Azores Hiking & Soul Experience
Azores Hiking & Soul Experience
Faial Island, Horta, Azores, Portugal
Up to 6 in group
Feb 22 - Mar 1, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Hike & Soul Retreat – Highlights:
- Arrival & Welcome: Airport pickup, transfer to PÁTIO Ecolodge, welcome drink, light lunch, and dinner.
- Mystery Jungle & Fajã Bay Hike: 3-hour coastal and jungle hike, forest bathing, hidden lava cave, picnic at Fajã Bay.
- Caldeira Volcano Hike: Aqua-gym in the saltwater pool, 8 km hike around the crater rim, breathtaking views of Faial and neighboring islands.
- Breath & Voice Coaching: Studio session to strengthen voice, presence, and self-expression.
- Vision Board Workshop: Creative session to visualize personal goals and manifest intentions.
- Levada Waterways Hike: Meditative walk along historic water channels, small tunnels, forest paths, and a volcanic crater.
- Horta Town Tour: Explore the marina, old forts, charming streets, Peter Café Sport, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Capelinhos Volcano Adventure: Hike across smaller volcanoes, visit the eruption interpretation center, climb lighthouse with panoramic views.
- Handicraft School Visit: Explore local artisan works, including wood carvings, paintings, and felted wool creations.
- Departure & Farewell: Breakfast, transfer to airport, and lasting memories of 8 days filled with nature, reflection, and connection.
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Angélique (Life-Coach & Guide)
English | Dutch | German | Portuguese spoken
The motto of Angélique is: „Everyone has all the knowledge within them, I just help people to remember it again.”
Angélique is an actress, singer, and voice coach, emphasizing the importance of a well-tuned voice as a reflection of one's inner state. Trained as a Life Coach, she helps uncover hidden talents using creative tools and organizes mindfulness and creativity retreats. Our creations reflect our inner selves, guiding us back to our true path. Our gifts compass our lives, leading to greater happiness and health. Live your dream; you are the creator of your own life.
Details of this retreat
Your Tour Guide & Coach: Angélique
Angélique is a trained psychotherapist and a bio-energy master (solving blockages with creativity). She has been working internationally for over 30 years as an actress and singer, voice coach and therapist.
She lives on her adopted home Island, Faial. As a trained trail guide she knows the plenty of hidden trails and places.
Angélique's talent is to make people's deepest longings visible with a sense of humor and lightness. She loves finding creative ways to make a desired change in life. A change that leads to more fulfillment, satisfaction and health.
Hiking
For 5 days you will hike moderate trails for approx. 3h per day through the island’s nature.
Explore small lava caves and hike jungle paths. Trek around the 400m deep Caldeira on Faial Island. Discover old water channels in a magical forest, visit the charming harbor town Horta, or see the Capelinhos Volcano. We will share insights on culture and nature. Bring a small backpack for your picnic, water, personal items, and wear good hiking shoes (!) and have a raincoat with you.
Meditation:
We live in a fast-paced world full of desires and goals. Much is beyond our control. Meditation helps create emotional stability and deeper self-awareness. Our practices enhance focus, clarity, positive emotions, and a peaceful perspective. After a brief relaxation, you'll explore your inner self through a gentle guided meditation. This takes place in our studio and during hikes.
Vision Board:
Everyone has something special to share or experience, but without a clear vision, it can be difficult to understand what you want and how to achieve it. This lack of clarity hinders your focus and support. A vision board can help you concentrate on your goals and manifest them. By using craft supplies, magazine clippings, and more, you can create something truly magical.
Breath & Voice Coaching:
Do you feel nervous when speaking in front of an audience? Want to express yourself better or make a strong impression? Is your voice tired from talking all day at work? A good voice shows confidence and empathy. Other factors like posture, focus, breathing, thoughts, and feelings also affect communication. With your coach's help, you'll learn to communicate more effectively and reach your goals in a group.
Our Kitchen.
Our kitchen will introduce you to the delicious Azores’ cuisine. Freshly caught Atlantic fish, beef from the island and organic vegetables. He can easily fulfill your dietary needs. Enjoy the portuguese wine or relax with a famous Portuguese espresso or a great cocktail on the terrace of your apartment or by the pool.
Our Accommodation.
Throughout your stay on Faial Island, you will be staying in a beautiful 4-star-sustainable awarded Ecolodge. A large garden area, lounge and bar welcomes you. 30 minutes walk from the nearest Atlantic rock pool. The general accommodation is in Apartments, Ecolodge Rooms or Tiny Houses. All accommodations have a private bathroom, a mini-bar, fluffy and comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi and a great view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Angélique is a trained psychotherapist and a bio-energy master (solving blockages with creativity). She has been working internationally for over 30 years as an actress and singer, voice coach and therapist.
