LGBTQ+ Trip · Nature · Adventure · São Miguel
São Miguel · Azores
6–12 September 2027 · 7 days / 6 nights
From €1,100
Some trips are best enjoyed on foot, in the water and around a shared table. São Miguel will be the setting for a week designed to discover the Azores in an active, personal way and in great company.
This gay trip to the Azores will take us around São Miguel from 6 to 12 September 2027 in an LGBTQ+ group of no more than 14 travellers. Based in Capelas, we will share 7 days and 6 nights among volcanic trails, crater lakes, forests, villages and the Atlantic coast. The idea is not to rush from viewpoint to viewpoint, but to walk through the landscape, enjoy the island's thermal waters, connect with local life and leave plenty of time for swimming, food and shared moments.
We will hike through Serra Devassa and Lagoa das Furnas, discover Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo and relax in the thermal waters of Caldeira Velha. There will also be the option of canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões, we will visit the small tea factory in Porto Formoso and enjoy beaches, natural pools and volcanic corners of the Atlantic whenever sea conditions allow.
Nature, adventure and great company
This gay trip to the Azores could be right for you if you want to discover São Miguel on foot, combine hiking, hot springs and swimming in the Atlantic, and share the journey with an LGBTQ+ group of no more than 14 travellers. From 6 to 12 September 2027, with our base in Capelas, we will combine nature, villages and local food.
You will enjoy it if you prefer getting to know the island on foot and through everyday local life rather than simply moving from viewpoint to viewpoint: the lakes of Serra Devassa and Furnas, the thermal pools of Caldeira Velha, the Porto Formoso tea factory and canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões. The canyoning route is adapted to the group, water levels and conditions on the day.
Keep the activity level in mind: Serra Devassa is a moderate 9.1 km hike taking around 3 h 30 min; Lagoa das Furnas is an easy 9.4 km route taking around 3 hours. Canyoning is a technical activity. Hiking routes and swimming stops will be adapted to the weather, trail conditions and sea conditions.
4 of 14 places booked
10 places available
Apolo / Experiences
Volcanic trails, thermal waters, Atlantic coastline and shared meals. Five ways to discover the island, with time to walk, explore its villages and enjoy the landscape.
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We will walk through Serra Devassa and around Lagoa das Furnas, among lakes, green slopes and volcanic landscapes. We will descend to the village and shores of Sete Cidades and alternate these walks with shorter routes such as Moinhos da Ribeira Funda and Quatro Fábricas da Luz. This is not just about looking at the landscape: we will discover it step by step.
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The pools of Caldeira Velha will give us a chance to slow down between hikes: thermal water, giant ferns and humid forest. In Furnas we will discover the caldeiras and fumaroles. Ferraria offers a different experience: ocean water warmed by geothermal springs, with swimming only when tides and sea conditions are suitable.
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The coast awaits us among volcanic rock, villages and beaches. In Mosteiros and Caloura we will look for opportunities to enjoy their bathing areas; Ribeira Quente and Água d’Alto will bring sandy beaches and walks by the sea. We will only enter the water when conditions are safe. When the Atlantic does not cooperate, we will still enjoy the coastline from land.
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At Ribeira dos Caldeirões we will spend a day canyoning among waterfalls, mills and lush vegetation. The operator will adapt the route to the group, water levels and weather conditions. We will complete our exploration of Nordeste with walks through Lomba da Fazenda and Nordeste and a stop at Ponta do Sossego to take in the coastline whenever visibility allows.
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We will eat at simple local places serving fresh fish, bifanas and Portuguese cuisine. There will be opportunities to try bolo lêvedo and queijadas from Vila Franca, and we will discover the island's tea culture at Porto Formoso, the only tea factory included in the itinerary. Cozido das Furnas remains an optional tasting. Meals will be combined with walks through villages and the centre of Ponta Delgada.
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A week to discover São Miguel on foot, among volcanoes, villages, hot springs and the Atlantic coast, with our base in Capelas and an itinerary designed to enjoy the island without turning every day into a race.
Airport pickup and transfer to our local house with private pool in Capelas. Once settled in, we will take a relaxed walk around the harbour and volcanic coastline and, if sea conditions are good, we may head to Poços de São Vicente Ferreira for our first swim. We will finish with a simple dinner of local cuisine in Capelas.
The west of the island will be our first major landscape. We will visit Boca do Inferno and Lagoa do Canário before hiking the PRC05SMI Serra Devassa trail among small lakes, volcanic cones and pastureland. Afterwards we will descend to Sete Cidades, walk beside Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde and finish among the geology of Ponta da Ferraria and the black coastline of Mosteiros.
We will start by hiking Moinhos da Ribeira Funda, a short route through mills, rural paths and the north coast. We will then visit the Porto Formoso Tea Factory, the only tea factory included in the trip, walk through Ribeira Grande and, if visibility is good, head up to Lagoa do Fogo. We will end the day relaxing in the thermal waters of Caldeira Velha.
