Itinerary
- Day 1
Ponta Delgada
You'll touch down on São Miguel and collect your rental car, then head to your hotel to get settled. If you've got some daylight left, take a walk through Ponta Delgada and wander the historic streets. The harbor's worth checking out too, and you'll get a feel for how the island's capital actually operates beyond the tourist zones.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Full buffet breakfast served in the hotel's breakfast room)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Azoriani Boutique, Ascend Hotel Collection)
Optional Activities
- Explore Ponta Delgada's historic streets, vibrant harbor, and local atmosphere
Landmarks/POIs Ponta Delgada - Day 2
Sao Miguel - Lagoa do Fogo - Porto Formoso
This day focuses on São Miguel's natural side. Start with Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic lake with beautiful blue waters, then drive to Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara where black sand meets the ocean and you can walk or catch waves if you're into surfing. After that, head to Porto Formoso fishing village and look for its hidden waterfall. Later, check out Cascata do Limbo and consider the Pequena Rota PR39 SMI hiking trail, which takes you past waterfalls and old factory remains if you're up for it.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Full buffet breakfast served in the hotel's breakfast room)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Azoriani Boutique, Ascend Hotel Collection)
Optional Activities
- Visit Lagoa do Fogo and view panoramic vistas from its viewpoints
- Relax on Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara black sand beach
- Sunbathing and surfing at Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara
- Discover Cascata do Porto Formoso waterfall near Porto Formoso fishing village
- Visit Cascata do Limbo waterfall
- Hike Pequena Rota PR39 SMI - Quatro fábricas da Luz along old water pipe past Salto do Cabrito waterfall and historic factory ruins
Landmarks/POIs Lagoa do Fogo Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara Porto Formoso Cascata do Porto Formoso Cascata do Limbo Salto do Cabrito 
- Day 3
Sao Miguel - Miradouro de Santa Iria - Gorreana
Begin at Miradouro de Santa Iria for views across green hills down to the Atlantic. From there, visit Gorreana Tea Factory, one of Europe's last functioning traditional tea plantations, where you'll learn how they grow and process tea, plus get to taste samples for free. Continue through the countryside and stop at Poço Azul for a dip in natural pools. You'll also see viewpoints at Lomba de São Pedro and Miradouro do Salto da Farinha. Wrap up with a hike through some natural terrain if energy allows.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Full buffet breakfast served in the hotel's breakfast room)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Azoriani Boutique, Ascend Hotel Collection)
Included Activities
- Visit Gorreana Tea Factory and enjoy free tastings of local black and green teas
Optional Activities
- Capture panoramic views at Miradouro de Santa Iria
- Explore Lomba de São Pedro viewpoint
- Visit Miradouro do Salto da Farinha for waterfall and valley vistas
- Swim or relax at Poço Azul natural lagoon
Landmarks/POIs Miradouro de Santa Iria Gorreana Tea Factory Lomba de São Pedro Miradouro do Salto da Farinha Poço Azul 
- Day 4
Sao Miguel - Termas da Ferraria - Boca do Inferno - Pineapple Plantation
Start by soaking in the naturally warm volcanic pools at Termas da Ferraria where the water meets the ocean. Then move to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado for coastal views and a chance to spot whales. Head to Mosteiros next to see black sand beaches with natural volcanic pools. Later, visit Miradouro da Boca do Inferno to see views of three crater lakes. Finish at a traditional pineapple plantation where you can walk through the greenhouses and try pineapple mojitos and fresh samples.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Full buffet breakfast served in the hotel's breakfast room)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Azoriani Boutique, Ascend Hotel Collection)
Optional Activities
- Bathe in natural thermal springs at Termas da Ferraria
- Enjoy whale watching at Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado
- Swim at Piscinas Naturais 'Caneiros' black sand beach with natural volcanic pools
- View iconic panoramas at Miradouro da Boca do Inferno
- Visit Plantação Ananases A Arruda pineapple farm and participate in pineapple tastings and drinks
Landmarks/POIs Termas da Ferraria Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado Piscinas Naturais Caneiros Miradouro da Boca do Inferno Plantação Ananases A Arruda - Day 5
Sao Miguel - Caldeira Velha - Salto do Cabrito - Farol do Cintrao
Spend time in the warm mineral waters at Parque da Caldeira Velha, surrounded by thick vegetation. Then hike into the forest to find Cascata do Salto do Cabrito waterfall. On your way, you'll pass a historic chapel where you can stop and take in the peace and views. End at Farol do Cintrao lighthouse perched above the rocky coastline. If you're interested, the geothermal town of Furnas with its sulfurous vents is optional and worth seeing if time allows.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Full buffet breakfast served in the hotel's breakfast room)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Azoriani Boutique, Ascend Hotel Collection)
Optional Activities
- Immerse in thermal pools at Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha
- Hike to Cascata do Salto do Cabrito waterfall and deactivated hydroelectric factories
- Visit Our Lady of Peace Chapel
- Visit Farol do Cintrao historic lighthouse
- Explore Furnas geothermal town with sulfurous water vents and traditional Cozido
Landmarks/POIs Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha Cascata do Salto do Cabrito Our Lady of Peace Chapel Farol do Cintrao Furnas 
- Day 6
Sao Miguel - Ribeira dos Caldeiroes - Salto do Prego - Furnas
Start at Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes where water cascades around you, and you'll see old mills mixed with wild vegetation. Continue to a viewpoint that shows off the untamed coastline. Hike deeper into the forest to reach Salto do Prego, a strong waterfall tucked away in the trees. After that, soak in warm mineral waters at a thermal park, then head to Furnas where geothermal activity creates an unusual landscape. You can also visit Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel lighthouse or Boats Viewpoint for whale watching if you want.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Full buffet breakfast served in the hotel's breakfast room)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Azoriani Boutique, Ascend Hotel Collection)
Optional Activities
- Explore Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes with waterfall, 16th-century watermills, and canyoning
- Visit Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel scenic lighthouse
- View Boats Viewpoint on coastal cliff
- Hike to Cascata Salto do Prego waterfall along Faial da Terra stream
- Immerse in Parque Terra Nostra thermal pools and botanical garden in Furnas
Landmarks/POIs Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Miradouro da Ponta do Arnel Boats Viewpoint Cascata Salto do Prego Parque Terra Nostra Furnas 
- Day 7
Sao Miguel - Pico da Vara
Slip into the warm mineral waters at Poça da Dona Beija early in the morning, and you can actually return here until late evening if you want to bathe under the stars. Later, climb Pico da Vara, which stands at 1,105 meters and is São Miguel's highest point. The views from up there stretch across the entire island on clear days, showing you lush green landscapes and dramatic terrain all at once.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Full buffet breakfast served in the hotel's breakfast room)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Azoriani Boutique, Ascend Hotel Collection)
Optional Activities
- Indulge in thermal pools at Poça da Dona Beija with evening and night bathing options
- Ascend to Pico da Vara highest peak for island panoramas
Landmarks/POIs Poça da Dona Beija Pico da Vara - Day 8
Ponta Delgada - Departure
If you have time before heading out, wander through the city's markets and sample local food and fresh fruit, maybe pick up some souvenirs. Grab a last coffee and take it easy before driving to the airport. Make sure you leave with enough time to return the rental car without rushing and get through airport check-in comfortably.
Optional Activities
- Explore Ponta Delgada vibrant markets
- Sample local dishes and fresh fruits
- Browse for unique souvenirs
- Enjoy final coffee in the city
Landmarks/POIs Ponta Delgada
