PICO DA VARA: HIKE THE HIGHEST POINT OF SAO MIGUEL
Welcome to Pico do Vara, the highest peak on São Miguel, standing proudly at 1103m above the sea level. This guide is offering a chance to soak in the stunning beauty of the Azores. Surrounding the peak is the island’s largest remaining laurisilva forest, home to the endangered Azores bullfinch. Get ready for a 7km trail, perfect for climbing São Miguel’s highest point and experiencing the natural wonders of the Azores from the first hand.
PICO DO VARA FACTS
Distance: The total distance for this hike is around 7km out and back.
Hike duration: This hike shouldn’t take more than 3-4 hours.
Elevation gain: The total elevation gain for this hike is around 614m.
Difficulty: Moderately-easy, it’s mostly gravel + forest path.
Gear needed: Comfy shoes and sun protection are a must. Read this guide if you’re unsure what else to bring.
My Strava map upload + GPS file: PICO DO VARA
GETTING TO PICO DO VARA
By car: Best to navigate to Casa de Guarda Florestal and try to park around the area. The trailhead is here.
By bus: Although there are several bus stops across the island, I found it almost impossible to navigate how buses work in that area, car is your best bet.
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING PICO DO VARA
All my hiking guides present my own experience but sadly I ran out of time for completing the last 3 trails in São Miguel including this one. Anyway, I could not resist sharing its details with you. Pico do Vara was on my ’must-see’ list and I think you should not miss it either as it is the highest point of the island. I’m determined to return in 2025 to fully explore and document it in details just like I do with all my other guides.
Ultimate Hiking Guide for Azores is in progress!
Hey fellow adventurers!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes of the Azores. Well, I’ve got some exciting news – I visited the Azores with a mission to create the ultimate hiking guide for all nine islands! From São Miguel to Corvo, I’ll be covering everything you need to know – from the best hikes on every island, to how to move between the islands. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for an epic adventure, this guide will have you covered.
So, stay tuned as I work on publishing a new guide every week. Be sure to bookmark my blog and check back for updates. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on these incredible trails. Until then, check out my other hiking guides in Azores. happy hiking!
Wish you safe and happy hiking!
