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Pantanal et Foz Do Iguacu au Brésil English translation pending
by Sacodo · 2006-09-09 · 5 replies
Bonjour, pour notre troisième voyage au Bresil, cette fois en janvier 2007, on envisage de visiter sao paulo, foz do igacu. Peut-on ajouter le pantanal vue la période ? L'année dernière en avion, on a vu de beaux paysages au nord de sao paulo (en direction de Brasilia). Quelqu'un connait ce coin ? Accessible en bus ? Merci
Brésil: température à Ilha Grande en septembre-octobre? English translation pending
by Nicoetadel · 2006-08-17 · 17 replies
Bonjour, je serai au brésil fin septembre début octobre (une petite semaine à rio puis sao luis et le parc de Lençois Maranhenses) et je pense terminer par qq jours de plage et de farniente. J'hésite entre Jéricoacoara (à partir de Sao Luis) ou Ilha Grande (en revenant vers Rio). Je me demande quel genre de temps il fait à Ilha Grande à cette saison, que me conseillez-vous ???
Avis sur itinéraire au Nord-Est du Brésil English translation pending
by Mbourg · 2006-07-18 · 9 replies
Bonjour Je vais effectuer mon premier voyage au Brésil entre le 12 et le 24 août. Hormis le segment Forteleza à Sao Luis je vais me déplacer par avion. Il est très difficle d'établir un itinéraire optimum tellement le Brésil a à offrir. J'ai un penchant pour les paysages et la nature. Les sites entre Forteleza et Sao-Luis (Jerico, Lencois, Parnaiba) m'intéressent pas mal. Pour cette raison je crois que je vais le faire par la route.

Est-il réaliste d'effectuer ce dernier trajet en 6 jours et d'en profiter les attraits? 5 jours a Rio c'est assez?

Merci pour vos suggestions! 5 jours - Rio 3 jours - Salvador 4 jours - Fernando Noronha 6 jours - Fortaleza à Sao Luis 2 jours - Brasilia 2 jours - Iguazu

Voyager c'est aussi renoncer.
Randonnées au Cap Vert English translation pending
by Vendredi · 2006-03-13 · 5 replies
bonjour

nous envisageons de partir au CAP vert cet été, une quinzaine de jours .. avec les iles de SAL, SAO VICENTE ET SANTO ANTAO ... en ce qui concerne cette derniere, nous comptons y faire de la randonnée ... y a til des circuits balisés de une journée ou peut on ( doit on )partir sur plusieurs jours avec possibilites de camper en route .. merci

Philippe
Bons plans pour un mois dans le sud du Brésil English translation pending
by Lesjambons · 2006-03-12 · 7 replies
hello, nous arrivons fin juin a rio pour un voyage d'un mois🙂. On veut faire Rio, Sao paulo, le pantanal et Iguaçu (à faire en dernier pour passer ensuite en Argentine!). A part ces quatre points définis le reste dans le sud du bresil est un peu flou. Dites nous ce que vous avez aimé (villes, villages, voyages en train...). On part en routards avec peu de sou. Et si vous avez des adresses d'auberges de jeunesse sympa ou chez l'habitant, on est preneurs. Merci d'avance Estelle et Sam
Les îles du sud en bateau au Cap Vert English translation pending
by Krill · 2006-02-16 · 1 reply
Bonjour à tous 😉 J 'aurais souhaiter savoir en atterissant à Praia dans le sud sur l 'île de Sao Tiago: est-ce plus facile pour faire les îles Maio et fogo en bateau ? Qu 'en pensez vous ? est -ce un bon choix pour environ 3 semaines de vacances ? Merci Krill 🙂
Transport et bons plans au Brésil English translation pending
by Marina26 · 2005-10-20 · 8 replies
Je pars au Brésil en Février....à l aventure puisque pour le moment je n ai que le billet d'avion pour Sao Paulo. J ai l intention de partir directement à Recifé et puis de redescendre la cote jusqu'a san salvador de bahia. puis avion jusqu'a Rio et bus pour le retour. Mais je me pose beaucoup de questions...bien sur!! existe t il des bus de nuits? connaissez vous des compagnies de bus, aérienne et de location de voiture bon marché!!? des bonnes adresses de pousadas? bref...tous les renseignements sont les bienvenus! MERCI marina26
Varig English translation pending
by Colombiano · 2005-09-28 · 2 replies
Bonjour a tous. Mes parents veulent venir me voir a Montevideo et ils vont peut etre prendre la Varig avec changement a Sao Paulo. Bah c'est bien simple, ça vaut quoi la Varig ????? Aidez moi je veux voir mes parents 🙁 😛

