Itinerary
- Day 1
Ponta Delgada to São Miguel
After landing in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, you'll pick up your rental car and start driving through the island's green landscape. The north coast route takes you past rolling hills and meadows with Atlantic breezes and ocean views the whole way. Spend time relaxing by the waves and soaking in the quiet island feel.
Included Activities
- Explore São Miguel's green wilderness and rolling hills
- Drive along the north coast with Atlantic views
Optional Activities
- Grab a drink and enjoy the waves at the north coast
Landmarks Ponta Delgada São Miguel Island 
- Day 2
São Miguel
This day focuses on hiking and natural sights. You'll drive to Lagoa do Canário to walk through the mystical Azorean forest, then head to Sete Cidades where two lakes sit in a crater one bright blue, the other turquoise. After checking out Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado cliff views, you'll cool off at the natural pools of Piscinas Naturais Caneiros near Mosteiros.
Included Activities
- Hike to Lagoa do Canário
- Hike to the twin lakes of Sete Cidades crater viewpoint
- Visit Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
- Explore Piscinas Naturais Caneiros natural pools in Mosteiros
Optional Activities
- Swim in the natural pools at Piscinas Naturais Caneiros
Landmarks Lagoa do Canário Sete Cidades Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado Piscinas Naturais Caneiros Mosteiros - Day 3
Furnas and Vila Franca do Campo
Head to Furnas valley to see the geothermal area with steaming caldeiras and hot springs bubbling up from the ground. You'll relax in Terra Nostra Park where thermal baths reach 40°C/104°F, then walk around Lagoa das Furnas lake. Later, drive through fruit plantations toward Vila Franca do Campo where you can walk the beach, check out viewpoints, or visit the historical museum. On your way back, consider stopping at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo if time allows.
Included Activities
- Explore Furnas hot springs and caldeiras steam vents
- Float in Terra Nostra Park thermal baths
- Visit Lagoa das Furnas lake
Optional Activities
- Beach time in Vila Franca do Campo
- Hunt for beautiful viewpoints in Vila Franca do Campo
- Visit the historical museum in Vila Franca do Campo
- Visit Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
Landmarks Vale das Furnas Terra Nostra Park Lagoa das Furnas Vila Franca do Campo Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo - Day 4
São Miguel to Pico
You'll return your rental car at the airport and board a scheduled flight to Pico island, then pick up a new rental car. The island's main feature is Pico volcano, Portugal's highest peak at 2,350 meters. Stop briefly at Cabeça de Cachorro rock formation in Cachorro village, then drive to your coastal accommodation. By evening, watch the sunset with the volcano glowing in golden light on one side and the sun disappearing into the ocean on the other.
Included Activities
- Visit Cabeça de Cachorro rock formation in Cachorro village
Optional Activities
- Stop at Cachorro village for a photo break
Landmarks Pico Volcano Cabeça de Cachorro Cachorro - Day 5
Whale Watching and Coastal Drive
This is your scenic road trip around Pico. You'll drive through the Zona de Adegas in the northwest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic lava stone walls forming a labyrinth pattern. Head south to Lajes, a former whaling village, where you can book an optional whale watching rubber dinghy tour. Later, drive east to Manhenha to see Ponta da Ilha lighthouse overlooking the volcanic terrain. Finish with dinner at Cella Bar in Madalena, a stylish waterfront spot with good food.
Included Activities
- Explore Zona de Adegas UNESCO World Heritage Site lava stone walls
- Visit Lajes former whaling village
Optional Activities
- Book rubber dinghy whale watching tour in Lajes (at own expense)
- Visit Ponta da Ilha lighthouse in Manhenha
- Dine at Cella Bar in Madalena
Landmarks Zona de Adegas Lajes Ponta da Ilha Lighthouse Manhenha Madalena 
- Day 6
Volcano Hike and Highlands
Challenge yourself by hiking up Pico volcano, or take a quieter route through the highlands. If you go for the volcano, drive to Casa da Montanha, park, and walk through narrow trails and lava rocks, climbing higher throughout. If that's not for you, explore the quiet highlands with mystical lakes like Lagoa da Rosada and Lagoa do Peixinho shrouded in mist. Stop at Lagoa Seca for views of São Jorge island, then walk back through greenery to your car.