She lives on her adopted home Island, Faial. As a trained trail guide she knows the plenty of hidden trails and places.
Angélique's talent is to make people's deepest longings visible with a sense of humor and lightness. She loves finding creative ways to make a desired change in life. A change that leads to more fulfillment, satisfaction and health.
Hiking
For 5 days you will hike moderate trails for approx. 3h per day through the island’s nature.
Explore small lava caves and hike jungle paths. Trek around the 400m deep Caldeira on Faial Island. Discover old water channels in a magical forest, visit the charming harbor town Horta, or see the Capelinhos Volcano. We will share insights on culture and nature. Bring a small backpack for your picnic, water, personal items, and wear good hiking shoes (!) and have a raincoat with you.
Meditation:
We live in a fast-paced world full of desires and goals. Much is beyond our control. Meditation helps create emotional stability and deeper self-awareness. Our practices enhance focus, clarity, positive emotions, and a peaceful perspective. After a brief relaxation, you'll explore your inner self through a gentle guided meditation. This takes place in our studio and during hikes.
Vision Board:
Everyone has something special to share or experience, but without a clear vision, it can be difficult to understand what you want and how to achieve it. This lack of clarity hinders your focus and support. A vision board can help you concentrate on your goals and manifest them. By using craft supplies, magazine clippings, and more, you can create something truly magical.
Breath & Voice Coaching:
Do you feel nervous when speaking in front of an audience? Want to express yourself better or make a strong impression? Is your voice tired from talking all day at work? A good voice shows confidence and empathy. Other factors like posture, focus, breathing, thoughts, and feelings also affect communication. With your coach's help, you'll learn to communicate more effectively and reach your goals in a group.
Our Kitchen.
Our kitchen will introduce you to the delicious Azores’ cuisine. Freshly caught Atlantic fish, beef from the island and organic vegetables. He can easily fulfill your dietary needs. Enjoy the portuguese wine or relax with a famous Portuguese espresso or a great cocktail on the terrace of your apartment or by the pool.
Our Accommodation.
Throughout your stay on Faial Island, you will be staying in a beautiful 4-star-sustainable awarded Ecolodge. A large garden area, lounge and bar welcomes you. 30 minutes walk from the nearest Atlantic rock pool. The general accommodation is in Apartments, Ecolodge Rooms or Tiny Houses. All accommodations have a private bathroom, a mini-bar, fluffy and comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi and a great view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Schedule
Day 1: Arrival on Faial Island
Your Tour Guide, Angélique, will be waiting for you Horta Airport (HOR). A short scenic drive across the island takes you to the beautiful Ecolodge, your home for the week. Settle in and soak up the charming atmosphere of your accommodation. Depending on your arrival, a light lunch may be served. In the evening we will have Dinner together.
After a long day of travel, a cozy bed will be waiting to welcome you.
Day 2: Forest Bathing & Hike in the mystery - Jungle
You meet the group after breakfast. Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s hike before leading you to the starting point. You will hike for about 3 hours along the rocky coastline and through lush, mysterious jungle trails. Along the way, we will pause for some mindful forest bathing and discover a small lava cave hidden deep in the wilderness. As we leave the jungle, we’ll drive at the stunning Fajã Bay - an exotic landscape of orchards and vineyards, nestled beneath dramatic 300 m high cliffs. Here you will enjoy picknick lunch near the beach. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the Ecolodge, where you’ll have time to rest.
Later, we’ll meet again for a gentle stretch and calming meditation session. After such an eventful day, we have truly earned our dinner at PÁTIO.
Day 3: Hike around the Caldeira of Faial - Aqua Gym PATIO
Let’s start the day in the heated saltwater-pool and have some aqua-gymnastics. After breakfast, feel free to relax in the garden or on your terrace. If the weather conditions on top of the island allows, we’ll take you up to the Caldeira of Faial. At an altitude of 3,000 ft (1.000 m), we reach the edge of the the island’s dormant volcano „Caldeira do Faial“. Together we hike 5 miles (8 km) around the Crater’s rim. Expect breathtaking views into the 1,200 feet (400m) deep crater.
