4.3
(3885)
20,163
hikers
6
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Capelas, situated on São Miguel Island in the Azores, traverse a landscape shaped by its volcanic origins. The region features dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and unique geological formations. Inland, hikers encounter lush green hills, farmlands, and serene lagoons. Dormant volcanoes and their scenic cones also define the terrain.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
4.7
(13)
41
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(5)
39
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(2)
10
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
19.8km
05:12
160m
160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
9.62km
02:36
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A wooden fence blocks the path to the fall protection approximately 2 meters from the edge. Crossing to the other side or looking down would only be possible by "bypassing" the fence. Still an impressive stretch of coast, but this highlight doesn't (or no longer?) live up to the pictures.
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Very colorfully painted houses, most of which are empty. In some cases, only the facades remain.
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Fascinating coast. I could watch the waves here for hours
2
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Impressive place. We preferred not to cross to the other side.
2
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It is very beautiful here.
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Natural caves on the rocky slope
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The opposite stele can only be reached via an exposed area. Be careful: the path is slippery and you must be careful not to be afraid of heights. The view from the other side is phenomenal, but the path to get there is extremely dangerous. The “Buraco de São Pedro” is believed to be a lava tube or lava field collapse caused by volcanic activity. Such formations are formed when underground lava flows cool and retreat, causing the surface to collapse and form caves or holes.
2
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It is beautiful around here.
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0
There are 6 hiking trails around Capelas that are easily accessible from bus stations. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy coastal walks to more challenging treks through the volcanic landscape.
Yes, there are 2 easy trails accessible from bus stations in Capelas. A great option for families or beginners is the View of Mosteiros Village – Azores Coastal Trail loop from Capelas. This route is approximately 6.4 km long with minimal elevation gain, offering stunning coastal views.
The trails accessible from Capelas bus stations showcase the diverse and dramatic natural landscape of São Miguel Island. You can expect breathtaking coastal vistas, dramatic volcanic cliffs, and views of the Atlantic Ocean. Some routes also offer glimpses of the lush inland areas and unique geological formations characteristic of the Azores.
Yes, all the hiking routes listed in this guide are circular, meaning you will start and end at the same point, which is convenient when relying on public transport. For example, the View of Arcos de Santa Iria – Trail to Arco de Santa Cruz loop from Capelas is a moderate circular route covering about 8.2 km.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, consider the View of Mosteiros Village – Buraco de São Pedro loop from Capelas. This difficult route spans nearly 20 km and involves significant elevation changes, offering a more strenuous exploration of the region's diverse terrain.
The hiking trails around Capelas are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 3,800 ratings. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the unique volcanic scenery, and the well-maintained paths that make exploring the region a memorable experience.
While the trails themselves offer continuous scenic beauty, some routes provide access to notable viewpoints or natural features. Although not directly on every bus-accessible trail, the region is known for highlights like the Vista do Rei viewpoint and Lake Canário, which are iconic natural monuments in the wider Capelas area. The coastal trails often pass by natural swimming pools carved into lava rock.
Capelas, like the rest of the Azores, enjoys a mild climate year-round. However, the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most stable weather conditions with less rain and warmer temperatures, making them ideal for hiking. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for more unpredictable weather and potentially muddy trails.
Absolutely. There are 3 moderate trails available. A good option is the Capelas Seawater Pool – View of Mosteiros Village loop from Capelas. This route is about 9.6 km long and offers a balanced challenge with rewarding coastal and village views.
Many coastal trails in the Capelas area offer views of the dramatic volcanic coastline and geological formations like the Morro das Capelas, a tuff cone formed from a submarine eruption. While specific trails might not directly traverse these formations, they provide excellent vantage points to appreciate the unique volcanic origins of the island.


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