Hike waterfall trail, visit tea plantation and beach

Minimum age: 8

Highlights

• Suitable for most ages, families and friends
• Explore valleys hosting old watermills, waterfalls, and streams
• Pay a visit to a local Tea Plantation
• Enjoy a picnic lunch in fabulous surroundings
• Relax at one of the distinct volcanic beaches on the northern coast

All about the trip

Discover the hidden gems of the north side of the island of Sao Miguel with us on this diverse tour. Walk along a whimsical trail through the woods and follow streams and rivers dotted with beautiful waterfalls along the way. Take a break with a cup of tea or homemade green tea ice cream when we pay a visit to the only tea plantation and factory in Europe and end the day with your feet in the sand on our beautiful northern beaches.

Located in Lomba de São Pedro, the easternmost of the 14 parishes that make up the municipality of Ribeira Grande, we can find the Moinho do Félix Waterfalls Trail.

Setting off on our trail we will be welcomed with wonderful coastal views leading us down to the first waterfall on this route Cascata do Homem.

We will continue our hike following in the footsteps of our forefathers; going uphill through the woods and weaving in and out through the trees until reaching the old watermill Moinho do Félix sitting next to the waterfall Cascata do Teófilo.

Moving on along this ancient trail you will feel the peace and tranquility here, with the sound of the stream to guide us to the last waterfall Cascata da Gruta and its natural pool Poço da Truta.

Following the trail back up to the village we will pass by several fountains which in former times served to supply water to the local population.

We will pay a visit to the Chá Gorreana Tea Factory and Plantation, which is the oldest and currently only tea plantation in Europe. Take a tour through this family-run estate and take a closer look at the whole tea manufacturing process; from cultivating to the final product, which you will have the opportunity to taste for yourself.

We will end the day with some relaxing time at one of the beaches on the Northern Coast, whose dark sand is distinct to a volcanic island like São Miguel.

NOTE: We are flexible with the itinerary of the day depending on local conditions and group abilities. It is recommended that you are in good physical shape as this tour includes, at times; walking on unstable terrain, muddy areas and graveled uphill and downhill slopes.

What is included in the price

• Accredited guides
• Insurances
• Picnic Lunch
• Pick-up and Drop-off from / to your place of accommodation
• Trekking poles
• Snorkeling Masks

Instructions

Azorean weather can change drastically during the same day. Hiking in the mountains can be totally different from hiking at the sea level. It is important to be prepared for high levels of humidity that can be combined with heat and also for wind and rain that can be combined with low temperatures in the mountains. Please consider the pick up time as 15 minutes prior and after the departure time of your excursion. The trail can be quite steep and slippery in some areas.