If you’re looking for a nice, easy hike with perfect view on Swiss riviera – check out this 5.3-km loop trail near Les Avants. Easy to find and navigate – this hike is considered as moderately challenging. There are enough up and downs to do some sport but you can surely do it with children.
What is the best time to go for a hike in Les Avants with a gorgeous view on Swiss riviera?
I mostly recommend to do this hike in early May because you will have a lot of chances to see plenty of narcissus in full bloom. Once you arrive in Les Avants, you’ll be already surrounded by beautiful Swiss mountains. During the hike the landscape will vary – you will go through the forest and meadows where you’ll surely meet our lovely Swiss cows.
While exploring the forest you will find an amazing view point. A very nice view on Geneva lake from the top. I am living here already 2 years but I can admit that it is one of the most incredible views across all of the Swiss riviera. And if you’re lucky – plenty of narcissus in full bloom on the way! 🙂
How to get there?
The loop starts in Les Avants, Vaud, Switzerland and is accessible by car or the panoramic train from Montreux.
São Miguel – one of the volcanic islands in the archipelago of Azores is called also a green island. It becomes quite obvious once you come there – its landscape and greenery is just breathtaking.
It’s one of the places where you have an impression to be in a different world. What are the most beautiful places to visit on São Miguel? If you missed the first part of best places to visit on São Miguel here you find it: Azores part 1 – São Miguel green island
Cha Gorreana tea plantation
Gorreana is the oldest, and nowadays one of the only two tea plantations in Europe (both are on São Miguel island). In the 19th century, there were 14 tea factories. By 1966 the number had dropped to 5, and only two still survive today. Using a rental car, we took a day trip to the north of the island and visited the Gorreana plantation. You can take a walk along the plantation and visit the factory to learn more about production process. What is important, tea growing on São Miguel is completely organic. There are no fungi or pests that attack the plants on the island, so there is no need for pesticides. No preservatives or colorings are added to the tea either. After the visit treat yourself with a free cup of tea.
Best sunset view on the beach in Mosteiros
Mosteiros is a small village located on the amazing northeastern coast of Sao Miguel. The picturesque fishing harbor, and the natural pools known as Poço da Pedra (“stone well”) are the main attractions of this place. Here you will find pleasant dark sand beaches and the most beautiful sunsets we have witnessed on the island. A short distance from the beach there are rocks, one of which resembles a monastery, which gave the place its name.
Piscinas Naturais “Caneiros”
Just outside the village of Mosteiros there is a viewpoint, a beach and natural pools. The pools are located on the edge of the island and the attractiveness of this place depends mainly on the weather. During a warm day, when the water is calm, this place serves as a relaxation zone. Natural pools can also be found in the southeastern part of the island.
Miradouro de Santa Iria
This place is characteristic by its sizeable cliffs where you can admire the waves crashing against the rocks. Definitely worth to visit.
A landscape almost like in Jurassic Park
The eastern part of the island gives us quite a view – as if we suddenly found ourselves in Jurassic Park. If you are thinking about a cool activity for everyone – I recommend mountain biking with Fun Activities – an activity for everyone, as you can rent an e-bike that will help you overcome any hill. And the views are really worth it – you can see the highest point of the island: Pico da Vara (1103m).
São Miguel – one of the volcanic islands in the archipelago of Azores is called also a green island. It becomes quite obvious once you come there as its landscape and greenery is just breathtaking.
It’s one of the places where you have an impression to be in a different world. What are the most beautiful places to visit on São Miguel? Don’t forget to check out also Azores part 2 – São Miguel green island
Small paradise islet next to Vila Franca do Campo
1km from the coast of the town Vila Franca do Campo you will find an amazing islet which is in fact a result of the crater of an ancient submerged volcano. This small islet has almost perfectly circular natural lake inside, connected with the sea by a small channel. It is classigied as a Nature Reserve but still between June and September you can take a boat from Tagarete pier and land on this little paradise. Lovely beach inside of the islet is a perfect place to be.
PROTIP: Once you visit Vila Franca do Campo, make sure you won’t miss a lovely, small chapel “Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz” with a magnificent view on the town and the islet.
Sete Cidades hikes
Sete Cidades is the name of a village located at the bottom of a huge volcano crater on São Miguel Island. The name is also commonly used among tourists and locals to refer to the entire crater with the famous lakes.
Lagos das Sete Cidades is the Portuguese name for the two crater lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. What is their uniqueness? Only a narrow isthmus separates them and yet they have different colors – one is green and the other blue. Nearby, there is another – equally unusual – green lake Lagoa de Santiago.
One of the most picturesque trails in the Azores that you don’t want to miss during your stay. starts in a magnificent view point – Miraduro da Vista do Rei where you can see both lakes and very interesting but also scary ruins of an abandonded, luxury hotel of Monte Palace. The trail continues to the Sete Cidades town along the rim of the volcano.
Whale and dolphins watching
The Azores archipelago is one of the best places (if not the best!) in the world for whale watching. The ocean waters surrounding the islands are home to many cetaceans, and although the best time to see these animals in the wild is between early April and late May, any time of year is good for an amazing marine adventure. Most of the times you will also be able to see dolphins. There are many different options for individuals or groups, half of full day trips on Tripadvisor.
I don’t even know how many people drive around this double waterfall without even realizing it – a truly hidden beautiful place to visit. Tucked between two tunnels (you can park near the second tunnel) and walk a little closer to the waterfall.
