Itinerary
- Day 1
Ponta Delgada
You'll land in Ponta Delgada and pick up your rental car to begin exploring São Miguel. The drive takes you through the island's green countryside with rolling hills and open meadows as you head toward the scenic north coast. Along the way, you can pull over to catch the Atlantic breeze, take in the ocean views, grab a drink at a local spot, and settle into the peaceful rhythm of your adventure.
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through São Miguel countryside
- Visit north coast of São Miguel
Optional Activities
- Explore local restaurants and bars
Landmarks/POIs Ponta Delgada São Miguel - Day 2
São Miguel
This is a hiking day, so get your boots laced up. You'll start at Lagoa do Canário to walk through the mystical forest, then continue to the twin lakes at Sete Cidades where you can hike the crater slopes and see the bright blue and turquoise waters. From there, head to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado for dramatic clifftop views, and finish with a cool-off at the natural pools in Mosteiros before returning to your accommodation.
Included Activities
- Hike to Lagoa do Canário
- Hike Sete Cidades twin lakes and crater slopes
- Visit Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
- Explore Mosteiros village and natural pools (Piscinas Naturais Caneiros)
Optional Activities
- Swimming in natural pools
Landmarks/POIs Lagoa do Canário Sete Cidades Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado Mosteiros Piscinas Naturais Caneiros - Day 3
São Miguel
You'll explore Vale das Furnas, where steaming hot springs and bubbling caldeiras create an otherworldly landscape. Start by floating in the warm thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park, which can reach up to 40°C (104°F), then relax by Lagoa das Furnas and walk through the fruit plantations. Later, head to Vila Franca do Campo to check out beaches, viewpoints, and a historical museum. On your way back, stop at Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo for sunset views of the azure-blue lake.
Included Activities
- Visit Vale das Furnas geothermal area
- Explore Terra Nostra Park and thermal baths
- Visit Lagoa das Furnas
- Explore Vila Franca do Campo
Optional Activities
- Swimming in thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park
- Beach time in Vila Franca do Campo
- Visit historical museum in Vila Franca do Campo
- Visit Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
Landmarks/POIs Vale das Furnas Terra Nostra Park Lagoa das Furnas Vila Franca do Campo Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo - Day 4
São Miguel
You can start with Chá Gorreana, Europe's only tea plantation, though entry is optional and costs extra. Next, head to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Nature Park for forest hikes past waterfalls and colorful flowers. Then drive toward Nordeste to see multiple viewpoints including Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego and Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada, where lush green cliffs and Atlantic views give you plenty of photo opportunities.
Included Activities
- Visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões Nature Park
- Explore Nordeste viewpoints (Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada)
Optional Activities
- Visit Chá Gorreana tea plantation (payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Chá Gorreana Ribeira dos Caldeirões Nature Park Nordeste Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada - Day 5
São Miguel to Pico
Return your rental car and fly from São Miguel to Pico, landing on Portugal's most dramatic island. After picking up a new rental car at the airport, you'll immediately spot your constant companion for the next days: Pico volcano at 2,350 meters, Portugal's highest peak. Make a quick stop in Cachorro village to see the quirky Cabeça de Cachorro rock formation, then arrive at your coastal accommodation in time for a spectacular sunset with the volcano lit in golden light on one side and the sun sinking into the ocean on the other.
Included Activities
- Flight to Pico
- Drive to coastal accommodation
- View sunset from accommodation
Optional Activities
- Stop at Cachorro village
- View Cabeça de Cachorro rock formation
Landmarks/POIs Pico volcano Cachorro Cabeça de Cachorro - Day 6
Pico
You'll explore Pico's northwest region through Zona de Adegas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with iconic lava stone walls where you can spot traces of ancient ox carts. Head south to Lajes, a former whaling village where you can book a rubber dinghy excursion for whale watching (cost is separate). Continue east to Manhenha and Ponta da Ilha lighthouse, which stands alone in the barren volcanic landscape. Finish your day with dinner at Cella Bar in Madalena, a stylish waterfront restaurant.
Included Activities
- Explore Zona de Adegas UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Lajes former whaling village
- Visit Manhenha and Ponta da Ilha lighthouse
Optional Activities
- Whale watching boat excursion from Lajes (payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Zona de Adegas Lajes Manhenha Ponta da Ilha lighthouse Madalena - Day 7
Pico
You have two options here. Challenge yourself and hike up Pico volcano itself, driving to Casa da Montanha and trekking up narrow trails over wild lava rocks with increasing altitude. Or, if you prefer a more relaxed day, explore the quieter highlands with mystical lakes like Lagoa da Rosada, Lagoa do Peixinho, and Lagoa Seca, often shrouded in mist. These peaceful lakes offer gentle forest walks and distant views of São Jorge island.
