Oregon Gravel Epic

Adventures

Adventures through the Azores

May 18 - May 24 2025
São Miguel, Portugal
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Distances: 6 days
Limited to: 15 Participants

Marooned 1,360km west of the Portuguese coast and 1,925km southeast of Newfoundland, Canada, the archipelago of Açores shelters a world of lush subtropical gorges, dazzling crater lakes and towering volcanic ridges, adrift in the crashing waves of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Tales of pirate attacks and mythical princesses are interwoven in the folklore of the islands, but the stories of visiting cyclists are only just beginning to be written. Revered as ‘the Hawaii of the Atlantic’ for its lavish beauty, the Azores is a cluster of nine volcanic islands that exists as an autonomous region of Portugal.

But the Azores isn’t a destination where cyclists come to retrace the training rides of pro cyclists – it’s a spectacular island arena that beckons you to uncover new adventures of your own. To cycle around its shipwreck-riddled coastline and jagged crater ridges feels like exploring a forgotten island paradise.

Adventures through the Azores

 
Start Located At: Avenida Dr. Manuel de Arriaga, Furnas, 9675-022 São Miguel, Portugal
 
 
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Day 1: This is an easy but beautiful ride to shake off the cobwebs. We head south and west along the Furnas Valley. We going to pass by two active volcanic sites to see the boiling calderas in action, as well as the gorgeous Terra Nostra Park, multiple hot spring pools for soaking and swimming, and the stunning Furnas Lake. 

Day 2: This route takes us north towards Miradouro de Santa Iria with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. But the highlight of this ride is the climb and views of Lagoa do Fogo, a lake sitting in the crater of a dormant volcano that formed about 15,000 years ago

Day 3: Shy of 90 kilometers, this ride should test your stamina and reward your efforts with stunning countryside and plenty of quiet roads. Today, we ride northeast in a loop that circles Pico da Vara, the highest peak in São Miguel. Expect viewpoints with great views over the lush green scenery and spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 4: This point-to-point ride will take us to our new home in the Açores. We ride along the coast and almost the full length of the island of São Miguel until we reach Calheta. On the way, we are going to spot Vila Franca do Campo, a small volcano islet with a circular crater, and Ponta Delgada, São Miguel’s picturesque capital.

Day 5: This loop takes us west towards our only climb of the day, Miradouro Vista do Rei. Miradouro Da Vista Do Rei translates to “Viewpoint of the View of the King”. The spot got its name from King D. Carlos I and Queen D. Amelia, who visited the area on July 6, 1901. As we climb, you are going to start seeing the two multi-colored lakes down below, with the town of Sete Cidades off to the side. Surrounding the lakes and the town is the lush green crater rim.

Day 6: During our last ride, we headed south and then west, and eventually made our way up to Pico do Carvão, which is the highest point of the day. The most challenging and breathtaking part of the ride was yet to come, so we conserved our energy for later. On our way back home, we make our way up to Lagoa das Sete Cidades, which is one of the seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, and also the largest natural freshwater reservoir in the Azores.

Learn more in detail about this trip on our website: ingamba.pro

Included

Included With Trip:

All lodging*†
All food and beverages**
Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
Daily Bike Wash
Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
Laundry service for cycling clothing

 
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