We will discover Furnas by walking around Lagoa das Furnas, an easy but long route that lets us experience the caldera at a slower pace. Afterwards we will explore the village's caldeiras and fumaroles, try a bolo lêvedo and finish in Ribeira Quente, a fishing village where we can walk by the sea and swim if Atlantic conditions allow.
The included activity will be the PR21SMI Padrão das Alminhas – Salto da Farinha route, a 4.3 km moderate hike combining coastline, local heritage and waterfalls. Afterwards we will visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões, have lunch in the area and explore Lomba da Fazenda, Vila do Nordeste and Ponta do Sossego.
We will spend Saturday discovering the capital on foot. We will walk through Jardim António Borges, visit Gruta do Carvão on a short guided tour and explore the historic centre around Portas da Cidade, Igreja Matriz and its main streets. There will be time for a relaxed lunch and to enjoy the city's atmosphere before returning to Capelas.
Our final day will be deliberately relaxed. We can enjoy the house and pool, take a gentle walk around Capelas and its volcanic coastline or return to a nearby bathing area if the sea is calm. Afterwards we will have lunch at an easy pace before collecting our luggage and heading to the airport.
This trip does not require previous hiking experience or any specific athletic preparation. It is designed for people with a normal level of fitness who are comfortable walking for several hours and over natural terrain that may be uneven or wet.
The planned routes range from easy to moderate. The longest day covers approximately 9.4 km, while several walks take around 2 to 3.5 hours.
The aim is not to walk fast or turn the trip into a sporting challenge, but you should be able to maintain a steady pace and move safely over natural terrain.
Four routes give a good idea of the physical level of the trip, from easy lakeside trails to moderate routes through volcanic landscapes, humid forest and coastline.
One of the longest walks of the trip, through small lakes, volcanic cones, pastureland and open mountain areas.
Terrain: natural paths and grassland that may be wet, muddy, windy or foggy.
A short but more uneven route through old mills, lush vegetation, rural paths and the north-coast landscape.
Terrain: dirt paths, forest, bridges, steps and surfaces that may become slippery.
The distance is considerable, but technically this is one of the easiest routes. It follows the surroundings of the lake inside the Furnas caldera.
Terrain: easy paths, tracks and some paved sections. It requires more stamina than technical ability.
A route through Nordeste combining rural landscapes, coastline, waterways and waterfalls. It is shorter, although it includes natural terrain and slopes.
Terrain: natural paths, wet areas, slopes and sections close to streams and waterfalls.
Rain and humidity are part of the landscape in São Miguel. Even in good weather there may be mud, wet roots, damp rocks and slippery surfaces. Hiking or trekking shoes with soles that provide good grip are therefore necessary.
Because of natural trails, slopes, steps, mud and uneven surfaces, this trip may not be suitable for people with reduced mobility or difficulty walking on unstable terrain.
You do not need to arrive with a partner or friends. The trip is designed so that you can join on your own and become part of a small group, while still having the freedom to enjoy the experience at your own pace.
We create several opportunities to get to know the other travellers naturally, without forcing group interaction. You can join the shared plans, take some time for yourself or stay at the house whenever you feel like slowing down.
We will send you a short preference survey so we can try to find a compatible roommate if you choose a shared room.
We will create the group chat approximately one week before departure so everyone can introduce themselves and receive the final practical information.
We will start the trip with a welcome dinner and a simple introduction activity to help the group get to know one another.
If you book a shared-room option, you can share with another traveller while keeping separate beds. We will use the preference survey to look for the best possible match. Final room configuration is always subject to availability and confirmation by Apolo.
There are only 2 individual rooms, subject to availability. The individual-room fare is €400 above the base triple-room fare in both booking periods.
Nothing is compulsory. Raúl Espejo, our Apolo coordinator, will accompany the group throughout the trip, but you are free to skip an activity, rest at the house or take some time for yourself whenever you need it.
Travelling solo and have a question before booking?
Ask us on WhatsAppThe trip is designed for a group of no more than 14 adventurers, plus the Apolo coordinator. For seven days, we will share trails, hot springs, excursions, meals and time at our house in Capelas with the same group.
One group throughout the entire São Miguel experience.
Raúl will accompany the group throughout the trip and will be the main point of contact for organisation, schedules, activities and any needs that may arise during our stay in São Miguel.
We will create a private WhatsApp group with the travellers and the coordinator.
We will share a welcome dinner and a simple introduction activity to start getting to know one another.
Raúl will accompany the experience and will be Apolo's main point of contact throughout the stay.
For the 6 nights of the trip, our base will be in Capelas, in the north of São Miguel. A spacious house where we can spend time together as a group, relax after our hikes and enjoy the quieter moments of the trip too.
We will stay in a local house with 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, a living room, dining room and several shared spaces. Outside, we will have a private pool, garden and terrace, as well as indoor leisure areas with a pool table and table football.
You can share a room with another Apolo traveller in separate beds. Before the trip, we will send out a preference survey so we can try to make room assignments based on the best possible compatibility.
