The Origins of Azores Trail Running Events

Trail running in the Azores emerged organically from the islands’ strong hiking and outdoor recreation traditions in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Local communities had long utilized the network of ancient paths connecting villages, agricultural lands, and coastal areas, but it wasn’t until the global trail running movement gained momentum that organized competitive events began to take shape. The first documented trail running events in the archipelago were small, locally organized races (learn more about hiking options in the Azores) that attracted primarily Portuguese mainland runners and adventurous locals seeking new challenges beyond traditional road racing.

The early events were heavily supported by local municipalities and tourism boards who recognized the potential for trail running to promote sustainable tourism and showcase the islands’ natural heritage. Volunteers from local hiking clubs and athletic associations played crucial roles in course design, safety management, and event coordination. These grassroots efforts established important partnerships between the sporting community and environmental conservation groups, ensuring that trail running development would respect the fragile ecosystems and protected areas that make the Azores so distinctive. This foundational period set important precedents for balancing athletic competition with environmental stewardship.

Growth and Evolution Through the Decades

The period from 2010 to 2015 marked significant expansion for Azorean trail running, with events spreading from São Miguel to other islands in the archipelago, including Pico, Terceira, and Faial. This geographic diversification allowed runners to experience the distinct character of each island, from Pico’s towering volcanic peak to Terceira’s UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. The number of annual events increased substantially, and race organizers began offering multiple distance categories to accommodate runners of varying abilities, from shorter 15-kilometer routes to ultra-distance challenges exceeding 50 kilometers. International participation grew steadily as word spread through the global trail running community about the exceptional courses and warm Azorean hospitality. Cycling enthusiasts have similarly discovered the islands’ potential for outdoor adventure.

Ultra Blue Island Azores Trail Run 2026 Overview

The Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run 2026 takes place on Faial Island, one of the nine islands that comprise the Azores archipelago, offering participants an unforgettable racing experience amid volcanic craters, lush forests, and stunning coastal views. The event is designed to showcase the remarkable natural diversity of the region while testing the endurance and technical skills of trail runners at various levels. Organizers have carefully crafted routes that highlight the island’s most iconic landscapes, from dramatic cliff faces to serene crater lakes.

This trail running event has gained international recognition for its challenging courses and exceptional organization, drawing both competitive athletes and recreational runners who appreciate well-managed races in spectacular settings. The 2026 edition promises to maintain the high standards established in previous years while potentially introducing new course variations to keep the experience fresh for returning participants. The race typically takes place during the spring or early summer months when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor athletic events.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Ultra Blue Island event serves as a celebration of trail running culture and environmental awareness, with organizers emphasizing sustainable practices and respect for the delicate island ecosystem. Participants can expect comprehensive support throughout the race, including well-stocked aid stations, medical personnel, and experienced volunteers familiar with the terrain. The event also offers opportunities for runners to explore the local culture, cuisine, and hospitality that make the Azores a unique destination.

Race Categories and Distance Options Available

The Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run 2026 offers multiple race categories designed to accommodate runners with varying levels of experience and fitness. The flagship ultra-distance race typically covers approximately 100 kilometers, presenting a serious challenge that requires extensive preparation and mental fortitude. This category attracts elite trail runners and experienced ultra-marathoners who are prepared to tackle technical terrain over an extended period, often running through both daylight and darkness.

For runners seeking a substantial challenge without committing to the full ultra distance, a marathon-length option of approximately 42 kilometers is usually available. This category maintains the technical and scenic qualities of the longer race while being more accessible to runners who may be newer to trail running or who prefer a shorter racing distance. Additionally, many editions of the race include a shorter trail race option, often around 20-25 kilometers, which allows less experienced trail runners or those seeking a less demanding experience to participate in the event.

Some editions may also feature team relay categories, vertical kilometer challenges, or youth races to encourage broader participation and community engagement. The variety of distance options ensures that the Ultra Blue Island event can serve as a goal race for runners at different stages of their trail running journey. Each category maintains strict cutoff times at various checkpoints to ensure participant safety and proper course management, with specific time limits adjusted according to the difficulty and length of each race option.

Course Terrain and Elevation Profile Details

The terrain encountered during the Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run is characterized by its volcanic origins, creating a unique running surface that differs significantly from mainland trail races. Runners can expect to navigate across hardened lava fields, volcanic ash sections, and rocky technical passages that demand careful foot placement and concentration. The courses also feature segments through dense laurel forests, open grasslands, and coastal paths where Atlantic winds can present an additional challenge to maintaining pace and balance.