From the edge of the Caldeira you will have the most beautiful views of Faial, the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring islands. The hike takes around three hours and requires sturdy hiking boots and a backpack with water and snacks. In the afternoon, the circular track takes you back to your starting point. After a short drive we return to the Ecolodge. A relaxed evening of good conversation and sharing the day’s experiences over dinner will perfectly round off this memorable Adventure.
Day 4: Breath & Voice Coaching / Vision Board session
Today is dedicated to mental reflection and self-expression.. After breakfast, you will meet your coach in the studio. Together with the group, you will explore how to express yourself more authentically and build self-confidence through the power of your voice. Learn how your posture, attention, breathing, thoughts, and emotions influence your voice and presence. A light lunch will be served on the Ecolodge Terrace.
In the early afternoon, we’ll walk down to the cliffs and watch the powerful Atlantic waves of the crashing against the shore - a moment to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Later, you’ll tap into your creativity during a vision board session. You’ll design a board that reflects your personal life goals and dreams, helping you gain clarity on what you truly want to manifest. This reflective exercise sets powerful intentions and puts your aspirations into motion. Dinner at Patio
Day 5: Water Channels, Meditation and Hiking
We begin the day with a gentle stretch and morning meditation to awaken body and mind. After breakfast, the guide, Angélique, will share details about today’s hike and then take you on a short drive to the starting point. Over 50 years ago, small water channels were constructed here to supply meadows, villages, and a local power station. Today, we follow these channels through an enchanted landscape of wild nature, dark forests, and narrow gorges . The hike, lasting around three hours, leads us past small tunnels, wooden bridges, and eventually to a small volcano. At the end of the trail, you’ll even have the chance to enter the crater through a tunnel. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a classic backpacker-style picnic. After this straightforward route, we will pick you up and bring you back home in the afternoon. You’ll have plenty of time to relax before dinner. As evening falls, we’ll gather for a drink- before the kitchen calls for dinner.
Day 6: Horta Town
After breakfast, your Guide will take you on a tour to the colorful town of Horta. This centuries-old harbor town is rich in history and full of fascinating sights . You’ll explore highlights such as the colorful marina, the old pirate forts, the charming old town, and of course, the legendary sailor’s pub “Peter Café Sport”, where we’ll stop for lunch. Afterwards, we’ll take a leisurely walk to a stunning viewpoint, offering a magnificent panorama of one of the world’s most beautiful bays - Horta.
Back at the Ecolodge, dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a well-deserved rest in your cozy bed .
Day 7: Hiking to Volcano of Capelinhos & Visit of Handicraft School
Enjoy another delicious breakfast before setting out on today’s adventure. This 3-hour hike takes you across two smaller volcanoes to the impressive Volcano of Capelinhos - a geological wonder that emerged from the ocean during the eruption of 1957/1958. This powerful event reshaped the island and led over 15,000 residents of Faial to emigrate to the United States and Canada. At the Capelinhos visitor centre, located beneath the volcanic surface, you’ll learn about the eruption and the Azores’ unique role as a hotspot of volcanism - often dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe”. After this impressive visit, you’ll have the chance to climb the old lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views across the entire volcanic landscape. A perfect moment to reflect f the forces of Mother Nature in peaceful silence.
The next stop is the craft School of Capelo, where local artists create beautiful handmade works using local materials. You’ll find wooden carvings, paintings, and items made from soft, felted Faial wool - perhaps even the perfect gift to bring home.Dinner is served back at PÁTIO, where we’ll share farewell evening together.
Day 8: Departure and farewell
All good things must come to an end. After the breakfast, it’s time to check out. We’ll take you to the airport for your return flight home. After 8 unforgettable days in the Azores, filled with nature, reflection, and connection, we say goodbye - but the memories will stay with you for a long time to come. .
Your Tour Guide, Angélique, will be waiting for you Horta Airport (HOR). A short scenic drive across the island takes you to the beautiful Ecolodge, your home for the week. Settle in and soak up the charming atmosphere of your accommodation. Depending on your arrival, a light lunch may be served. In the evening we will have Dinner together.
After a long day of travel, a cozy bed will be waiting to welcome you.
Day 2: Forest Bathing & Hike in the mystery - Jungle
You meet the group after breakfast. Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s hike before leading you to the starting point. You will hike for about 3 hours along the rocky coastline and through lush, mysterious jungle trails. Along the way, we will pause for some mindful forest bathing and discover a small lava cave hidden deep in the wilderness. As we leave the jungle, we’ll drive at the stunning Fajã Bay - an exotic landscape of orchards and vineyards, nestled beneath dramatic 300 m high cliffs. Here you will enjoy picknick lunch near the beach. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the Ecolodge, where you’ll have time to rest.