Merci d'avance.
Seule au Brésil English translation pending
by Pouletdu45 · 2005-09-21 · 7 replies
Bonjour,

je pars seule au brésil le 14 octobre prochain pour six semaines. Je compte suivre la côte de sao paulo vers le nord jusqu'où me porteront mes pas. J'ai déjà voyagée seule en amérique latine (pérou, bolivie) où tout s'est bien passé, mais je me pose un peu plus de questions sur le brésil. Est ce possible de faire du camping pour une fille seule (pas du camping sauvage) ou c'est un peut tout much? Peut-on sortir le soir seule sans problème (je parle pas de rio ni de sao paulo ou je ne vais passer qu'un ou deux jours mais plutot des villes et villages comme porto seguro, porto de galinhas, ilha grande etc... Est ce que la plage c'est risqué (j'ai jamais rien de valeur sur moi mais rentré à la pousada ou au camping en maillot ça m'amuse moyen) Je voudrais aussi passer quelques jours à Bahia, là aussi que des infos contradictoires (de paniproblem à coupe gorge) Merci de me faire partager vos expériences!

PS : si vous aussi êtes au brésil entre octobre et fin novembre, faites moi signe 🙂
Compagnie Aéro sur la Bolivie English translation pending
by Cafetoko · 2005-09-19 · 2 replies
salut a tous

juste une petite question a propsos de cette compagnie, je vais l'emprunter pour faire sao paulo-santa cruz-cochabamba et la paz en une matinée

avez vous eu des bons souvenirs, il parait que les paysages sont magnifiques ou encore des bons souvenirs de trou d'air????? en compagnie des montagnes, ca doit être sympa!!

merci d'avance pour vos réponses!! bon voyages a tous
Lignes intérieures de bus au Brésil? English translation pending
by Djembé · 2005-06-06 · 9 replies
bonjour !

je me rendrai avec ma femme en juillet et août au Brésil pour un périple d'un mois partant de Sao Paulo, Rio, Ouro Préto, Diamantina, Lençois, Salvador de Bahia, puis retour sur Rio, avec si possible escapade de trois jours dans le Pantanal sul.

Un air pass étant trop onéreux, existe-t-il des lignes intérieures de bus ( noms et sites ) où je puisse trouver destinations, horaires et prix ???

Merci de vos réponses 😉
Billet France/ Amérique du Sud/ Québec English translation pending
by Freudouille · 2005-05-17 · 1 reply
Salut !

je cherche un billet pas cher combiné pour le trajet suivant :

paris/bahia (carnaval 2006)

sao paolo /buenos aires

la paz/montreal

montreal/paris (retour juillet 2006)

a qui m'adresser et sur quel tarif puis je tomber please ?

merci !
Cherche hôtel à Bangkok English translation pending
by Jacquin · 2005-04-24 · 4 replies
J'aimerai votre avis sur l'endroi où reserver un hotel à BKK :

Sukumvit (apparemment quartier touristique) ou Kao Sao car les avis m'ont l'air bien partagés...

Lequel est le mieux pour les visites (boudha couché, palais royal...)

Lequel est le mieux en venant de l'aéroport (car après 12 heures de trajets, on sera peut être un peu crevés!!).

Que ne faut il pas rater à BKK?

Merci d'avance pour vos réponses...

Amandine
Voyageuse seule à Ilha Grande au Brésil English translation pending
by Trève · 2005-02-16 · 7 replies
Bonjour,

Autre petite question: je me demandais s'il était risqué de voyager seule de Sao Paolo à Rio et ensuite à Ilha Grande? Je comptais entre autres prendre le bus de Sao Paolo jusqu'à Mangaratiba et ensuite le ferry jusqu'à Ilha Grande. Je pensais arriver sur place sans réservation (20 mars 05). Est-ce pensable? Suggestions de poussadas et d'activités? Est-ce risqué de se promener seule sur les plages à Ilha Grande?

