Azorean roots

During our Azorean Roots tour, based on the information you have about your family, we will visit the parishes where your ancestors lived, explore the main churches and historical monuments. And gain insight into how they experienced life on the island and what might have led them to leave. The emigration from the Azores to the United States and Canada was significant, and these countries have always had strong ties to the islands.

Many Azoreans left in search of a better life, driven by economic hardships, natural disasters, and the promise of opportunities abroad. The whaling industry played a major role in establishing early links with North America, as many Azoreans found work aboard American whaling ships, particularly in New England. Later, during the mid-20th century, the eruption of the Capelinhos in 1957-58 forced many families to leave their homes, adding another wave of emigration to the United States and Canada. These historical events created a strong cultural and familial bond between the Azores and these countries, with many descendants now looking to reconnect with their roots.

Throughout the Azorean roots tour, we will explore these stories and their impact on the families that left, while also discovering how the island’s history and these international connections have shaped the lives of both those who stayed and those who left.

Throughout the day, we will also make several stops at important locations, including the protected landscape of the wine culture of Criação Velha and/or Lajido – a UNESCO World Heritage site. The lunch will be at a local restaurant in the village of Lajes, known as the whaling village.

Azorean roots

During our Azorean Roots tour, based on the information you have about your family, we will visit the parishes where your ancestors lived, explore the main churches and historical monuments. And gain insight into how they experienced life on the island and what might have led them to leave. The emigration from the Azores to the United States and Canada was significant, and these countries have always had strong ties to the islands.

Many Azoreans left in search of a better life, driven by economic hardships, natural disasters, and the promise of opportunities abroad. The whaling industry played a major role in establishing early links with North America, as many Azoreans found work aboard American whaling ships, particularly in New England. Later, during the mid-20th century, the eruption of the Capelinhos in 1957-58 forced many families to leave their homes, adding another wave of emigration to the United States and Canada. These historical events created a strong cultural and familial bond between the Azores and these countries, with many descendants now looking to reconnect with their roots.

Throughout the Azorean roots tour, we will explore these stories and their impact on the families that left, while also discovering how the island’s history and these international connections have shaped the lives of both those who stayed and those who left.

During the day, we will also make several stops at significant landmarks, including Caldeira, Capelinhos Volcano, and other key sites. The lunch will be at a local restaurant, serving typical Azorean cuisine.

Horta city tour

Embark on a captivating journey through the historic city of Horta with our Horta city tour. Discover the rich culture, history, and beauty of this unique Azorean city.

Our Horta city tour lasts around 3 hours and takes you through the heart of this vibrant port city. We will first explore landmarks that highlight the city’s important role during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Horta was a crucial stop for many vessels, including American whaling ships and companies involved in transatlantic submarine cables from Germany, England, and the United States. Its natural bay provided a safe haven for these ships. Today, Horta’s marina remains famous as a stopover point for yachts crossing the Atlantic. Sailors from around the world often leave colorful murals and artwork on the marina walls, adding to the city’s charm.

As we walk through the streets of Horta, you will learn about the first settlers who arrived in the 15th century. These early settlers laid the foundation for the city’s growth. We will also visit important churches and landmarks that have stood the test of time. These sites offer a glimpse into Horta’s rich architectural and cultural history.

During the tour, you will have the chance to visit one of Horta’s museums. These museums house unique artifacts, including detailed fig tree core carvings and local art. The museum provides insight into Azorean artistic traditions and showcases the islands’ rich heritage.

By the end of the tour, you will gain a deeper understanding of Horta’s past and present. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply exploring, the Horta city tour offers something for everyone.

Coast & Vineyards Trail Run

Discover Pico Island through an immersive trail running experience that blends movement, landscape, and local character. This route links Santana, Lajido, and Santa Luzia, following a network of coastal paths, rural tracks, and vineyard areas that reveal the island’s volcanic origins and Atlantic setting.

Running along this stretch of Pico means moving between the ocean and the land shaped by lava, vines, and centuries of human adaptation. Sections of the route pass through traditional vineyard landscapes, stone walls, and quiet villages, offering constant visual variety and a strong sense of place. The Atlantic Ocean is a near-constant presence, opening wide horizons and bringing fresh air to the run.

This trail running tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, combining running and walking whenever needed. As a private experience, the pace is fully adapted to you, allowing space for performance, observation, breathing, and a genuine connection with the landscape. Along the way, our guide shares insights into Pico’s natural environment, wine culture, and daily life, adding depth to the physical experience.

This experience is ideal for runners who enjoy natural trails and want to explore Pico in an active yet relaxed way, without technical difficulty or pressure.

If you are looking for a more demanding challenge or a tailored running experience, please contact us and we will be happy to create a route adapted to your level and goals.

For runners looking for longer distances, increased elevation, or more technical terrain, Our Island also designs custom trail running trips across Pico and Faial.

Trail running

Trail running on Faial is a fun way to get to know the island. The 10 Volcanoes Trail is arguably the best medium distance trail running route on Faial and is actually part of the Azores Trail Run race. This trail offers an easy way to sight-see for those who carry their running shoes with them wherever they go. During the tour, we will have the chance to learn about the nature and culture of the island while we run. Our trail runner guide will set the right pace so everyone feels comfortable during the adventure. Depending on the weather, there will be some time to relax and possibly swim when we finish.

Although the 10 Volcanoes Trail is a great choice for trail running in Faial, we understand that it might be too challenging or just might not be what you’re looking for. Our tours are private, so please feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a shorter trail or a different running route. We are happy to design a different trail running option. Check out our last adventure with Mirna Valerio and her team, “Mirnavator”.

Mountain bike tour

Our Mountain bike tour in Pico island is a round trip starting by taking the ferry in Faial island. We start to ride trough Hawaiian type volcanic landscape. When we get to São Roque, we climb the way up to Pico central plateau. Therefore, the second part of the ride is mostly down hill until we arrive at the southwest coast. Here we will have the chance to see and learn about the Pico vineyards landscape, part of UNESCO  World Heritage. Then we head to Madalena and take ferry boat back to Faial island. This ride is designed for amateur cyclists or sports enthusiasts that practice endurance sports consistently, at least once a week. The route covers 50 km and 950 m of elevation gain. In this Mountain bike tour in Pico, our cyclist guide will adjust the pace and route accordingly to the weather conditions and group fitness. Feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a shorter or different custom made route.

Mountain bike tour

Our mountain bike tour crosses Faial Island from east to west. We start riding at Horta and finish in the Capelinhos Volcano. In between, we will see the Caldeira of Faial. This ride is designed for amateur cyclists or sports enthusiasts who practice endurance sports consistently, at least once a week. The route covers 45 km, and 1320 m of elevation gain. We will use mostly dirt roads and secondary roads. The itinerary can change, for our guide will adapt the route depending on the weather conditions and group fitness. The guide will ride at the right pace so everyone feels comfortable by the end of the adventure. After the ride we may have some time to relax and swim, if weather conditions are right. Our mountain biking tour is a great way to cross Faial Island, see many different landscapes, and also learn quite a lot about the island. The tour includes bikes and transportation back to Horta. Feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a shorter or different, custom made route.