Portugal Farm Experience in São Miguel: Walking with Donkeys

If you’re looking for a Portugal farm experience blending slow travel, animal rescue, and a deep connection to the land, Happy Rescued Donkeys Hiking Experience in São Miguel Azores is for you. During this hands-on tour, you can walk with rescued donkeys through Água de Alto, leading them through one of the Azores’ most peaceful villages. During your walk, you’ll hear their stories and the efforts behind this sustainable local sanctuary. We joined the experience in April and were deeply touched by the animals, the scenery, and the passion of Bethany, the sanctuary’s founder. The Walking with Donkeys Portugal Farm Experience is one of the most rewarding things to do on São Miguel island, for those seeking a unique, meaningful adventure.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We recommend products we have personally used or verified. Read the full disclosure here.

Don’t have time to read the whole article?
Book your Donkey Azores Portugal Farm Experience!
Find the top São Miguel hotels!
Reserve your rental car!

Pin this for later!

What Is the Happy Rescued Donkeys Hiking Experience?

The Happy Rescued Donkeys Hiking Experience in São Miguel is offered through Portugal Farm Experience (also bookable through Airbnb). This guided roughly 1.5 mile (2.4 km) donkey walk is hosted by Bethany of the Blue Footed Donkey Farm, a small sanctuary in Água de Alto committed to sustainability and animal welfare. Bethany is a true animal advocate, and shows a deep love for the Azores and its traditional farming life. This farm experience is rooted in education and care, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily life of a working animal sanctuary. Keep in mind that donkeys, when in their natural environment, walk up to 12 miles (roughly 20 km) per day. This daily “hike” is essential for their health and enrichment.

Getting to Água de Alto

The donkey experience starts in Água de Alto, which is just a 20 minute drive from Ponta Delgada (and even closer to Vila Franca do Campo, where we stayed in an ocean-view rental). The tour doesn’t offer hotel pickup or drop-off, but there are plenty of options for getting there.

We use and recommend DiscoverCars.com for our car rentals. Search for your Ponta Delgada car rental below.

Meeting Bethany & the Donkeys

We met Bethany and our small group of fellow travelers in the heart of Água de Alto, a sleepy seaside village. Bethany’s warm welcome set the tone for the day, and she introduced us to the happy rescued donkeys, each with their own personality and backstory. There were leaders and followers; some stubborn and others playful. This just made the experience with them more fun!

Bethany’s donkey sanctuary is a wonderfully positive counterpoint to the mistreatment of animals we saw in some parts of São Miguel, especially on the north shore. Some of the donkeys had been surrendered after years of labor; others were born into rescue. All were thriving thanks to the daily care and structure that Bethany and her team provide.

A Donkey-Led Stroll Through Town

The Portugal farm experience begins with a walk through the cobbled streets of Água de Alto on São Miguel. We held a lead rope and slowly made our way through town with the donkeys—taking time to let them sniff, graze, and explore along the way. At one point, Bethany suggested that we dropped their leads and let them wander in a park area, where the donkeys searched for their favorite plants.

As we passed through town, locals waved and chatted with Bethany. Cars patiently waited for us to pass with the donkeys, and it quickly became clear that these animals are a beloved part of the community. They were welcome to stop at the fountain in town for fresh water before heading up the hill to the sanctuary. The donkeys knew their route well, though at times decided to not cooperate. Bethany was always on hand to help if needed.

Community & Connection

During the hike, we took a break in town for coffee. It was the perfect way to relax with the donkeys or take a break from them, ask questions, and connect with fellow travelers. We enjoyed getting to know the multi-generational family who was also taking this tour. Not surprisingly, we found a lot in common with this family, also committed to more sustainable travel experiences. Whether kids or simply young at heart, we all enjoyed our time with Bethany and the donkeys. This Portugal farm experience helps you appreciate how small efforts can make a big difference.

A Glimpse into Azorean Farm Life

We helped walk one group of donkeys up to the sanctuary above town, then returned back down the hill with a second group. The gentle pace and quiet surroundings made this one of the most relaxing and immersive experiences we’ve had on the island.

At the top of the trail sits the sanctuary itself—complete with shelters, numerous pastures, grooming stations, and scenic views over the coastline. The donkeys are incredibly lucky to live in such a tranquil and stunning location. You can see the Vila Franca do Campo volcanic Islet in the distance, which we kayaked to a few days before.

This Portugal farm experience, set among Água de Alto’s hills, fields, and stone terraces, captures the essence of São Miguel’s rural beauty and agricultural heritage.

Focus on Rescue, Care, and Education

What sets this experience apart is the genuine care and commitment to the welfare of the animals. The sanctuary provides each donkey with:

• Safe housing and shelter (donkeys are not waterproof, so need shelter from the Azores’ rains)
• Daily walks and mental stimulation,
• Regular veterinary care,
• Healthy diets tailored to their age and needs,
• Education programs for visitors and schools.

Portugal Farm Experience on São Miguel

• Experience Name: Happy Rescued Donkeys Hiking Experience
• Where: Água de Alto, São Miguel, Azores
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours
• Cost: €65 per adult (age 13 or older) / €30 per child 2-13 years old / Free for those under 2
  (check links below for the latest pricing)
• Offered by: Portugal Farm Experience (also bookable through Airbnb)
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunhat, rain jacket, water bottle, camera
• Accessibility: Easy walk with breaks; suitable for all ages. Note that the walk does go up (and down) a moderate hill.

Why This Is One of the Best Portugal Farm Experiences

If you’re looking to go beyond the usual Azores tourist experience, the Happy Rescued Donkeys Hiking Experience is a standout. In addition to great photos, you’ll leave with memories of the donkeys and their stories, the warmth of a local farm community, and the joy of traveling with purpose. As an added bonus, send Bethany your home address after the tour and she’ll send you a postcard made from the donkey’s recycled poo (sounds gross, but when properly processed as it is, the paper used is clean and odor-free).

Donkey walking in São Miguel is our favorite Portugal farm experience to date due to Bethany’s incredible commitment to the well-being of the donkeys and the authenticity of the experience.

You May Also Enjoy:

• Top Tips for Renting a Car in Portugal
• Kayak Vila Franca do Campo Adventure to Vila Franca Islet
• Sete Cidades Azores Epic Travel Guide
• How to Plan Your Visit to the Furnas São Miguel Hot Springs
• How Many Days in São Miguel, Azores?
• Winter in Madeira, a 4-Day Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Madeira Portugal
• Best Time to Visit Madeira Portugal
• Tenerife or Madeira, a Traveler’s Guide to Two Paradise Islands
• Top 10 Things to Do in Madeira Portugal
• Hiking the São Miguel Gorreana Tea Plantation Trail

If you enjoyed this post, pin this for later!