São Miguel, Azores 2 weeks

The main gateway to São Miguel island, facilitating your arrival and departure. Car rentals are available here for exploring the island.

Pick up your pre-booked rental car, essential for exploring São Miguel at your own pace. Ensure you have your driver's license and a credit card.

• Book in advance, especially during peak season.
• Consider a small SUV for better handling on some rural roads.

Check into your accommodation in Ponta Delgada. This boutique hotel offers a central location and comfortable amenities.

Wander through the charming streets of the capital, admire the traditional architecture, and soak in the local atmosphere.

• Look out for the iconic black and white mosaic sidewalks.
• Visit the Portas da Cidade (City Gates).

Enjoy traditional Azorean cuisine with a modern twist. This popular spot offers a cozy ambiance and delicious local dishes.

• Reservations are highly recommended.
• Try the limpets (lapas) or the regional steak.

The most famous viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the twin blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades caldera.

Explore the quaint village nestled within the caldera, visit the São Nicolau Church, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

A less crowded viewpoint providing stunning perspectives of the Sete Cidades lakes, often surrounded by lush vegetation.

• Can be muddy after rain.

A spectacular viewpoint with a wooden platform offering dramatic views over the Sete Cidades crater and lakes, especially impressive on a clear day.

• Access road can be narrow; drive carefully.
• Can get windy, bring a jacket.

Another viewpoint offering a different perspective of the caldera and the island's coastline, often accessible via a scenic drive.

Savor fresh seafood and local specialties in this charming restaurant located near Sete Cidades.

Explore the volcanic valley of Furnas, known for its geothermal activity, hot springs, and lush botanical gardens.

Witness the bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, a testament to the powerful volcanic forces beneath the surface. You can also see where the local 'Cozido das Furnas' is cooked underground.

Relax and rejuvenate in the thermal waters of the iconic orange-hued pool within this magnificent botanical garden. The garden itself is a marvel of diverse flora.

• Wear an old swimsuit as the iron-rich water can stain.
• Allow ample time to explore the gardens.

Experience a series of natural thermal pools nestled amidst lush vegetation, perfect for a tranquil and therapeutic soak.

• Open late, making it a great evening activity.
• Bring towels and flip-flops.

Enjoy a meal in Furnas, perhaps trying the famous 'Cozido das Furnas' cooked in the volcanic steam.

• Cozido must often be pre-ordered.
• Check opening hours as they can vary.

Visit Europe's oldest and only active tea plantation. Tour the factory, learn about the tea-making process, and sample their unique teas.

• Enjoy the scenic walk through the tea fields.
• Purchase some tea to take home.

A stunning viewpoint offering dramatic cliffside vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline.

Explore this coastal town, known for its surf beaches and distinctive architecture, including the striking City Hall.

A popular black sand beach known for its excellent surfing conditions and natural beauty. It's a great spot for a walk or to watch the surfers.

• Surf lessons are available.
• Can be windy.

Enjoy Italian and Azorean fusion cuisine in Ribeira Grande, known for its creative dishes and pleasant atmosphere.

Embark on a thrilling whale and dolphin watching tour from the main marina of Ponta Delgada. Various operators offer trips.

• Book in advance, especially during peak season.
• Bring seasickness medication if you are prone to it.
• Dress in layers as it can be cold on the water.

Visit this vibrant local market to experience the authentic Azorean atmosphere, sample local produce, and purchase regional crafts.

Explore the history and culture of the Azores through its diverse collections, including natural history, art, and ethnography.

Dine in a unique setting that combines a restaurant, bar, and art gallery, offering a sophisticated dining experience.

Discover the dramatic story of the 1957-58 volcanic eruption that created new land on the island of Faial. The underground center is architecturally impressive.

• The walk up the volcano itself is highly recommended.
• Can be very windy, bring appropriate clothing.

Visit the famous marina of Horta, a traditional stopover for transatlantic sailors, known for its colorful murals painted by visiting crews.

Take a scenic ferry ride from Horta, Faial, to Madalena, Pico Island. Enjoy views of Pico Mountain and the surrounding ocean.

Explore the unique UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Pico, characterized by their black volcanic stone walls (currais).

• Visit a local winery for a tasting.
• The landscape is particularly striking near Madalena.

