Azores: from Nordeste to Vila Franca do Campo

🚶 8 km · 📍 9 stops · ⏱ ~480 min

A full-day drive along the most remote coast of São Miguel, from Nordeste around the south-eastern tip of the island to Vila Franca do Campo, about 70 km of mountain roads. You only walk briefly at the stops and on the optional detours. OPTIONAL WATERFALL WALK: the loop from Faial da Terra to the Salto do Prego waterfall is 4.6 km and takes about two hours. WARNING: it is one of the busiest places on the island, the waterfall is usually crowded around midday and parking in the village is limited. Set off early in the morning or wait until the afternoon. OPTIONAL ISLET TRIP: the boat from Vila Franca to the Ilhéu de Vila Franca runs only in the bathing season (in 2026 from 12 June to 11 October). A maximum of 400 people a day may visit the islet; tickets are sold online by the Clube Naval de Vila Franca do Campo no earlier than 15 days and no later than 24 hours in advance, and at weekends they often sell out.