LEG 26.4 — PONTA DELGADA → SANTA MARIA → TERCEIRA → GRACIOSA → SÃO JORGE → FAIAL → PONTA DELGADA

Central Azores loop with start and finish in Ponta Delgada.

Introduction

Leg 26.4 is a classic Azores loop starting and ending in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, with visits to Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge and Faial. It combines short and medium inter-island passages with an intensive land programme: hikes along the famous fajãs, a descent into a volcanic chamber, a UNESCO-listed historic town and time in the legendary port of Horta.

LEG ITINERARY

Day 1 — Ponta Delgada (São Miguel)

Embarkation day: crew briefing, safety procedures, provisioning and yacht preparations. Evening walk around Ponta Delgada and first crew integration.

Day 2 — Ponta Delgada → Santa Maria — 54 NM (~9 h)

Daytime passage from São Miguel to Santa Maria. Arrival in Vila do Porto in the afternoon, short walk around town and first contact with the sunniest island of the archipelago.

Day 3 — Santa Maria

A full day dedicated to exploring Santa Maria. The programme may include Praia Formosa, the red landscapes of Barreiro da Faneca and the viewpoints of Fontinhas and São Lourenço. A relaxed day after the first legs of the voyage.

Day 4 — Santa Maria → Terceira — approx. 90 NM

Offshore passage to Terceira, partly during the day and partly in the evening. Arrival in Angra do Heroísmo — a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — or alternatively in Praia da Vitória, depending on weather and strategy.

Days 5–6 — Terceira

Two land days on Terceira. The programme includes the historic centre of Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil, Serra do Cume viewpoint, and a descent into the volcanic chamber of Algar do Carvão plus a visit to the Gruta do Natal lava caves. A great balance between sightseeing and rest.

Day 7 — Terceira → Graciosa — approx. 55 NM

Daytime passage to the quiet and peaceful island of Graciosa. After arrival in Santa Cruz da Graciosa there is time for a first walk through town and an evening in a local taverna.

Day 8 — Graciosa

Exploring Graciosa: Furna do Enxofre, traditional windmills, cliffs and viewpoints. This is one of the least-visited islands, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and an authentic atmosphere.

Day 9 — Graciosa → São Jorge — 35–40 NM (~7 h)

Passage to Velas on São Jorge. Along the way there is a good chance of encountering dolphins. Once moored, we take a walk around town and prepare for the hikes scheduled for the next day.

Day 10 — São Jorge

Hiking the iconic fajãs (e.g. Santo Cristo, Cubres, Ouvidor), tasting São Jorge cheese and enjoying views towards Pico and other central islands. This is one of the most hiking-focused days of the entire leg.

Day 11 — São Jorge → Faial (Horta) — 22 NM (~4 h)

Short hop to Horta, one of the most famous ports in the Atlantic. On arrival there is time for the classic harbour wall paintings, a visit to Peter Café Sport and a stroll along the waterfront.

Day 12 — Faial — land day (optional ferry to Pico)

A day on Faial can include a visit to the Capelinhos volcano museum and surrounding area, a hike up Monte da Guia, and relaxed exploration of the island. Optionally, a ferry trip to Pico (without taking the yacht) is possible — a short visit to town and, if desired, local wineries.

Day 13 — Faial → Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) — approx. 140 NM (~24 h)

Offshore leg back to São Miguel. A day-and-night passage with full watch rotation — an excellent opportunity to consolidate offshore sailing skills in stable summer conditions.

Day 14 — Ponta Delgada — end of the leg

A buffer/weather day for São Miguel, final walk around the island and crew disembarkation. A short trip to Sete Cidades or Lagoa do Fogo is possible depending on arrival time and crew plans.

WHY THIS LEG IS WORTH JOINING

• A classic central Azores loop starting and finishing in Ponta Delgada.
• A mix of short inter-island hops and one longer offshore passage.
• Santa Maria — the sunniest island of the Azores.
• Terceira — Angra do Heroísmo (UNESCO), Serra do Cume, Algar do Carvão.
• Graciosa — Furna do Enxofre and a calm, authentic island atmosphere.
• São Jorge — spectacular fajã hikes and views towards Pico.
• Faial — legendary Horta, harbour murals and Peter Café Sport.