Included Activities
- Hike Pico volcano from Casa da Montanha
- Explore Pico highlands and volcanic landscape
Optional Activities
- Hike to Lagoa da Rosada
- Hike to Lagoa do Peixinho
- Visit Lagoa Seca
- Forest walks around mountain lakes
Landmarks/POIs Pico volcano Casa da Montanha Lagoa da Rosada Lagoa do Peixinho Lagoa Seca - Day 8
Pico
Descend into Pico's underground world by exploring Furna de Frei Matias, a lava cave on the western slope hidden beneath ferns and mosses. Bring a flashlight and use your detective skills to find the entrance and navigate through the natural tunnel. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour at Gruta das Torres if you prefer (cost is separate). Continue north to Arcos Vulcânicos in Cabrito where dramatic volcanic rock formations jut into the Atlantic with spectacular ocean views and crashing waves.
Included Activities
- Explore Furna de Frei Matias lava cave
- Visit Arcos Vulcânicos in Cabrito
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Gruta das Torres (payable on site)
Landmarks/POIs Furna de Frei Matias Gruta das Torres Arcos Vulcânicos Cabrito - Day 9
Pico to Faial
Return your rental car to Madalena and board a ferry to Faial. Book your tickets in advance or grab them at the terminal. During the crossing, watch for dolphins along the Atlantic waters. Once you arrive at Faial, pick up your next rental car at the airport and get settled at your accommodation. Later, head to a local seafood restaurant to enjoy fresh island cuisine and reflect on your island-hopping adventure so far.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing from Pico to Faial
- Scenic boat ride with wildlife viewing opportunity
Optional Activities
- Dinner at local seafood restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Madalena Faial - Day 10
Faial
You'll explore Horta's charming old town and harbor where sailing culture comes alive through colorful murals perfect for photos. Hike up Monte da Guia for panoramic views, then relax at Porto Pim beach with sand between your toes and ocean sounds. For ultimate tranquility, head to Praia do Almoxarife with its black sand, green meadows, and direct views of Pico volcano. Later, venture into the countryside to discover Ribeirinha's ruins of an old lighthouse destroyed by earthquake.
Included Activities
- Explore Horta old town and harbor
- Hike Monte da Guia
- Visit Porto Pim beach
- Explore Praia do Almoxarife
Optional Activities
- Visit Ribeirinha lighthouse ruins
- Explore countryside around Horta
Landmarks/POIs Horta Monte da Guia Porto Pim beach Praia do Almoxarife Ribeirinha - Day 11
Faial
Head to Caldeira volcanic caldera as your main highlight for the day. You'll stand at Miradouro da Caldeira between the crater rim and ocean to take in the dramatic views of lush green marshland below and Pico, São Jorge, and Graciosa islands on the horizon. If fog rolls in, hike the Rocha da Fajã Trail instead, passing through mystical Laurissilva forest and hugging the coast. If energy permits, climb Cabeçao Verde for complete 360-degree views, then end with a nature picnic in Parque Florestal do Capelo.
Included Activities
- Visit Miradouro da Caldeira
- Explore Rocha da Fajã Trail with Laurissilva forest hike
Optional Activities
- Hike Cabeçao Verde
- Picnic at Parque Florestal do Capelo
Landmarks/POIs Miradouro da Caldeira Caldeira Rocha da Fajã Trail Laurissilva forest Cabeçao Verde Parque Florestal do Capelo - Day 12
Faial
This is an epic volcanic hike across ten volcanoes on Faial, starting from the west side of Caldeira. You'll walk on volcanic rock beneath your feet with views over the entire island and rugged coastline. Reach Capelinhos, the island's outermost volcano, where the landscape becomes a surreal desert of craters resembling Mars. The black barren ground and ash-darkened lighthouse create an unforgettable backdrop, and you'll finish with sunset over this otherworldly volcanic landscape.
Included Activities
- Hike across ten volcanoes on Faial
- Visit Capelinhos volcano
- View sunset at Capelinhos
Landmarks/POIs Caldeira Capelinhos Capelinhos lighthouse - Day 13
Faial to Ponta Delgada
Return your rental car to Faial airport and board your final flight back to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel. After landing, arrange local transportation such as a taxi or bus to your accommodation (transportation is optional and costs extra). Settle in and enjoy a final dinner featuring Polvo Guisado Em Vinho de Cheiro, octopus in wine sauce, with sunset views of the Atlantic as the perfect ending to your Azores island-hopping adventure.
Included Activities
- Flight from Faial to Ponta Delgada
Optional Activities
- Taxi or bus transfer (payable locally)
- Dinner with sunset views
Landmarks/POIs Ponta Delgada - Day 14
Departure
Your Azores adventure comes to an end as you depart. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences exploring the green jewels of the Atlantic. From volcanic hikes to thermal baths, island hopping between São Miguel, Pico, and Faial, and the peace found in crater lakes and coastal cliffs, the memories will stay with you long after you leave.