Merci!!!
Agence pour le PN Lencois (Brésil) English translation pending
by Emma3595 · 2004-09-06 · 16 replies
qui pourrait me conseiller une agence bon rapport qualité / prix pour aller au PN de Lençois pres de Sao Luis??
Travel companions for Brazil at the end of 2026
by Serge34200 · 2026-07-26 · 2 replies
Hi there! I’m planning a trip to Brazil at the end of the year. I’ll arrive in São Paulo, but I don’t have a precise itinerary yet. I’ve already visited Iguazu from the Paraguayan side. Looking at a trip of at least 3 weeks, maybe even longer.
Bahia: Which beautiful beaches to visit in November?
by Huguetter · 2026-04-04 · 13 replies
Good evening, We’d love to go in November to enjoy some beautiful beaches for about two weeks, preferably around Bahia, as November/December seems like a great time. We’ve already traveled to Brazil several times and know the south of Rio as well as the region between São Luís and Fortaleza, and Chapada Diamantina... What advice would you give us: the south with Itaparica, Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba, Barra Grande—or all four? Or maybe the north? Thanks in advance for your help
Feedback on Northeast Brazil itinerary in February
by Cup030680 · 2026-01-13 · 5 replies
Hello,

We’re leaving on February 19th for 13 days in the Northeast of Brazil, with my husband and our two kids (19 and 17). Here’s our itinerary: We’ll arrive in Fortaleza and stay in a guesthouse for 3 nights. Then we’ll hit the road with a private driver, heading to Pipa via the beach of Ponta do Mel, passing through Galinhos, São Miguel, and Natal.

Do you think this is a good itinerary?

Initially, I was planning to go from São Luís to Fortaleza (Lençóis Maranhenses...), but I was advised against it since it’s not really the season and the dunes and lagoons would’ve been empty. I can’t change the itinerary now, but I’m a bit worried I’ll be less impressed by this one. I’d love to know if it’s still worth it?

Thanks in advance!
What sights to choose in the Northeast and the Salvador de Bahia region?
by Bananette · 2026-01-07 · 12 replies
Hello,

We’re thinking about our next destination for June 2026, and northern Brazil seems like a great option for that time of year.

We were considering a 15-day trip from Fortaleza to São Luís (or the other way around), but I’m worried it might not offer enough variety in terms of sights and landscapes. We were thinking of doing a trek in Lençóis Park, visiting Jericoacoara, the Parnaíba Delta, etc.).

The other option would be to take a domestic flight and add the Salvador de Bahia region and Chapada Diamantina, but that would require about 3 weeks.

Do you think exploring the coast between Fortaleza and São Luís is enough for a trip if we don’t kitesurf? Or is it better to combine this part of the country with another region (Salvador? The Amazon?)?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Have a great day
Departure time from Fogo to Cha das Caldeiras
by Patricevinc · 2025-11-13 · 4 replies
Hi,

I arrive in Fogo at 11 a.m. (if the ferry is on time) from the ferry departing Praia. From what I understand, the collectivos to Cha das Caldeiras leave late morning? Do you think I can leave the same day?

My question is: should I spend a night in São Filipe? I don’t want to take a taxi—it’s too expensive.

Thanks,

Patrice
Planning a summer trip to 4 Cape Verde islands
by Valzzz · 2025-10-30 · 13 replies
Hello,

We’ve booked our tickets for July—there’ll be 4 of us, maybe 6 (all in our sixties). We’d like to visit 4 islands: Arrival in Praia on July 8th Return from São Vicente on July 29th

Between those dates, I’m not sure how to split our time across each island. We’ll definitely spend at least a week on Santo Antão. We’re planning to visit Santiago, Fogo, São Vicente, and Santo Antão. We’re looking for easy hikes, diving, sightseeing, and a little beach time (but not too much). How do you think we should divide the 3 weeks among the islands? Is 3 days in Fogo enough? Are guides essential, and can we easily find them on the spot? Should we rent a car, given we won’t just be hiking?

