It’s been just over a year since I moved to São Miguel, and while I love biking around the island, I decided it was time to experience it on foot. The island is a hiker’s paradise, with 44 formal, marked trails to explore. For my first real hike, I chose trail number 28, which loops around the beautiful Chá Gorreana tea plantation.

The 3.4 km trail was listed as a medium difficulty hike, and it took me about 90 minutes to complete. The uphill sections were definitely a challenge, but the rewarding downhill stretches made it all worthwhile.

While the parking lot at the tea farm was packed with tourists, the trail itself was a peaceful surprise. It was a wonderful escape from the crowds, offering a quiet journey through the lush landscape.

My goal is to eventually hike all 44 trails on the island. This first one was a fantastic start, and I can’t wait to fully experience all the natural beauty Azore islands has to offer.