Elevation profiles for the various race categories are notably challenging, with the ultra-distance race typically accumulating between 4,000 and 6,000 meters of positive elevation gain. The courses feature numerous steep climbs and technical descents, often with gradients exceeding 20-30 percent in certain sections. Runners should prepare for sustained climbing efforts followed by quad-punishing descents that require strong eccentric muscle strength and confident downhill running technique. The undulating nature of the terrain means there are few flat sections where runners can settle into a steady rhythm.

Weather conditions can significantly impact the course difficulty, as the Azores are known for microclimates that can change rapidly. Runners may encounter fog in higher elevations, reducing visibility and making navigation more challenging, while coastal sections might feature strong winds. The volcanic rock can become slippery when wet, adding another technical dimension to the race. Course markings are typically excellent, but participants are advised to familiarize themselves with GPS navigation and carry recommended safety equipment to handle the varied and potentially challenging conditions.

Registration Process and Important Deadlines

Registration for the Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run 2026 typically opens several months in advance of the race date, often in the fall of the preceding year. Although the first two tier have already ended, there is still time to register until April the 1st. Interested participants should monitor the official race website and social media channels for the exact registration opening date, as popular race categories can fill quickly due to limited participant caps designed to preserve the quality of the experience and minimize environmental impact. The registration process is conducted entirely online through the race’s official platform, requiring participants to create an account and provide necessary personal and emergency contact information.

Prospective runners should be aware that certain race categories, particularly the ultra-distance options, may require proof of qualifying race results or verification of previous trail running experience. This requirement ensures that participants have adequate preparation for the challenging courses and helps maintain safety standards throughout the event. Registration fees vary by race category and typically increase as the event date approaches, with early-bird pricing offering the best value for those who commit early. International participants should also factor in travel arrangements, as accommodation on the islands can become limited as the event approaches.

Important deadlines beyond the initial registration include cutoff dates for requesting refunds or race category transfers, deadlines for submitting mandatory medical certificates or liability waivers, and final dates for confirming participation. Most trail running events of this caliber also have a deadline for participants to collect their race bibs and mandatory equipment, which typically occurs during a designated packet pickup window in the days immediately preceding the race. Runners who cannot meet these deadlines may forfeit their entry, so careful attention to the race communication timeline is essential for ensuring a smooth race experience.

The Ultra Blue Island by Azores Trail Run 2026 promises to deliver an exceptional trail running experience in one of Europe’s most distinctive natural settings. Whether you’re an experienced ultra-runner seeking your next major challenge or a trail enthusiast looking to explore the remarkable landscapes of the Azores, this event offers race options suited to various abilities and goals. Proper preparation, timely registration, and respect for the unique environment will help ensure that participants have a memorable and rewarding experience at this prestigious Atlantic island trail running event.

The genera Calonectris subdivide in four species: Calonectris leucomelas, Calonectris diomedea, Calonectris edwardsii and  Calonectris borealis which is commonly known as Cory’s Shearwater or Cagarro in Portuguese.

The Cagarro breeds on Madeira, the Azores and the Berlengas Archipelago in Portugal and the Canary Islands in Spain. The Azores host more than 75% of the Cory’s Shearwater entire population.

Meet the Cory’s Shearwaters (Cagarro)

The Azores host the vast majority of nesting sites for these birds, who come every year in spring to reproduce. They are renowned and recognisable by their funny calls which resemble a baby’s cry or sometimes a person talking gibberish with a high pitch voice

The Shearwaters stay in their nesting ground all spring and summer until their chicks are grown enough to try their first flights. And here’s where the problem arise. These birds use the light of the stars to orientate so they know in which direction the Ocean is. The unexperienced chicks leave the nest to start exploring the world and so they are often distracted and misled by the roadlights and/or car lights ending up in the wrong direction and often crashing to the ground.

The problem is that the Cagarro, being a seabird, does not know how to take off from the ground, it is only able to fly by taking off either from a cliff or over water! So the poor unfortunate bird ends up on the ground, motionless, completely disoriented and frightened, with the result of being attacked by dogs and cats or starving to death.

Every year hundreds of Cagarros become stranded that way and this is why the campaign SOS Cagarro was created by volunteers with the Azorean government sponsorship. Every year from October the 1st to November 15th every island in the Azores starts the campaign by organising night walks to capture and then release in the Ocean as many stranded Cagarros as possible, and by asking the population to do the same by distributing cardboard boxes to use as a temporary cage.

