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Hard Hiking Trails in Azores

We track 13 routes that match this search in Azores. They average 22.5 km and 495 m (1,624 ft) of ascent.

That is 72 percent of the 18 routes we map in Azores. They run noticeably longer than average for the area, 22.5 km against 17.9 km, so budget more daylight than a typical outing here.

Hard routes mean sustained ascent, long descents and a real need to watch the clock and the forecast. These lean toward the demanding end, so plan for a full day and check the forecast before you commit.

Trails

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
GR01FAI Faial from Coast to CoastAzores37.1 km816 m9 hr 37 minExpertOctober to May
GR01FLO Great Route Flores (Stage 1)Azores20.5 km451 m5 hr 7 minHardOctober to May
GR01FLO Great Route Flores (Stage 2)Azores23.8 km524 m6 hr 1 minHardOctober to May
GR01GRA Graciosa Great Route (Stage 1)Azores16.7 km367 m4 hr 4 minHardOctober to May
GR01GRA Graciosa Great Route (Stage 2)Azores20.7 km456 m5 hr 10 minHardOctober to May
GR01SJO Grande Rota de São Jorge (Etapa 1)Azores24.3 km535 m6 hr 9 minHardOctober to May
GR01SMA Great Route of Santa Maria (Stage 1)Azores17.4 km382 m4 hr 15 minHardOctober to May
GR01SMA Great Route of Santa Maria (Stage 2)Azores20.8 km457 m5 hr 11 minHardOctober to May
GR01SMA Great Route of Santa Maria (Stage 3)Azores16.4 km361 m4 hrHardOctober to May
GR01SMA Great Route of Santa Maria (Stage 4)Azores24.2 km532 m6 hr 7 minHardOctober to May

If you only have time for one, start with GR01FAI Faial from Coast to Coast, GR01SMA Great Route of Santa Maria (Stage 1), GR01GRA Graciosa Great Route (Stage 1). Those are the routes people come back to. Every route on this page links through to a full guide with the map, elevation profile, seasonal advice and what to bring.

Frequently asked questions

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