Later, we’ll meet again for a gentle stretch and calming meditation session. After such an eventful day, we have truly earned our dinner at PÁTIO.
Day 3: Hike around the Caldeira of Faial - Aqua Gym PATIO
Let’s start the day in the heated saltwater-pool and have some aqua-gymnastics. After breakfast, feel free to relax in the garden or on your terrace. If the weather conditions on top of the island allows, we’ll take you up to the Caldeira of Faial. At an altitude of 3,000 ft (1.000 m), we reach the edge of the the island’s dormant volcano „Caldeira do Faial“. Together we hike 5 miles (8 km) around the Crater’s rim. Expect breathtaking views into the 1,200 feet (400m) deep crater.
From the edge of the Caldeira you will have the most beautiful views of Faial, the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring islands. The hike takes around three hours and requires sturdy hiking boots and a backpack with water and snacks. In the afternoon, the circular track takes you back to your starting point. After a short drive we return to the Ecolodge. A relaxed evening of good conversation and sharing the day’s experiences over dinner will perfectly round off this memorable Adventure.
Day 4: Breath & Voice Coaching / Vision Board session
Today is dedicated to mental reflection and self-expression.. After breakfast, you will meet your coach in the studio. Together with the group, you will explore how to express yourself more authentically and build self-confidence through the power of your voice. Learn how your posture, attention, breathing, thoughts, and emotions influence your voice and presence. A light lunch will be served on the Ecolodge Terrace.
In the early afternoon, we’ll walk down to the cliffs and watch the powerful Atlantic waves of the crashing against the shore - a moment to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Later, you’ll tap into your creativity during a vision board session. You’ll design a board that reflects your personal life goals and dreams, helping you gain clarity on what you truly want to manifest. This reflective exercise sets powerful intentions and puts your aspirations into motion. Dinner at Patio
Day 5: Water Channels, Meditation and Hiking
We begin the day with a gentle stretch and morning meditation to awaken body and mind. After breakfast, the guide, Angélique, will share details about today’s hike and then take you on a short drive to the starting point. Over 50 years ago, small water channels were constructed here to supply meadows, villages, and a local power station. Today, we follow these channels through an enchanted landscape of wild nature, dark forests, and narrow gorges . The hike, lasting around three hours, leads us past small tunnels, wooden bridges, and eventually to a small volcano. At the end of the trail, you’ll even have the chance to enter the crater through a tunnel. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a classic backpacker-style picnic. After this straightforward route, we will pick you up and bring you back home in the afternoon. You’ll have plenty of time to relax before dinner. As evening falls, we’ll gather for a drink- before the kitchen calls for dinner.
Day 6: Horta Town
After breakfast, your Guide will take you on a tour to the colorful town of Horta. This centuries-old harbor town is rich in history and full of fascinating sights . You’ll explore highlights such as the colorful marina, the old pirate forts, the charming old town, and of course, the legendary sailor’s pub “Peter Café Sport”, where we’ll stop for lunch. Afterwards, we’ll take a leisurely walk to a stunning viewpoint, offering a magnificent panorama of one of the world’s most beautiful bays - Horta.
Back at the Ecolodge, dinner will be served in the evening, followed by a well-deserved rest in your cozy bed .
Day 7: Hiking to Volcano of Capelinhos & Visit of Handicraft School
Enjoy another delicious breakfast before setting out on today’s adventure. This 3-hour hike takes you across two smaller volcanoes to the impressive Volcano of Capelinhos - a geological wonder that emerged from the ocean during the eruption of 1957/1958. This powerful event reshaped the island and led over 15,000 residents of Faial to emigrate to the United States and Canada. At the Capelinhos visitor centre, located beneath the volcanic surface, you’ll learn about the eruption and the Azores’ unique role as a hotspot of volcanism - often dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe”. After this impressive visit, you’ll have the chance to climb the old lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views across the entire volcanic landscape. A perfect moment to reflect f the forces of Mother Nature in peaceful silence.
The next stop is the craft School of Capelo, where local artists create beautiful handmade works using local materials. You’ll find wooden carvings, paintings, and items made from soft, felted Faial wool - perhaps even the perfect gift to bring home.Dinner is served back at PÁTIO, where we’ll share farewell evening together.
Day 8: Departure and farewell
All good things must come to an end. After the breakfast, it’s time to check out. We’ll take you to the airport for your return flight home. After 8 unforgettable days in the Azores, filled with nature, reflection, and connection, we say goodbye - but the memories will stay with you for a long time to come. .