Thanks in advance for your advice, tips, warnings, and anything else you can share… and I’ve still got plenty more questions! Valéry
Back from a 2-week trip to the Northeast
by Pipou · 2025-10-09 · 1 reply
We’re just back from a 2-week tour of the Northeast; we booked our flight tickets ourselves and landed in Fortaleza. From there, we used an agency to handle our circuit all the way to São Luís. It was an incredible adventure—flawless organization, no hiccups, and landscapes that felt like another planet. We rarely use agencies, but we don’t regret it at all. Given all the 4x4s, buggies, and boats we took, it would’ve been impossible to do it on our own, at least for the full route we covered. Our wishes were respected, the accommodations matched our requests, and we had a fantastic French-speaking guide for the last 5 days. If you’d like more details, just ask!
Which island should I visit first to discover Cape Verde?
by 102529 · 2025-07-26 · 3 replies
Hi there, Which island would be best for a one-week solo trip at the end of November? I’d like to explore with a local guide who can help me discover Cape Verdean culture. It’s still just the beginning of the plan… Thanks to anyone who’d like to share some tips!
Tips for island-hopping in Cape Verde: plane or ferry?
by Vayat · 2025-07-21 · 3 replies
Hi there, I’m leaving for Cape Verde at the end of the week. I’ve heard that transportation isn’t very reliable, so I’d love your advice: - My return flight is from Sal on the night of August 13–14 - I’ll be in São Vicente until August 10 - I found an indirect flight (São Vicente–Praia–Sal) on August 9–10 and a ferry on August 10 as well - I’m traveling alone with two kids, ages 6 and 9

In your opinion, which option is more reliable and comfortable?

Thanks!
Travel companion for a road trip in Africa
by Courante · 2025-06-07 · 0 replies
Hi there, well, I’d like to embark on a big trip to West Africa—visit Cape Verde, then head down to São Tomé and South Africa, Kenya, and especially spend 3 months in Madagascar. I’d like to buy a used Toyota from Kenya. That’s the big picture—I don’t want to post about it on social media. My dates are late November, for a year, on a shoestring budget, and I want to meet people. Too selfish in Western countries. I’m open to any discussion. Planning to go in a van/truck. Looking forward to hearing from you. Roger
18 days in Cape Verde in January 2025
by Jacquesler · 2025-02-09 · 48 replies
Hello, We’ve just returned (2 senior couples) from 18 days in Cape Verde (21/01 to 7/02) that we really enjoyed. The temperature was great—20° to 27°—admittedly a bit windy at times, but the friendliness of the Cape Verdeans made up for it. Paris Orly, direct flight with Transavia (cheap if you book in advance). We landed in São Vicente, with a 12 € city transfer. We had a fantastic 2-bedroom apartment in downtown Mindelo—Av. Fernando Ferreira Fortes, "Casa So Morabeza"—for 58 € per night. The owner lives in France and communicates instantly via WhatsApp. We spent 2 days exploring the (beautiful) city of Mindelo and its port activity, plus a private taxi tour of the island (6000 CVE for the day). Then we took the Armas ferry (recommended company—1500 CVE) to Santo Antão. From there, a collectivo (450 CVE per person) took us to Ribeira Grande, a central base for hikes. We stayed in a brand-new, modern, and well-equipped 2-bedroom apartment—*Apartamentos Modernos*—for 6770 CVE per night, staying 6 nights. I highly recommend it for its location in town and proximity to *aluguers* and *collectivos* for hiking. The hikes were stunning: - The coastal trail from Fontainhas to Cruzinha (taxi for 1500 CVE) - The route from Corda to Coculi (taxi for 2000 CVE + 100 CVE per person for the return) - The trail from Cova to Cidade de Pombas (taxi for 2000 CVE + 100 CVE per person for the return) - The hike from Miradouro to Ribeira Grande (taxi for 2000 CVE) - The coastal road from Ribeira Grande to Ponta do Sol (visit and lunch at *Mini Familiar* in the city center—excellent and affordable) for the round trip. Ribeira Grande has plenty of restaurants, but avoid *5 de Julho*—it’s loud and slow. We loved: *Bellcanto*, *Cantinho da Amizade*, and *Boca-Fina Churrasqueria*. Meals with drinks cost around 800–1000 CVE. Back to São Vicente by ferry (1500 CVE), then an airport transfer (12 €) and a flight (99 €) to Santiago’s Praia. The airport-to-city transfer was 15 €. We stayed at *Kelly’s* in Plato, Praia, which was disappointing—not ideal for two couples—but well-located. One day was spent visiting the massive *Suspicia* market, then a collectivo to Cidade Velha (2 x 200 CVE round trip per person). We hiked up to the fort, explored *Rua Banana*, and had lunch at *Praça do Mar* by the beach. We rented a car for 6 days (29000 CVE) from *Slimpycar* in Praia. On Saturday, we visited the huge *Assomada* market—don’t miss it!—then hiked to *Boa Entrada* and *Poilon*, the largest and most impressive tree we’ve ever seen. We stayed for 2 nights (138 €) in a beautiful valley in *Picos*—a spacious, lovely house with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a large living area, surrounded by nature and animals. Lina, the charming neighbor, prepared dinner (8.50 €) and breakfast (4.50 €) for us. Next, we headed to *Tarrafal*, stopping to visit the concentration camp (500 CVE)—a must-see—before arriving. We spent 3 nights (184 €) in a fantastic house called *"Maison Familiale"*—huge, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 5 toilets, and a large terrace with sea views. It was absolutely stunning and very close to the beach and numerous restaurants. We did a beautiful 3.8 km hike to the *Farol da Ponta Preta* lighthouse. Tarrafal’s beach is lively and pleasant, with bars, restaurants, and even acrobats! We also explored *Ribeira da Prata* to see the *Piscina Natural de Cuba* (not easy to find). We loved discovering isolated villages like *Ponta Furna*, *Ponta Labrão*, and *Fazenda*. For food, I recommend *Mira Mar* at *Mama’s*. On the way back to Praia, we took the east coast route via *Calheta de São Miguel*, *Pedra Badejo*, and *Praia Baixo*—nothing extraordinary, just a rugged, wild coastline with beaches that seemed a bit tricky to access. Our last evening in Praia was nice. The seaside esplanade was lively, and many Cape Verdeans were swimming at *Prainha* beach, which seemed very accessible and safe. If you’d like more info—addresses, etc.—feel free to message me privately. I’ll respond. Jacquesler.
Visiting and Transport Tips for Ilha Grande and Paraty
by Domigujan33 · 2025-01-14 · 7 replies
Hi everyone,

