São Miguel: Eco-Luxury Spa Retreat

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1Arrive in São Miguel Island & Drive to Furnas

   

   Welcome to the green São Miguel Island! As soon as you arrive at the airport, pick up your car and start driving to the wonderful Furnas Valley, for the first part of your stay on the island (this scenic drive will take about 45 to 50 minutes). We recommend booking an early hotel check-in for more comfort upon arrival (available during the booking process). 

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Rejuvenate After Your Journey: Unwind with an Included Massage at Octant Furnas' Spa! Schedule it for your convenience, but to truly combat jet lag, consider booking it for the afternoon of your arrival. Afterward, soak in the serenity of the hotel's stunning indoor and outdoor pools.
2. Day 2Octant Furnas

   

   Suggestions for the day:

   Stroll around the picturesque town of Furnas and explore some of its highlights!

   • Furnas Lake
   • Caldeiras and the surrounding area where the famous Cozido dish is cooked underground
   • Cozido, Bolos Lêvedos, and Sweet Corn are must-try local delicacies
   • Flowing Spring Water
   • Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija hot springs
   • Pico do Ferro Viewpoint 
   • Furnas Golf Course 
   • Queijaria Furnense (delicious cheese using local "sour water")
   • A Grená Park
   • Mata Jardim José do Canto
   • Drive to Ribeira Quente (only a 10-minute drive). Here, enjoy the little seaside fisherman's village and visit the beautiful Praia do Fogo, or stop into one of the handful of restaurants serving up delicious, fresh seafood.
3. Day 3Octant Furnas

   

   Suggestions for the day:

   Explore part of the southern area of the island and the incredible Vila Franca do Campo islet!

   • Vila Franca do Campo Islet
   • Whale Watching Experience
   • Senhora da Paz Viewpoint 
   • Castelo Branco Viewpoint
   • Lagoa do Congro
   • Queijadas do Morgado (for the traditional "queijadas da vila")
   • Água D’Alto Beaches

   In the afternoon:

   • Visit Cerâmica Vieira Pottery Shop in Lagoa 
   • Visit Caloura (beach and harbor)
4. Day 4Octant Furnas

   

   Suggestions for the day: Explore the eastern side of the island and get to know Nordeste and Povoação!

   Nordeste:

   • Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint
   • Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoint
   • Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse
   • Ponta dos Barcos Viewpoint
   • Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park 
   • Poço Azul Hiking Trail
   • While you're in Nordeste, we also recommend visiting a local farm for a truly authentic experience!
     

   Povoação:

   • Before going to Povoação, explore the picturesque town of Faial da Terra (there is where you can also do one of the most beautiful hikes on the island - the Salto do Prego/Sanguinho hike)
   • Pico dos Bodes viewpoint
   • Pico Longo viewpoint
   • Explore the village of Povoação and its port and taste the traditional Fofa da Povoção (sweet pastry similar to an éclair).
5. Day 5Drive to Sensi Azores Nature & SPA

   

   Say goodbye to Furnas and start driving to Sensi Nature & Spa for the next part of your trip! The drive from Furnas to Sensi will take you about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Before going to the hotel, we recommend exploring Ponta Delgada. 

   Suggestions for the day:

   Stroll around Ponta Delgada’s charming streets. This city evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene.

   Not to miss:

   • Portas da Cidade
   • City Hall 
   • Matriz Church
   • Louvre Michaelense
   • Mercado da Graça (Farmers' Market) and Rei dos Queijos (local products and cheese store)
   • Pineapple Plantations (Fajã de Baixo)

   Enjoy your included massage at Sensi Azores Natures & SPA! You can schedule it for the date and schedule that suits you best.

6. Day 6Sensi Azores Nature & Spa

   

   Suggestion for the day:

   Explore the westernmost part of the island - Sete Cidades and Mosteiros! Make sure to not miss these spots:

   • Lagoa das Sete Cidades
   • Lagoa de Santiago
   • Lagoa do Canário
   • Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
   • Take this opportunity to visit the neighboring village of Mosteiros - ideal for sunset! 
   • Once you’re in the western part of the island you can also indulge in an ocean thermal bath at Ferraria
7. Day 7Sensi Nature & Spa

   

   Suggestion for the day: Whale Watching & Farewell Dinner

   For the first part of your day, embark on a Whale & Dolphin Watching experience

   The Azores Islands are not just known for their volcanic landscapes and charming towns. They are also rapidly becoming a premier destination for whale watching.

   • Imagine setting sail on crystal-clear waters, surrounded by volcanic peaks. Suddenly, a pod of playful dolphins leaps from the waves, followed by the majestic spout of a sperm whale! The Azores' unique combination of factors creates a perfect habitat for over 20 species of whales and dolphins, making it one of the world's largest whale sanctuaries. Throughout the year, keep your eyes peeled for resident species like Sperm Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and Risso's Dolphins. These fascinating creatures call the Azores home year-round.Depending on the time of year, you might encounter migrating giants like Blue Whales, the largest creatures on Earth. Witness humpback whales breaching or orcas hunting in coordinated packs. Spring brings Pilot Whales and Striped Dolphins, while summer welcomes Minke Whales, Fin Whales, and Sei Whales on their migratory journeys.

   Then, take some time for some souvenirs shopping & Say goodbye to the Azores with a delicious farewell dinner 

   • Don't leave the Azores empty-handed! From gourmet delights to handcrafted treasures, there's a perfect souvenir for everyone on your list.

    

8. Day 8Return Flight Home

   

   We hope you had an incredible time. While it's time to head back home, we're looking forward to the chance to travel with you again in the future!