Adventure in the Azores | Portugal Itinerary

Route

Eight days on São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores, with one base. From Ponta Delgada you explore volcanic craters such as Sete Cidades, the geothermal valley of Furnas and the lush north coast around Porto Formoso.

Pace

A relaxed pace with no hotel changes. Seven nights in the same place allow you to explore the island through day trips, hikes and scenic stops along the coast.

Highlights

The crater lakes Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde in Sete Cidades, the geysers and hot springs of Furnas and the subtropical gardens of Parque Terra Nostra. You also experience whale and dolphin watching in the Atlantic Ocean, tea plantations near Porto Formoso and the volcanic islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Accommodation

You stay seven nights in a carefully selected Caractère hotel such as White Exclusive Suites & Villas, Santa Bárbara Eco Beach Resort or Octant Ponta Delgada.

Profile

For travellers looking for nature and adventure. Ideal for combining volcanic landscapes, hikes and ocean excursions while discovering the island from one comfortable base.

Day 1: Departure to Sao Miguel

Today your journey really begins. You depart from Belgium and fly to São Miguel with a stopover. Upon arrival, you pick up your rental car and drive to your accommodation. For the next 7 nights, you stay in one of our charming Caractère hotels, a perfect base to explore the island at your own pace.

Day 2: Ponta Delgada

The capital of São Miguel is Ponta Delgada, the island's most populous town with its 40,000 inhabitants, a particularly attractive town with a rich architectural heritage dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. Stroll the historic centre, wander the streets and descend towards the sea and the marina, where the promenade is transformed into a vibrant and colourful centre by day and especially by night.

Day 3: Sete Cidades

On the third day of your trip, take a trip to the divine Sete Cidades, a huge volcanic crater. The names of the two main lakes are the Lagoa Azul and the Lagoa Verde, the Blue Lake and the Green Lake. They refer to the blue of the sky and the green of the land, though romantics claim that the lakes were created by the tears of a blue-eyed princess separated by fate and a shepherd boy with green eyes.

Day 4: Porto Formoso

In Porto Formoso, there are several activities to choose from. Enjoy the Praia dos Moinhos beach, one of São Miguel's few white sand beaches, set against a fantastic backdrop of steep rocks in the shape of an amphitheatre. Or take a stroll through the village, visiting the Fábrica de Chá Porto Formoso, the village's most famous tea factory. You'll find numerous tea plantations around Porto Formoso where it's lovely to walk.

Day 5: Furnas and its Caldeiras

Explore the Lagoa das Furnas (lake of fire) with its famous steaming geysers and bubbling springs. West of the lake lies the church Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, with its impressive neo-Gothic architecture, unique to the Azores. In the same Furnas Valley, you will find the Parque Terra Nostra, a park dating back to the 18th century. These paradise-like subtropical gardens, covering an area of 12 hectares, meander around a walkway past landscaped lakes and streams, exotic flowers and ancient rare tree species, as well as a swimming lake with mustard-coloured iron-rich water.

Day 6: Whale and dolphin excursion

Enjoy a unique whale and dolphin excursion from Ponta Delgada port. Since the ban on whaling, residents have been using their knowledge to observe and preserve these whales.

Day 7: Vila Franca do Campo or Ponta da Ferraria

Visit the crater located opposite the village of Vila Franca do Campo, about 1km from the coast. This small island paradise is definitely worth a visit, you can get there by ferry. Its crystal-clear waters and small charming beach lend themselves perfectly to swimming and diving. Or just enjoy yourself in Ponta da Ferraria on one of the rocky islets where you will find natural lakes to swim in.

Day 8: Going home

Unfortunately, your trip comes to an end. Return your rental car and head home. Can't get enough of the beautiful Azores? Then we will be happy to arrange an extension of your stay in one of our hotels.

Frequently asked questions about this Azores trip

What is the best time to visit the Azores?

The best period is from May to October. Temperatures are mild and the weather is generally more stable. Spring brings lush landscapes and blooming hydrangeas, while late summer offers excellent conditions for whale and dolphin watching.

Do you need a rental car on São Miguel?

Yes. Major highlights such as Sete Cidades, Furnas and Porto Formoso are spread across the island. A rental car makes it easy to reach volcanic craters, viewpoints and coastal villages.

What makes the Azores unique?

Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are known for volcanic landscapes, crater lakes and geothermal activity. On São Miguel you combine dramatic nature with experiences such as whale watching, tea plantations and natural hot springs.

Is São Miguel a good first island to visit in the Azores?

Yes. São Miguel is the largest and most diverse island in the archipelago. It combines crater lakes, volcanic valleys, coastal scenery and charming villages, making it an ideal introduction to the Azores.