this tour - Escalvado Viewpoint - where you will see the most recent eruption that São Miguel island had. After this, you will go to the Sete Cidades volcano and stop in the village itself inside of the crater, where you will see interesting spots. Then, you will go to one of the most iconic viewpoints of the island - Vista do Rei (king's view) - where you will see the striking two-colored lagoon (the blue and green parts)

Start the day at Monte Brasil, enjoying a panoramic view over the city of Angra do Heroísmo. Go along the coast to the Serretinha viewpoint, where you can see the Cabras Islets. After passing through the village of Porto Judeu, continue to Salga Bay, a historic landmark in the history of Portugal. A little further, enjoy the tranquillity of the village of São Sebastião, where you'll find one of the oldest churches in the Azores. Continue to Serra do Cume and prepare to be amazed by the view of the “Manta de Retalhos”. After a lunch break* in the city of Praia da Vitória, go to Serra do Facho, where the view over the city is breathtaking. Head towards the interior of the island and descend into the impressive volcanic cave of Algar do Carvão. Algar do Carvão is currently open with restricted access due to maintenance work. The last stop is the Natural Pools of Biscoitos, surrounded by the characteristic lava rock formations, from which its famous vineyards will amaze you.