Portuguese Islands: The Azores & Madeira

Suggestion for the day: 

• Explore Madeira’s stunning West Coast

Highlights:

• Ribeira Brava
• São Vicente
• Seixal
• Porto Moniz
• Calheta 
• Ponta do Sol 

Or book here your southwest guided tour.

Suggestion for the day:

• Discover Madeira’s Eastern wonders

Highlights:

• Santana
• Machico
• Pico do Arieiro
• Ponta de São Lourenço 

Or book here your full-day guided tour. Another suggestion is to combine a boat trip with a jeep tour (book here).

Suggestion #2 - Take the day to explore Madeira’s food & wine scene

Situated in the Atlantic between Portugal and the coast of Morocco, Madeira is in a unique location at the intersection of many different flavors and influences. What can you expect to find on the menu here? Fresh tuna steak, fried cornmeal, kabobs, breads, mackerel, octopus, homemade couscous, wheat soup, and of course, loads of fresh fruit and delicious Madeira wine! 

Recommended experiences:

• Safari + Madeira Table Wine Tasting & Tapas
• Vineyards and Cellars Full-day Tour
• Visit to the Vineyards with Wine Tasting & Lunch

We recommend booking airport transfers (or getting a rental car) and early check-in.

Suggestions for the day:

• Take the afternoon to stroll around Ponta Delgada’s city streets. Ponta Delgada, the main city, is not only the hub of the island but the capital of the Azores. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene. Or book here your Ponta Delgada City Tour. 

Not to miss:

• Portas da Cidade
• Louvre Michaelense
• Pineapple Plantations
• Matriz Church

Suggestion #2 - Embark on a whale and dolphin-watching experience

• The Azores Islands are known for their unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, adored by outdoor adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. But what people may not know is that the Azores is also one of the fastest-growing whale-watching destinations in the world. Located in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home and natural point of passage to more than 20 different types of whale and dolphin species, making the islands one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries. Book here. 

Suggestions for the day:

• Take the afternoon to stroll around Ponta Delgada’s city streets. Ponta Delgada, the main city, is not only the hub of the island but the capital of the Azores. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene. Or book here your Ponta Delgada City Tour. 

Not to miss:

• Portas da Cidade
• Louvre Michaelense
• Pineapple Plantations
• Matriz Church

Suggestion #2 - Embark on a whale and dolphin-watching experience

• The Azores Islands are known for their unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, adored by outdoor adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. But what people may not know is that the Azores is also one of the fastest-growing whale-watching destinations in the world. Located in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home and natural point of passage to more than 20 different types of whale and dolphin species, making the islands one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries. Book here. 

Suggestions for the day:

• Head to the north side of the island to visit the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo and take this chance to visit (and maybe bath) the thermal pools of Caldeira Velha. Once you’re here you can also visit the Salto do Cabrito waterfall! On your way to Furnas, we recommend that you stop at Porto Formoso and Gorreana Tea Plantations (the only ones in Europe). In Furnas there’s just so much to explore, such as the lake, the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, the Grená Park, the caldeiras, the fumaroles, the Terra Nostra Park, the Dona Beija hot springs and so much more. Make sure to try out the local delicacies: the cozido das Furnas and the bolos lêvedos! 

Book a Furnas guided tour here. 

Suggestions for the day:

• Visit Sete Cidades (Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa do Canário and Boca do Inferno Viewpoint) and take this opportunity to visit the neighboring village of Mosteiros - ideal for sunset! Once you’re in the west part of the island you can also indulge in an ocean thermal bath at Ferraria. 

Book here a guided tour around the west part of the island that will have you discovering this and much more in the company of a local guide. 

Suggestion #2 - Take the day for a hiking adventure. 

Recommended hikes:

• Lagoa do Fogo
• Moinhos do Félix 
• Serra Devassa
• Sanguinho 

It is recommended to book an early check-in and airport transfers (or to get a car rental)  in the Azores as well.