Also known as canyoneering, one especially exciting and increasingly popular way of exploring São Miguel's more rugged terrain is signing onto a guided excursion through its ravines, gorges, canyons, and waterfalls by hiking, scrambling, sliding, jumping, chimneying, rappelling, and rafting (with the aid of helmet, harness, and ropes, of course, all provided by your outfitter).  One of the best places to do it is Ribeira dos Caldeirões National Park, and previous experience isn't required - but if you have a fear of heights, this probably isn't for you.  A variation on this theme, by the way, focusses on the rocks, gullies, sea caves, cliffs, and other formations found along sea costs. Coasteering involves swimming, jumping, diving, climbing - also guide led, with wetsuit and necessary gear also provided.

Read more in our post 6 Nifty Nature & Adventure Activities on São Miguel in Portugal´s Azores Islands.

Juergen Sack