LEG 26.3 — FAIAL → SÃO JORGE → GRACIOSA → TERCEIRA → SANTA MARIA → SÃO MIGUEL

Central Azores loop with a visit to Santa Maria.

Introduction

Leg 26.3 leads through the most beautiful islands of the central Azores archipelago: Faial, São Jorge, Graciosa, Terceira, Santa Maria and São Miguel. It combines short day passages with an intensive land programme, including hikes along the iconic fajãs, visits to volcanic caves and exploration of UNESCO-listed historic towns.

LEG ITINERARY

Day 1 — Horta (Faial)

Embarkation, safety briefing, provisioning and yacht preparation. Time to explore Horta: Peter Café Sport, harbour murals and the Monte da Guia viewpoint.

Day 2 — Faial → Velas (São Jorge) — 22 NM (~4 h)

A short and scenic passage across the Faial–São Jorge channel. Arrival in one of the most picturesque marinas of the Azores. Afternoon walk through Velas.

Day 3 — São Jorge

Hiking the famous fajãs — Santo Cristo, Cubres or Ouvidor. Tasting the renowned São Jorge cheese and visiting panoramic viewpoints.

Day 4 — Velas → Graciosa — 35–40 NM (~7 h)

Passage to the quiet island of Graciosa. Arrival in Santa Cruz da Graciosa and evening exploration of the town.

Day 5 — Graciosa

Island excursion: Furna do Enxofre (a spectacular volcanic dome), red cliffs, traditional windmills and a scenic drive around the island.

Day 6 — Graciosa → Terceira — 55 NM (~9–10 h)

Passage to Terceira. Arrival either in Angra do Heroísmo or Praia da Vitória depending on conditions.

Day 7 — Terceira (Angra do Heroísmo — UNESCO)

A day in the UNESCO World Heritage city: historic centre, gardens, cathedral, Alto da Memória monument and Monte Brasil hill.

Day 8 — Terceira (Day 2)

Serra do Cume — one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Azores. Descent into the volcanic chamber of Algar do Carvão and a visit to the Gruta do Natal cave system.

Day 9 — Terceira → Santa Maria — 120–130 NM (~20 h, overnight sail)

Offshore sailing with full watch rotations. Arrival in Vila do Porto on Santa Maria.

Day 10 — Santa Maria

Exploring the oldest and sunniest island of the Azores: Vila do Porto, Praia Formosa, Barreiro da Faneca, and the viewpoints of Fontinhas and São Lourenço.

Day 11 — Santa Maria → Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) — 54 NM (~9 h)

Day passage ending in the largest marina of the archipelago.

Days 12–14 — São Miguel

Sete Cidades (Vista do Rei, Boca do Inferno), Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas hot springs, Terra Nostra gardens and the Gorreana & Porto Formoso tea plantations. End of the leg and crew change.

WHY THIS LEG IS WORTH JOINING

• Santa Maria — the sunniest island of the Azores.
• The most spectacular hikes in the archipelago — the fajãs of São Jorge.
• Angra do Heroísmo — a unique UNESCO World Heritage city.
• Algar do Carvão — a rare descent into a volcanic chamber.
• Full variety of landscapes: calderas, crater lakes, caves and wild beaches.
• Ending on São Miguel — the largest and most diverse island of the Azores.