I’m planning my trip to Brazil in March 2025 (finally!) and I’d love to hear your thoughts on Ilha Grande and Paraty. We’ll be arriving from Rio and departing from Paraty (heading to São Paulo). How can we best organize these transfers—can we book the different transports on the spot? How much time is ideal to stay in these two places to enjoy them without doing long hikes? Do you have an estimated budget? Thanks for your feedback! Dominique
Help with itinerary: Rio de Janeiro - Ilha Grande - Paraty - Iguazu Falls
by Carthage1 · 2025-01-13 · 15 replies
Hi everyone,

Next April, I’m planning a trip (the 1st) to Brazil. I’ll have 12 days there (not counting the 13th day for the return). I’ll arrive on 22/04 in the early evening in Rio de Janeiro. The return flight is from São Paulo on 04/05 in the afternoon. I know 12 days is very little for such a big country, which is why I’ll focus on a relatively small area: the southeast (though "small" is relative!). I’ve started mapping out the main stops for my trip, which would be: - Rio de Janeiro: 4 to 5 days? - Ilha Grande and maybe Paraty: 2 to 3 days - Iguazu Falls: Brazilian and Argentinian sides: 2 days - São Paulo: 1 to 2 days

What do you think? Is this reasonable? There are about 250/260 km between Rio and Paraty. I’d like to make the trip by rental car. What do you think? A car is definitely much more practical and faster than the bus. 12/13 days is short—I can’t afford to lose too much time in transit. To get to Ilha Grande, I understand there’s a ferry that shuttles between the mainland and the island. From which city can you take the ferry? Mangaratiba? Conceição de Jacareí? Angra dos Reis? If I arrive by rental car, where can I park it? I think cars are banned on the island, right? That’s where I’m at with my planning. So many questions! 😕 A big thank you to anyone who takes the time to read my post and shares their valuable tips! 🙂
3 weeks camping in the Azores, August 2024
by Cebvl · 2024-12-14 · 21 replies
Hi everyone,

So glad this forum is back up! Here’s a recap of our three little weeks in the Azores in August 2024, camping on Terceira, Flores/Corvo, and São Miguel, with a special focus on the camping side—something I struggled to find info on before we left.

As others have mentioned, a trip to the Azores isn’t something you can improvise last-minute, especially in August. The rental car fleet is limited, so prices go up as availability drops, and vacation rentals/hotels are scarce. Plus, inter-island flights and ferries aren’t exactly frequent. I picked our destination in mid-April, and there were already few rental car options left (some local companies had nothing), and no accommodations on Flores for our dates—or only very expensive ones requiring multiple location changes. Since we love camping, we decided to bring our gear without really knowing what to expect.