How to rescue a Cagarro (Cory’s Shearwater)

If you find a Cagarro stranded on the ground (quite common during the SOS Cagarro campaign) here’s what you need to do: Gently approach the animal with a blanket (and gloves if possible as they can try to bite because they’re scared), put the blanket over the bird and then gently grab it – it will not move – then put in in the SOS Cagarro box (or another box for that matter) and let the box in a quiet closed place in your house (like a garage, or a storage room) for the night.

Make sure to make little holes in the box (if you are using your own) so the bird can breathe. Leave it there for the night, the bird will most likely stay put without making any noise.

The next morning, just take the box and bring the animal to the nearest SOS Cagarro point, where the volunteers will take care of it and then release it as soon as possible into the Ocean.

If you still are unsure what to do or you can’t do it yourself for whatever reason it’s possible to call the hotline or send an email to the volunteer group

800 292 800

cagarro@azores.gov.pt

This year alone, more than 6.000 Cory’s Shearwaters were rescued and successfully freed thanks to the volunteers working relentlessly and the help from locals and expats.

As the motto of SOS Cagarro recite “Salva um Cagarro, faz um amigo!” (Save a Shearwater, make a friend)

The 10 best hiking trails in Faial

1 FAIAL DA COSTA A COSTA

This is the longest trail in Faial, being 35 km one way, and subsequently 70 km if you want to go back to the starting point either in Boca da Ribeira or Capelinhos Volcano on the other side.

Very demanding, not for beginners, the trail crosses Faial from side to side (east/west) crossing many volcanoes, forest and rural areas. The elevation gain is about 1500m , twice if you do out and back.

2 ROCHA DA FAJA

Easy 5 km circular trail starting and ending in Praia do Norte parish going down to Faja Beach through lush forests of faya trees (Myrica faia), Japanese cedars (Cryptomeria japonica) and bushes of Erica Azorica. Elevation gain is about 300m total.

3 RIBEIRINHA

Another circular trail starting and ending in Riberinha (Boca da Ribeira) a bit steep at steep at the beginning, crossing a variety of landscape and offering staggering views over the canal between Pico and Faial. Moderately difficult, 10 km long with an elevation gain of 510m.

4 LEVADA TO CABEÇO DOS TRINTA

One of the most interesting trail in Faial, moderately easy and rewarding, this hike offers wild landscapes and lush forests of many species of trees (Laurus azorica, Frangula azorica, Holly (Ilex azorica) and Vaccinium cylindraceum) among others. You can actually get into the Cabeço dos Trinta crater through a tunnel dug into the rock.

After this interesting detour, you go back to the beginning of the trail and proceed along the water channel (built in the ’60s). The trail is 14,8km long with 678m of elevation gain so if you don’t want to do it both ways you will need 2 cars and leave one at either one end or the other and than start the trails from the other side, and then go collect the other car. Easier to do than to explain actually 🙂

5 RUMO AO MORRO DE CASTELO BRANCO

Easy 3,7km circular walk from the top of Lombega hill in Castelo Branco parish (near Bico Doce pastry shop) to the rock formation of Morro de Castelo Branco. Really scenic route, perfect for everyone, also beginners.

6 TRILHO CAPELO CAPELINHOS

Another easy to moderate trail of 4,7 km that follows the final part of the Faial Costa a Costa hike. From Cabeço Verde parking on top of the Volcano follow the well marked path that goes around the little caldera than leads to the other two dormant volcanoes in the area. This is an out & back route, elevation gain is approx 310m.

7 MIRADOURO DA BRAÇA

This is another easy walk along the south-west coast of Faial. It’s a circular route starting and ending at the parking in front of the Church in Capelo. it is about 10km total with an elevation gain of roughly 300m. The lower part closer to the sea offers spectacular views of the Ocean and the Capelinhos Volcano from a different point of view of those who reach it from the main roads. Worth the effort indeed.

8 CALDEIRA

The trail goes all around the big Caldeira of Cabeço Gordo, the biggest and highest Volcano peak in Faial (1000m ca.) with 350m of elevation gain. It starts and end from the parking lot and it is a moderately easy walk of about 8km, offering on a clear day unparalleled views over the whole island and of Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa as well. Watch out as there are a few passages a bit exposed on the track. Nothing difficult really, but with the breathtaking views around you it’s easy to trip on rocks.

9 CABECO DO CANTO

Another hike similar to number 6 on this list, a little more demanding in terms of elevation gain (460m) and lenght (9km).