Enjoy fresh seafood with stunning views of Faial Island from this restaurant in Madalena.

For the adventurous, hike to the summit of Portugal's highest peak (2351m). The climb is challenging but offers incredible rewards.

• Requires a permit, book well in advance.
• Start very early, bring warm clothes, water, and snacks.
• Guided tours are recommended for safety and navigation.

Explore one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Guided tours explain the geological formation and unique ecosystem within.

• Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket.
• Tours are in Portuguese and English.

Learn about the history of whaling in the Azores and its significance to the islands' culture and economy at this museum in Lajes do Pico.

Enjoy local Pico specialties, particularly fresh fish, in a rustic setting with sea views.

Take the ferry back to São Miguel island from Madalena, Pico. Enjoy the sea views and reflect on your time on Pico.

Ascend to the viewpoints overlooking Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire), a stunning crater lake known for its pristine beauty and surrounding lush vegetation.

• Weather can change rapidly; fog is common.
• Access roads can be narrow.

Visit this beautiful natural park with its impressive waterfalls, lush greenery, and traditional watermills. It's a great spot for a short hike.

Enjoy a traditional Azorean meal in the town of Nordeste, known for its hearty cuisine.

Experience an adrenaline rush with a guided canyoning tour, descending waterfalls and navigating through lush ravines.

• Various locations available, choose based on your skill level.
• All equipment is provided.

Relax in the warm, iron-rich thermal waters surrounded by a lush subtropical forest. Features a waterfall and various pools.

• Can get crowded; arrive early or later in the day.
• Changing facilities are available.

Enjoy scenic views of the northern coast and the rugged landscape from this viewpoint.

Savor traditional Azorean dishes in a cozy atmosphere, known for its friendly service and local flavors.

Hike this spectacular coastal trail offering dramatic views of volcanic rock formations, rugged cliffs, and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat; there is little shade.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
• Can be windy.

A small port area at the end of the Ponta de São Lourenço trail, offering a place to rest and potentially swim in the clear waters.

Swim in the natural volcanic rock pools carved by the sea, offering a refreshing and scenic coastal experience.

Enjoy fresh seafood in the coastal town of Vila Franca do Campo, known for its excellent fish dishes.

Get a bird's-eye view of the Furnas crater and its lake from this elevated viewpoint, offering a different perspective on the volcanic landscape.

Revisit this stunning botanical garden for a more leisurely exploration, focusing on specific plant collections or enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

Descend into the heart of a dormant volcano through a lava tube. This unique experience allows you to see the volcanic chamber up close.

• Stairs can be steep; wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring a light jacket as it can be cool inside.

Visit a local producer or shop to taste the renowned São Jorge cheese, a semi-hard cheese with a distinct sharp flavor.

• Look for shops offering samples.
• São Jorge cheese is a great souvenir.

Enjoy local cuisine in the town of Velas on São Jorge island, known for its fresh produce and seafood.

Explore the unique coastal plains (fajãs) formed by lava flows or landslides, offering stunning scenery and agricultural landscapes.

• Visit Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo for its lagoon and unique microclimate.
• Fajã dos Cubres is accessible by car.

Take in panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding islands from this elevated viewpoint.

Enjoy a peaceful walk through this natural forest reserve, offering hiking trails and a chance to connect with nature.

Savor local Azorean dishes in the town of Calheta, known for its traditional restaurants and friendly atmosphere.

Take a short inter-island flight from São Jorge (SJZ) to Terceira (TER).

Pick up your rental car at Terceira Airport to explore the island.

Explore the beautifully preserved historic center of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its colorful buildings and colonial architecture.

Descend into a unique volcanic chimney on Terceira island, featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

• Different from the Algar do Carvão on São Miguel.
• Requires a moderate level of fitness.

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Azorean dishes in Angra do Heroísmo, with views of the bay.

Take in the iconic patchwork landscape of Terceira, a stunning view of green fields divided by volcanic stone walls.

Relax and swim in the natural volcanic rock pools formed along the coast in Biscoitos, a popular spot for locals.

Explore another fascinating lava tube on Terceira, offering a different perspective on the island's volcanic origins.

Return your rental car and depart from Terceira Airport.