Flight with TAP (426 €): Outbound: Lyon → Lisbon → Terceira Return: São Miguel → Lisbon (9-hour stopover for a quick visit) → Lyon

Inter-island flights with SATA: Terceira → Flores (via Horta): 87 € Flores → São Miguel: 90 €

I rented all three cars from the same local company, Ilha Grande—they weren’t picky about the car’s condition. For a Clio (or similar): Terceira (4 days): 461 € Flores (5 days): 623 € São Miguel (8 days): 730 €

Weather: The first two weeks were gorgeous—blue skies, no rain, and even hotter than we expected, around 30°C (temperatures barely dropped at night). The last week of August brought more fine rain (mostly at night) and temps between 20 and 25°C (a light jacket was nice in the mornings and evenings).

TERCEIRA: A great introduction! When I looked at what each island had to offer, Terceira wasn’t at the top of my list, but flying into Terceira cut costs and fit our schedule well, so we spent 4 days there. It turned out to be a lovely start.

For camping, we stayed at Salga Campismo in Porto Judeu, 20 minutes from the airport. We discovered that the island’s campsites were packed with locals—extended families or groups of friends having big, festive gatherings with barbecues and long tables. They spend their summers camping instead of at home, and some even commute to work from there. They had huge tents for sleeping, plus tarps for cooking and relaxing—way more gear than the tourists. Since the week of August 15th is peak vacation time (like in France), we struggled to find a spot, and the nights were pretty noisy. This was the only campsite of the trip with numbered pitches. It’s right by the ocean, next to natural pools. Facilities were decent, with hot showers and picnic tables. Lots of shaded spots. Cost: 4 € per small tent + 2 € per person. Electrical outlets were free (20 € deposit). During our explorations, we passed by Cinco Ribeiras campsite (west coast), which seemed similar.

Camping gas: Always ask the campsite reception if any travelers left a gas canister before buying a new one! Before the trip, I emailed each island’s tourism office, and they gave me addresses for Campingaz bottles. On Terceira, No. 13 Rua João Vaz Corte Real in Angra do Heroísmo (an agricultural store in the industrial zone). CV300 cartridge: 10 €. Note: The tourism office gave me the name of the neighboring store, which didn’t carry that brand.

Fridge: No fridges at any campsite on any island. We had a foldable cooler and found bags of crushed ice in supermarkets’ fish sections.

Things to see: Key takeaway: Do the must-see spots early in your stay in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. We were lucky and saw all the viewpoints without clouds—apparently not always the case!

Our main visits/hikes on Terceira: Miradouro Serra do Cume (a must—*the* iconic Terceira photo)

Furnas do Enxofre (free): Few fumaroles, but a pretty 1 km walk through moss and endemic plants. Hike PRC01 TER – Misterios Negros (some acrobatic sections, but a very scenic path). Monte Brasil + Angra do Heroísmo: Lovely town. Hike PR02 TER – Baía da Agualva: Nice, but not much shade (along the coast). Quatro Ribeiras: Church and swimming in natural pools. Biscoitos natural pools: Too touristy (but still free).





FLORES: Our favorite! This was the island I *had* to visit, and we weren’t disappointed—no mass tourism, just stunning nature.

For camping, we chose Santa Cruz campsite. Unlike Terceira, it was only tourists here. Very little shade, but ocean views. Modern facilities with hot showers, clotheslines, and a charging station. A big area with picnic tables, each with a barbecue and sink, all sheltered. Right across from gorgeous natural pools. FREE (you can leave a tip for the caretaker).

For Campingaz, the campsite manager stores canisters and gear left by campers. Otherwise, you can find them at Movipesca.

During a hike, we passed by Fajã Grande campsite (campsites here double as picnic spots for everyone). It’s terraced, with no shade, but very clean facilities and a small bar/restaurant nearby. Natural pools across the street. When we stopped by midday, there were only a few tents. Fajã Grande felt even quieter than Santa Cruz, with just one supermarket.

We also picnicked at Ponta Delgada campsite in the north. Impeccable facilities, lots of picnic tables with barbecues. Empty when we were there. A bit out of the way.