10 DESCIDA DA CALDEIRA DO FAIAL

From the ridge of the Caldeira near the parking lot, this trail leads to the very bottom of the Volcano. Steep and short (3km) it can only be done with a licensed guide for nature preservation reasons. The bottom of the Caldeira will give you an idea of what could the earth look in prehistoric times (minus the dinosaurs luckily).

Despite being smaller than other islands in the Azores like São Miguel or Pico, there is a fairly decent number of beaches and natural pools in Faial, one white sandy beach, a handful of black sand stretches and a bunch of natural or semi-natural pools (sheltered by lava rocks and/or some artificial work done over the years) that should be enough for almost every traveller’s relax, sunbathing and swimming needs.

Here is a list of (almost) all the beaches and natural pools in Faial:

Beaches

1 – Porto Pim

Perhaps the only proper white sandy beach in the whole Azores Islands, Porto Pim is naturally sheltered from currents and winds by the adjacent Monte Queimado and Monte da Guia which is connected to the main island by a curved isthmus that forms a bay which is only open to the ocean by southwest, making it calm and perfect for beginners or unexperienced swimmers.

2 – Praia do Almoxarife

Another long stretch of sand (black) just 5 minutes outside Horta, Praia do Almoxarife is a favourite amongst locals and is a surf spot too; it has a couple of good restaurants and a cozy beach bar next to it. There is also a public camping (free). On a clear day you can see Pico Mountain in all its magnificent beauty.

3 – Praia do Norte

Situated on the north side of Faial, hence the name, Praia do Norte is a wild stretch of black sandy beach sheltered from south by tall cliffs. It is a major surf spot, and bathing here can be a bit tricky because of the big waves that batters the beach. Expert swimmers should be ok with it but it is one of those places where the currents require to be extra careful. Even if you don’t feel like trying the ocean, the landscape is spectacular and makes it a very enjoyable walk.

4 – Praia da Conceiçao (also known as Praia da Alagoa)

A small but cute black sandy beach next to the ferry terminal, often overlooked by tourists because of its position in the corner of Horta Bay. It’s a nice spot, surrounded by the trees of the Alagoa Park, where families go on weekends to relax and have barbecue together. In the same area, practically next to the beach you will find the municipal swimming pool, which can be a good alternative if the weather and/or the sea is rough. Later in the afternoon you can also enjoy some food at a bunch of food-trucks that station inside the park, especially at “La Piovra” where you can get real Italian Pizza!

5 – Feteira

The freguesia (civil parish) of Feteira has two main spots for swim and sunbathing, one close to the small port and the other a couple of km towards Horta.

The one closest to the village is well sheltered and easy to reach, good also for beginners. It has a small but cozy beach and has a restaurant (Salguerinha) and a bar (Café Vista do Porto) next to it.

The other spot, Poça da Rainha,  which actually falls into the Natural Pools category, is on the right side of the road when driving toward Horta about halfway betwwen Feteria and Angustias. You will notice on summer’s days the cars on the parking lot next to it. From there a long stairs leads to the pools. It is a favourite amongst locals and usually kind of packed on weekends.

Natural Pools

1 – Varadouro

An ancient lava flows created a series of natural pools in Varadouro, perhaps the most famous of all the natural pool spots in Faial, due to the fact that it has facilities like showers, bathroom, lifeguards (in summer), a nice bar and a couple of restaurants nearby. Varadouro is a nice village, where villas are being built here and there as it has become a favourite amongst expats and wealthy locals. Still, the place retains a relaxed atmosphere, especially during week days, while on summer’s weekend can be a bit packed. Definitely worth the hassle, though!

2 – Castelo Branco

From the parish of Castelo Branco, a small paved road leads to this well organised bathing facility, where a copule of big, semi-natural pools reinforced with cement create a nice spot for bathing in full safety. Due to this, it is a favourite amongst local and expats families. Lifeguards are on duty here during all summer

3 – Porto do Comprido

Once a fishing port for whalers, Porto do Comprido has a couple of easy natural sheltered pools, in a spectacular location next to Capelinhos Volcano, in Capelo, on the south west coast of Faial. There are basic facilities, like stairs and a couple of fresh water showers. It is a fantastic spot to spend sunny days, as it is often overlooked by tourists who come here for the Volcano itself, and by locals who find it easier to go in other locations closer to Horta.

