Azores Galore! 12 Excursions Eons in the Making

Arruda Pineapple Plantation

Bursting with unspoilt natural vistas as far and as green as the eye can see, the Azores also boast their very own artisanal pineapple. Why is the pineapple grown on the Portuguese islands so valued?

Simple. It’s due to where it grows – in a greenhouse – and a result of an unprecedented fertility in the soil alongside precise maturation methods inside Sao Miguel’s plantations, giving you a super individual bit of fruit.

The best bit? You can tour them yourself and see the fascinating pineapple and its growth area in full view.

Lagoa das Furnas Fumaroles

Uncover even more incredible geographic centred excursions with your next activity: Lagoa das Furnas Fumaroles.

The whole site is an active geothermal zone bubbling with fumaroles and mud puddles. A marker of how phenomenally active and hot it is are the restaurants that plant pots of stew in the ground in the morning, only to see them cooked by lunch and eaten by hungry diners soon after.

As an insight into secondary volcanicity and how humans use that geography for a yummy meal, the site is a must.

Furnas Valley

The centre of Sao Miguel’s unique geothermal activity, the valley sits inside the Furnas volcano caldera and is a true testament to showing how geographic forces play out over a long period.

You’ll experience an active volcano (which last erupted in 1630), steaming fumaroles, majestic thermal pools and natural mineral springs. Breath-taking. Awe-inspiring. Educational. It’s got the lot.

‘There’s a place called Furnas which is really spectacular.’

Val Vannet, Field Study Tutor

Sete Cidades

One incredible thing about the Azores is that it keeps on giving – at least from a geographic perspective – and your next peek into an almost mythical world is one of the 7 wonders of Portugal in Sete Cidades.

Iconic and HUGE, the volcanic complex is a standout and perfect way to show the ancient timescales natural forces keep to. There are calderas formed thousands of years ago, gorgeously tempting twin lakes and a plethora of extreme beauty.

Think Insta photo and a unique chance to grasp the undeniable geographic forces at play. All wrapped up in one.

Gorreana Tea Plantation

Gorreana is an incredibly rare find as it’s one of the few tea plantations in all of Europe, which has been plying its trade since 1883!

As standard to the Azores, it’s breath-taking, but the brilliant educational aspects for geography school tours are abundant too. But what are they? The tea in part is a result of the following natural processes:

• A humid & wet climate (it rains a bit!)
• Mild temperature all year round
• An acidic and volcanic soil

All geographic aspects, alongside the plantations skills as tea producers, allowing the production of green & black tea. Get the kettle on!

Lagoa do Fogo & Caldeira Velha

Packed with panoramic views, Lagoa do Fogo sits inside a caldera from the age-old Agua de Pau stratovolcano of Sao Miguel.

Feeding into prehistoric geography, the massif the lake is located on gives centuries of tantalising insight into how the monumental forces of Mother Nature unfold.

After those lifetime & unforgettable views are absorbed, take a dip in the hot springs of another geothermal wonder in Caldeira Velha whilst surrounded by lush green vegetation reminiscent of a primordial, Jurassic world. Simply gorgeous.

Gruta do Carvao Lava Tube

Completely immerse yourself in an ancient lava tube, which is also the largest on Sao Miguel.

Caves like this gift a fascinating window into the islands rich and complex volcanicity, like basaltic lava flows – you’re in for a treat!

Stuffed with geological marvels, unearth lava bridges, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, spongy lavas, lava balls, branching galleries and a truck worth more. The walls and ceiling are multi-coloured too!

Vulcanological & Geothermal Observatory

To round it all off and cement the learning and outstanding memories of your geographic school trip to the Azores, engage students with an insightful observatory focusing on two aspects of geography central to the Atlantic state.

Discover the geological story of Azores and Sao Miguel by unearthing the different types of eruptions and seeing examples of eruptive materials and volcanic minerals.

Then absorb even more with an insightful exhibition on fossils and the formation of Earth and the evolution of life.

Ribeira Natural Park Canyoning – Ascend & Descend in Beauty

Get ready to immerse you and your students in an enthralling landscape perfect for activity by canyoning.
Trek to the top of Ribeira dos Caldeiroes in Nordeste, through gorgeous, forested areas, and then descend by abseil downside the majestic rock painted in green.

A physical exercise injecting an incredible amount of energy into your tour, with a healthy dashing of beautiful surroundings. Stunning.

Kayaking in an Ancient Wonder: Sete Cidades!

Remember the pre-historic land formations of Sete Cidades and its riveting waters? You can kayak in them.

Ready yourself and your pupils for an activity they won’t forget at all!

Biking on Vintage Trails – an Age-old Route

Once you’re done in the water why not hit the perimeter of Sete too, all whilst on a bike?

Exhilarating and gargantuan, expect uplifting activity and sumptuous views all in one!

How’s that for a memory?

Whale & Dolphin Watching – Up Close with Nature’s Giants & Guardians!

Get up close and personal with some of nature’s BIG players and majestic, iconic swimmers. Say hello to whales and dolphins in this, quite simply, unforgettable experience in the gem-like waters of the Atlantic.

Because of the resident sperm whale and dolphin population native to the Azorean waters, you’re in with a very good chance of seeing and getting up close with them – migratory orcas even appeared on the trip of one of our Field Study Tutors!

Bring your camera because the people back home might not believe this one.