Rental car or not on Flores? Given the high cost, I really debated whether we needed a car. In Santa Cruz, the port, airport, and supermarkets are walkable, and the most famous hikes are one-way, not loops. So I contacted a taxi (the tourism office emails a list of drivers—they don’t wait for customers; you have to call). Prices were around 20 € for Santa Cruz to Fajã Grande, for example. That means you could take several taxi trips before the rental car (over 100 €/day) pays off. But it does mean planning your route and schedule in advance, leaving little room for spontaneity. The taxi I contacted was already booked solid in July, so I decided to keep the car and adjust our hikes to make loops. (FYI, we’re in our 50s, two couples splitting costs—maybe a different calculation if we were 25!) No regrets—it gave us way more freedom.

Our main visits/hikes:

Hike (amazing): Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro (the iconic waterfalls) → Fajã Grande → Poço do Bacalhau (swim in the waterfall) → Aldeia da Cuada → Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro. Hike PR04: Loop from Miradouro da Fajã de Lopo Vaz, then down to the beach via the trail. Return along the pebble beach before climbing back up. Worth it, but the descent and ascent are steep.

By car: Miradouro do Portal (great view of the coast to Fajã Grande) – Rocha dos Bordões (basalt columns) – Miradouro das Lagoas Rasa e Funda (a must) – Miradouro da Fajã do Conde.

Hike: Miradouro das Lagoas Funda e Comprida, Lagoa Negra, Seca e Branda, Lagoa Branca. A bit muddy and not as memorable as other hikes. The best part (a must) is the view from the starting miradouro.





By car: The north of the island.

CORVO: Stunning!!

No spots left on the ferry (12 seats), so we took a tourist zodiac (booked a few weeks ahead by email, but there were still spots the day of—several boats make the trip). On the way out, we cruised along Flores’ coast to see waterfalls and caves. On the return, they looked for dolphins (we saw some! 🙂 ). Boat price: 35 € per person. At Corvo, minibuses shuttle between the port and the top of the caldera (10 € round-trip per person). Lots of people just stop at the viewpoint when the shuttle arrives, so we weren’t too crowded on the caldera hike. But it’s too tight on time to walk back down to the port. If you really want to, I think you’d need to stay overnight. All boats spend the same amount of time on the island.



SÃO MIGUEL: Back to civilization—but not just that! São Miguel is way more touristy than the other islands (though still nothing compared to other destinations), but it’s worth it for all the natural sites.

For camping, to avoid long drives, we started at Sete Cidades campsite on the west side. A big, free, terraced campsite with some shade. We were there the last week of August, when crowds start thinning, so there was space—a mix of tourists and locals. A few picnic tables with barbecues. For facilities, one side for men, one for women, each with one toilet (cleaned regularly) and three outdoor cold showers (swimsuits recommended). You can charge your phone in the caretaker’s hut.

After exploring the west, we moved to Furnas for the rest of the trip. We arrived on a Friday night, and the campsite was packed with locals spending the weekend. It emptied out Sunday afternoon. A large, shady campsite with several bathroom blocks (hot showers). There’s a restaurant, but only two picnic tables. Cost: 3.5 € per small tent + 3.5 € per person.

Campingaz: We bought canisters at Decathlon in Ponta Delgada (next to Decathlon, there’s a big shopping center for groceries). Didn’t ask at Sete Cidades, but at Furnas, there was a closet full of gas bottles of all sizes left by campers.

Main visits/hikes: Sete Cidades and the surrounding lakes (lots of viewpoints and short hikes): Beautiful.



Swimming in the hot springs at Ponta da Ferraria (west side of the island).



Furnas: The lake, fumaroles, and parks (like Terra Nostra).



Lagoa do Fogo (gorgeous).



Gorreana tea factory (nice hike through the tea fields + guided tour), Ribeira Grande, Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz. The east coast and Ribeira dos Caldeirões park. Ponta Delgada.

Final thoughts: The Azores are a fantastic discovery for nature lovers—lakes, waterfalls, and tranquility. Almost all sites are accessible without hiking (though it’s a shame not to). The “miradouros” (viewpoints) have parking, often with toilets and picnic tables (always very clean), which helps protect nature. Camping is totally doable and really enjoyable! Our only disappointment: Not finding good fruits and veggies (except for São Miguel’s delicious but expensive pineapples).

If you have any questions, I’d be happy to help! Christine

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