4 – Porto da Eira

Porto da Eira is located in Cedros, and together with Porto do Salão and Boca da Ribeira is one of the three options for swimming in the more rugged north coast of Faial. Coming down from the regional road, you’ll find the sign leading through a small paved road to a large parking lot with a restaurant/bar (closed at the moment of writing due to Covid disruption). Then, a steep but fascinating staircase cut through the lava rocks leads to a series of pools where you can enjoy the sensation of swimming in the Ocean in safety. Again, all these natural pools except Varadouro and Castelo Branco are unattended and you need to be careful and cautious as the swells can be dangerous in windy days.

5 – Porto do Salão

Located in Salão, on the north coast of Faial, it has a free camping, and a long staircase leading to the ancient fishing port, with rocks creating a set of swimming pools. Like Porto da Eira, you need to check the ocean condition as it can be rough sometimes. Otherwise it is a pleasant swimming spot with views on São Jorge and Graciosa Islands.

6 – Boca da Ribeira (Riberinha)

Located in the parish of Riberinha, Boca da Ribeira is yet another small fishing port that offers a couple of beautiful natural pools and basi facilities (open air showers, bathrooms, picnic tables)

The location is spectacular, from here you can see the cliffs overlooking the east coast of Faial and of course Pico right in front of you. Enough to spend a nice day of relax.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the beaches and natural pools in Faial, now it’s time to make the decision and come visit the Azores!

Capelinhos Lighthouse

Just 65 years ago the island of Faial, in the Azores, was 2,4 square kilometres smaller, and had more than twice the population it has today.

Capelinhos, the volcano, was just one of the thousands of submerged dormant cone in the area, this one just off the coast of the island of Faial, in the Azores archipelago

On a quiet september’s day of 1957, the earth began to shake, and so it continued for a couple of weeks during which more than 200 tremors of the V grade on the Mercalli scale were registered

Then, on September 23th, some terrified fishermen noticed that the ocean waters just off the coast began to boil spontaneously, and the next morning a thick cloud of black ash and vapour water begin to rose quickly reaching 1400m of height. The nightmare didn’t stop but instead increased in intensity and height and soon the houses, the crops, the trees, the paths were covered in thick black ash, while the constant tremors continued, along with the loud explosions.

The population was stunned and horrified, people were praying in desperation, hoping the phenomenon would soon stop and let them live and work in peace. Unfortunately, this was only the beginning, the submerged volcano kept spewing ashes for a whole week and then began to throw lava rocks in the air, lava streams in the sea, and terrifyingly loud explosions.

A Nova Ilha

A new, small island began to form just in front of the old lighthouse, called Ilha Nova (the new island), while the inevitable evacuation of the area of the two parish near the volcano (Capelo and Praia do Norte) began.

Capelinhos Volcano seen from the sky

During the subsequent year until May, the Capelihnos continued its activity throwing rock, ash in the surrounding area, eventually forming an isthmus between Ilha Nova and Faial and finally closing the gap completely, extending the island with a desolate land of almost 3 square km, and forming two black rocky peaks where the Ocean used to be.

The end of the world

Then, on May, the volcano entered into a Strombolian phase, generating more than 450 (!) earthquakes in just one night, leaving all the islanders thinking that the end of the world (or at least of Faial) was coming. The noise from the continuous explosions from Capelinhos was heard as far as in Flores, 220 km west of Faial.

That day, nor the world or Faial came to an end, and luckily there where not casualties throughout the whole year of eruptions, but for more than 2000 people life was going to change forever. Helped by a specific act from the US Government: “the Azorean Act”, signed by none other than John Fitzgerald Kennedy (who was a “simple” senator at the time), many people emigrated to America, forced by the fact that their land, covered in ashes, was to become unproductive for years, maybe decades.

In the following years, many other emigrated too, leaving Faial with half the population it had before the eruption.

The Capelinhos Lighthouse, which incredibly survived the eruptions

Recovery and becoming a world attraction

More than 60 years later, the ash is gone, and most of the western side of Faial is again covered in lush forests. But the very area created by the eruption remains largely deserted and the contrast that appear suddendly to the travellers, especially when driving to Capelinhos coming from Praia de Norte is an unforgettable view.

The volcano is dormant now and can be “climbed” (it’s just a couple of hundred meters tall) by hiring a local guide, and there is a subterranean museum “Centro de Interpretaçao do Volcao dos Capelinhos” which has countless pictures of the event, documents and a video that shows the whole story of this incredible and frightening display of nature’s force.

Thousand of tourists now come to Faial every year to experience the strange sensation of walking on a land that just 65 years ago was not there.

Centro de Interpretaçao do Volcao dos Capelinhos