There are only 2 individual rooms, subject to availability.
€400 supplementThe Apolo team will meet the group on arrival and drive us to the house in Capelas.
All journeys needed to follow the itinerary are included throughout the week.
We will travel in vehicles driven by members of the Apolo team.
The return airport transfer is also included. Flights to São Miguel are not included.
The price depends on your room type and when you book. If you confirm your place by 15 June 2027 inclusive, you will receive the early booking rate. From 16 June, each option increases by €100.
Prices per person according to accommodation type and booking date.
Book your place with a €300 depositThe amount forms part of the total price of the trip.
Book my place for €300Yes, although not in the sense of a major gay tourism destination. São Miguel combines Portugal's broad LGBTQ+ rights framework with a local community that is becoming increasingly visible and a style of travel focused on nature, food and local life.
A destination where you can enjoy São Miguel naturally, without the whole experience needing to revolve around specifically LGBTQ+ spaces.
Portugal has a broad legal framework recognising and protecting LGBTQ+ people, including family rights and legislation addressing different forms of discrimination and hate crime.
The Azores have their own LGBTQ+ community and activism. Initiatives such as Azores Pride have brought activities and celebrations of diversity to São Miguel and Ponta Delgada as well.
São Miguel does not have a large scene of LGBTQ+-specific bars, clubs or neighbourhoods. The appeal here lies in volcanoes, trails, crater lakes, hot springs, coastline and local food.
As in any destination, isolated situations of discrimination can occur. We prefer to be transparent rather than promise an experience that is entirely free from prejudice.
Throughout the experience, you will be part of an LGBTQ+ group of no more than 14 adventurers, sharing a house in Capelas with an Apolo coordinator accompanying the group. The aim is to discover São Miguel with freedom, respect and ease, without making your sexual orientation or identity the focus of every moment of the trip.
Real experiences
Great fun, well organised, and we managed to see so many things. We really made the most of the trip.
The experience really felt like being at home. 🥰🥰
We couldn't have made more of the trip. Everything was really well organised and there was no shortage of laughs!
Here we answer the practical questions that often come up before travelling to São Miguel with Apolo: flights, meals, payments, documents, packing and situations that may affect the itinerary.
Apolo will coordinate airport pickups in Ponta Delgada according to each traveller's arrival time. Ideally, you should arrive approximately before 17:00 so you can join the start of the experience without rushing.
If your flight arrives later, Apolo will still coordinate your pickup.
Your return flight time is up to you. As a reference, we recommend the TAP flight departing at 15:25.
The return transfer to the airport is included and will be coordinated according to each traveller's flight time.
We do not require a particular type of luggage, but for the activities we recommend:
All breakfasts and all lunches are included, together with the welcome dinner on the first day and the farewell dinner party on the final day.
Lunches and these two dinners include one non-alcoholic drink per person.
The other four dinners are not included in the base price. Before the trip, you can add a package of 4 dinners at our house in Capelas for €50 in total.
The package includes one non-alcoholic drink with each dinner and must be requested from Apolo before the trip.
Yes. We can take into account allergies, intolerances and vegetarian or vegan diets. It is important to let Apolo know in advance so we can coordinate this with the restaurants and meals planned during the trip.
Your place is confirmed with an initial payment of €300. This amount forms part of the total trip price and is non-refundable.
If you book by 15 June 2027 inclusive, the early booking rate for your chosen room option is locked in, even if you pay the remaining balance later.
The trip must be paid in full one month before the adventure begins, by 6 August 2027.
The outstanding amount may be paid in instalments, but the payment schedule must be discussed and agreed with Apolo in advance.
Room options are subject to availability and confirmation by Apolo.
The house has 4 shared bathrooms.
The €300 booking deposit is always non-refundable. When a 50% or 100% cancellation charge applies, the €300 forms part of that amount and is not added on top.
The trip requires a minimum of 9 travellers. If Apolo has to cancel the experience because this minimum is not reached, everything you have paid will be refunded in full.
Travel insurance is not compulsory, but it is recommended. Each traveller can arrange the coverage they consider appropriate before departure.
We recommend bringing a valid national ID card or passport, as applicable, as well as your European Health Insurance Card.
São Miguel's weather can affect some outdoor activities. When necessary for weather or safety reasons, Apolo may change the order of the itinerary, adjust timings or replace an activity with an alternative.
Canyoning is not included in the trip price and has an estimated cost of €70–€100.
If you would like to do it, you must let Apolo know in advance so the booking can be arranged. The activity replaces the included hiking route scheduled for that day.
The minimum age to take part is 18. There is no maximum age.
Yes. The trip is designed primarily for the LGBTQ+ community, but friends, companions and allies are also welcome to join and share the experience in an atmosphere of respect and mutual understanding.
Message us and we'll help with flights, room availability, meals, canyoning, payments or any other practical question about the trip to São Miguel.
Do you have any questions about our São Miguel trip from 6 to 12 September 2027? We can help with rooms, flights, payments or activities.
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