Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival at Ponta Delgada
Your Azores adventure kicks off when you land in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel. After grabbing your rental car, you'll drive north through green countryside with rolling hills and ocean views along the way. By evening, you're settled into your accommodation on the north coast, ready to start exploring.
Included Activities
- Self-drive to north coast of São Miguel
- Scenic drive through rolling hills and meadows
Landmarks/POIs Ponta Delgada São Miguel - Day 2
São Miguel Lakes and Coastal Exploration
Today's about getting your boots on and hiking through São Miguel's natural landscape. You'll start at Lagoa do Canário before heading to the twin lakes at Sete Cidades, where you can see the striking blue and turquoise waters. From there, continue to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado for dramatic cliff views, then wrap up with a dip in the natural pools at Mosteiros beach.
Included Activities
- Hike to Lagoa do Canário
- Hike to Sete Cidades twin lakes crater viewpoint
- Visit Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
- Visit Piscinas Naturais Caneiros natural pools at Mosteiros
Optional Activities
- Swimming in natural pools at Mosteiros
Landmarks/POIs Lagoa do Canário Sete Cidades Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado Mosteiros Piscinas Naturais Caneiros 
- Day 3
Furnas Hot Springs and Thermal Baths
Head out to Vale das Furnas valley where geothermal activity shapes the entire landscape. You'll see hot springs and caldeiras with their steaming vents throughout the area. At Terra Nostra Park, soak in the thermal baths where water reaches around 104°F/40°C, then wander through the colorful plants. The park also sits near the second largest lake on the island, all surrounded by volcanic terrain.
Included Activities
- Visit caldeiras and steaming hot springs in Vale das Furnas
- Bathe in thermal pools at Terra Nostra Park
Optional Activities
- Explore plant varieties in Terra Nostra Park
Landmarks/POIs Vale das Furnas Terra Nostra Park Furnas Lake - Day 4
Transfer to Pico
Return your rental car to the airport and catch a flight to Pico. Once you land, pick up another car and drive to your coastal spot. That evening, you'll catch the sunset over Pico volcano, Portugal's highest peak at 2,350 meters, with the Atlantic Ocean stretched out on the other side and golden light hitting the mountain.
Included Activities
- Self-drive exploration of Pico
- Stop at Cabeça de Cachorro rock formation
Landmarks/POIs Pico Volcano Cabeça de Cachorro Cachorro - Day 5
Pico UNESCO Vineyards and Whale Watching
Start in the Zona de Adegas, where you'll see the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape with its distinctive lava stone walls. Later, head south to Lajes, a former whaling village now focused on whale watching via rubber dinghy. Swing by Ponta da Ilha lighthouse in Manhenha for panoramic ocean views before dinner at Cella Bar in Madalena right on the waterfront.
Included Activities
- Drive through Zona de Adegas UNESCO vineyards
Optional Activities
- Whale watching rubber dinghy excursion in Lajes (bookable on site)
- Visit Ponta da Ilha lighthouse in Manhenha
- Dining at Cella Bar in Madalena
Landmarks/POIs Zona de Adegas Lajes Ponta da Ilha Lighthouse Manhenha Madalena - Day 6
Pico Volcano Hike and Highland Lakes
Choose your adventure today. Serious hikers can tackle Pico volcano starting from Casa da Montanha, working through narrow trails across wild lava rock. If you prefer something lighter, explore the misty highlands and find lakes like Lagoa da Rosada, Lagoa do Peixinho, and Lagoa Seca with São Jorge visible in the distance, then take a peaceful forest walk.
Included Activities
- Hike to Pico volcano summit from Casa da Montanha
Optional Activities
- Explore highland lakes: Lagoa da Rosada, Lagoa do Peixinho
- Visit Lagoa Seca with forest walks
Landmarks/POIs Casa da Montanha Pico Volcano Summit Lagoa da Rosada Lagoa do Peixinho Lagoa Seca São Jorge - Day 7
Ferry Transfer to Faial
Drop off your rental car in Madalena and board the ferry to Faial. Watch for dolphins during the crossing over the Atlantic. When you arrive, grab another rental car at Faial airport and drive to your accommodation. Settle in for the evening with fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing from Madalena to Horta
Optional Activities
- Dolphin spotting during ferry crossing
- Seafood dining at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Madalena Horta Faial - Day 8
Horta Exploration and Coastal Views
Spend your day in and around Horta, checking out the old town with colorful murals and its vibrant harbor that reflects the island's sailing heritage. Hike up Monte da Guia for great views, then relax at Porto Pim beach or head to Praia do Almoxarife if you want quieter waters and black sand. Later, venture inland to find the ruins of an old earthquake-destroyed lighthouse near Ribeirinha.
Included Activities
- Explore Horta old town and harbor
Optional Activities
- Hike to Monte da Guia viewpoint
- Visit Porto Pim beach
- Visit Praia do Almoxarife
- Explore lighthouse ruins in Ribeirinha
Landmarks/POIs Horta Monte da Guia Porto Pim Beach Praia do Almoxarife Ribeirinha Pico - Day 9
Faial Caldeira and Forest Trails
Drive to Miradouro da Caldeira at the top for panoramic views of the volcanic crater and ocean, with Pico, São Jorge, and Graciosa visible on the horizon. Hike the Rocha da Fajã Trail through Laurissilva forest down to coastal paths. After that, climb Cabição Verde for full volcano views, then relax with a picnic in Parque Florestal do Capelo surrounded by flowers.
Included Activities
- Visit Caldeira crater at Miradouro da Caldeira
- Hike Rocha da Fajã Trail through Laurissilva forest
Optional Activities
- Hike to Cabeçó Verde viewpoint
- Picnic at Parque Florestal do Capelo
Landmarks/POIs Caldeira Miradouro da Caldeira Rocha da Fajã Trail Laurissilva Forest Cabeçó Verde Parque Florestal do Capelo Pico São Jorge Graciosa - Day 10
Return to São Miguel
Return your rental car at Faial airport and fly back to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel for your last night. You can take a taxi or bus to your accommodation (cost payable when you arrive). End things with traditional octopus in wine sauce at a local restaurant, watching the Atlantic sunset from your table.
Optional Activities
- Taxi or bus transfer from airport to accommodation (payable locally)
- Traditional octopus in wine sauce dinner
Landmarks/POIs Ponta Delgada - Day 11
Departure
Your time in the Azores comes to an end today. You'll depart from Ponta Delgada, heading home with memories of these green islands scattered across the Atlantic.
Landmarks/POIs Ponta Delgada