Included Activities
- Hike Pico volcano trail from Casa da Montanha
- Explore highland lakes including Lagoa da Rosada and Lagoa do Peixinho
- Visit Lagoa Seca viewpoint
Optional Activities
- Complete high-altitude ascent of Pico volcano
- Walk around Lagoa Seca trail through forest
Landmarks Pico Volcano Casa da Montanha Lagoa da Rosada Lagoa do Peixinho Lagoa Seca 
- Day 7
Pico to Faial via Ferry
Drop off your rental car in Madalena and take the ferry to Faial island. Book your ticket ahead or at the terminal when you arrive. As the boat moves across the water, watch for dolphins. Once you reach Faial, pick up your next rental car from the airport. If hunger hits, find a nearby restaurant for fresh seafood, which always tastes better when you're on an island.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing from Pico to Faial
Optional Activities
- Dolphin watching during ferry crossing
- Seafood dinner upon arrival in Faial
Landmarks Madalena Faial Island Horta - Day 8
Horta and Faial
Start by walking through Horta's old town, then head to the harbor to see the colorful sailing culture and street murals. Hike up Monte da Guia for great views, then relax at Porto Pim beach with sand and waves. For quieter beach time, try Praia do Almoxarife with its black sand and green meadows overlooking Pico volcano. Venture into the countryside to find Ribeirinha's hidden gem, an old lighthouse destroyed by an earthquake.
Included Activities
- Explore Horta old town
- Hike to Monte da Guia viewpoint
- Visit Porto Pim beach
- Visit Praia do Almoxarife beach
- Explore Ribeirinha lighthouse ruins
Optional Activities
- Photograph colorful sailing culture murals in Horta harbor
Landmarks Horta Horta Harbor Monte da Guia Porto Pim Beach Praia do Almoxarife Ribeirinha Lighthouse Ruins - Day 9
Caldeira and Northern Trails
Head to Faial's main attraction, the Caldeira volcanic crater. Stand at Miradouro da Caldeira between the crater rim and ocean with views of Pico, São Jorge, and Graciosa islands. If fog rolls in, hike the Rocha da Fajã Trail instead, walking through mystical Laurissilva forest and coastal paths. For more adventure, climb Cabeçao Verde for wider views. End your day with a picnic in Parque Florestal do Capelo surrounded by blossoming forest and birdsong.
Included Activities
- Visit Miradouro da Caldeira viewpoint
- Hike Rocha da Fajã Trail through Laurissilva forest
- Climb Cabeçao Verde for panoramic views
- Picnic in Parque Florestal do Capelo
Optional Activities
- Explore alternative trails if fog present
Landmarks Caldeira Volcano Miradouro da Caldeira Rocha da Fajã Trail Laurissilva Forest Cabeçao Verde Parque Florestal do Capelo - Day 10
Faial to Ponta Delgada, São Miguel
Drop off your rental car at Faial airport and board your scheduled flight back to São Miguel, landing in Ponta Delgada. You can take a taxi or bus to your accommodation if needed, paying locally for those. Before settling in, order Polvo Guisado Em Vinho de Cheiro (octopus in wine sauce) at a local restaurant with Atlantic sunset views, the right way to wrap up your island-hopping journey.
Included Activities
- Return flight to Ponta Delgada
Optional Activities
- Taxi or bus transfer from airport (payable locally)
- Dinner with 'Polvo Guisado Em Vinho de Cheiro' at sunset
Landmarks Ponta Delgada - Day 11
Departure
Your Azores adventure ends today. As you prepare to head home, you'll find yourself thinking back on the special moments across these green islands in the Atlantic. Till the next time.