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
PÁTIO, Faial Island, Horta, Azores, Portugal
Directions
Nearest International Airport:
Lisbon Airport (LIS), Portugal – the most common international gateway to the Azores.
Local Airport:
Horta Airport (HOR), Faial Island – just a short drive from PÁTIO.
Recommended Connections:
From Lisbon (LIS), daily flights to Horta Airport are available via Azores Airlines (SATA).
Upon arrival at Horta Airport, PÁTIO provides a private airport transfer directly to the ecolodge (approximately 20 minutes).
Travel Tips:
For guests coming from other countries, connecting flights via Lisbon are the easiest way to reach Faial.
We recommend arriving a day earlier if you wish to explore Horta or recover from travel before the retreat begins.
All accommodationlogistics, including pick-up and drop-off, can be arranged by PÁTIO for a seamless experience.
Lisbon Airport (LIS), Portugal – the most common international gateway to the Azores.
Local Airport:
Horta Airport (HOR), Faial Island – just a short drive from PÁTIO.
Recommended Connections:
From Lisbon (LIS), daily flights to Horta Airport are available via Azores Airlines (SATA).
Upon arrival at Horta Airport, PÁTIO provides a private airport transfer directly to the ecolodge (approximately 20 minutes).
Travel Tips:
For guests coming from other countries, connecting flights via Lisbon are the easiest way to reach Faial.
We recommend arriving a day earlier if you wish to explore Horta or recover from travel before the retreat begins.
All accommodationlogistics, including pick-up and drop-off, can be arranged by PÁTIO for a seamless experience.
Accommodation
At PÁTIO, your retreat home is designed to feel tranquil, authentic, and deeply connected to nature. Our accommodations combine island simplicity with warm comfort — a peaceful space to unwind after days filled with adventure, movement, and reflection. What to expect: Cozy private rooms, apartments & tiny houses with hand-selected natural materials, warm textiles, and thoughtful details Apartments & Tiny Houses with private terraces or garden seating overlooking ocean horizons, volcanic hills, or our peaceful horse pastures Bright, airy interiors filled with natural light and fresh Atlantic breezes Comfortable beds & quality linens to ensure deep, restorative sleep Modern bathrooms with walk-in showers and eco-friendly amenities Slow-living design — quiet, minimalistic, grounded in natural tones and textures Heated saltwater pool, yoga deck, farm patio and lush gardens for relaxation between activities Communal lounge, fireplace & honesty bar fostering connection and relaxed evenings Farm-to-table dining space where seasonal, nourishing meals are enjoyed together PÁTIO is not a resort — it’s a nature-connected ecolodge, where modern comfort meets simplicity and the rhythms of island life. Here, guests feel grounded, inspired, and at home in one of the most beautiful corners of the Atlantic.
Program Price & Accommodation Double Room or Tiny House
Program Price & Accommodation Single Room or Tiny House
Program Price & Accommodation Double Apartment
Program Price & Accommodation Single Apartment
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
PÁTIO Retreat is a nature-connected ecolodge on Faial Island. Guests enjoy cozy rooms with ocean or garden views, private terraces, and natural materials. The center features a heated saltwater pool, yoga and meditation spaces, lush gardens, horse pastures, and open-air dining terraces. A peaceful, simple, and inspiring environment designed for rest, reflection, and deep connection with nature.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
At PÁTIO, meals are fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced, featuring garden vegetables, Atlantic fish, and high-quality meats. Breakfasts energize, lunches accompany hikes, and dinners are wholesome an
What's Included
- 7x nights Ecolodge accommodation (apartment or room / tiny house)
- 7x local fresh breakfast
- 7x dinner w/o beverages
- 3x lunch at PÁTIO Ecolodge
- 1x lunch in Horta Town
- 2x backpack picnics
- 1 x served large picnic
- 1x 2.5h Breath Coaching
- 1x 3.5h Vision Board
- 4x 3h Hiking Tour (Caldeira, Levada, Capelinhos, Mystery Zone)
- 1x 2h Hiking Tour to the cliffs
- 1x 2h Town Visit Horta and afternoon walk
- 1x Peter Café Sport visit incl. Gin Tonic+
- all entrance tickets and transfers according to the program
- English, German and Dutch spoken tour guide and all hiking briefings
- free WIFI in the Ecolodge
What's Not Included
- extra Drinks and meals
- Tips (recommendation / week: 50 € lodge team)
- Other personal expenses
- Travel insurance
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