São Miguel & Pico: Fly & Drive

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1Arrival in Pico Island

   Welcome to the Azores! Begin your adventure by conveniently picking up your rental car at let the fun start.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take a stroll around Madalena’s historical cobblestone streets and enjoy a meal at one of the several seaside restaurants. Madalena is known for its picturesque harbor, framed by the iconic silhouette of Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal.
   • In the late afternoon, make your way to Cella Bar for an unforgettable front-row sunset experience. Nestled along the rugged coastline, Cella Bar offers a unique architectural design, with its striking white structure seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape
2. Day 2Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico Island)

   Suggestion for the day (explore Pico Island)

   • Visit Gruta das Torres: Gruta das Torres is a significant geological formation formed by the cooling of underground magma flows. Its unique drainage pattern is evidenced by multiple layers on the cave walls, lateral benches, and cornices. Gruta das Torres is one of 17 caves on Pico Island recognized for its natural heritage, with the potential for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
   • Get Lost in the Beauty of Vinhas da Criação Velha: Explore the historic vineyards of Criação Velha on Pico Island, where centuries-old traditions meet stunning volcanic landscapes. These meticulously crafted vineyards, nestled amidst rugged terrain and volcanic soil, produce exceptional wines renowned for their unique terroir. Experience the rich heritage of winemaking in this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you stroll through the picturesque rows of vines, soaking in the beauty and history of Pico's viticulture.
   • Pico Wine Museum: The Museu do Vinho is situated in a former winery and Carmelite convent near Madalena's city center. This museum showcases the island's wine-making history, displaying traditional wineries, barrels, and tools used for wine production.
3. Day 3Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico Island)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Day Trip to Faial Island (a short ferry trip away): Nicknamed the “Blue Island” for its abundance of blue hydrangeas that cover the island like a heavenly floral blanket in the summer months, Faial Island is also the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in the Azores, which took place along the coast of Capelinhos village in 1957 and almost completely buried the nearby lighthouse. Many people lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the eruption, a dire situation that prompted the Azorean Refugee Act to be signed in 1958 by JFK, authorizing the emigration of those affected. Simply put: The Capelinhos volcano left behind one of the most emblematic landscapes in the whole world.

   The ferry trip between the islands is budget-friendly, costing under 10€.

4. Day 4Free Day for Personal Activities (Pico)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take a Day Trip to São Jorge Island (a short ferry trip away): São Jorge, a small but iconic island, boasts dramatic landscapes with its rugged mountains, deep ravines, and unique fajãs formed by lava flow. These picturesque plains, such as Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã do Santo Cristo, offer ideal spots to immerse yourself in the island's abundant natural beauty. Renowned for outdoor activities like mountain biking, canyoning, and hiking, São Jorge also delights visitors with its famed Queijo São Jorge cheese, known for its robust, tangy flavor.

   The ferry trip between the islands is budget-friendly, costing under 10€.

5. Day 5Flight to São Miguel Island

   Begin your adventure by conveniently picking up your rental car.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Take the day 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. 
     • Portas da Cidade
     • Louvre Michaelense
     • Pineapple Plantations
     • Matriz Church
6. Day 6Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

   Suggestion for the day:

   • Visit Lagoa do Fogo & Furnas: Venture to the island's northern expanse, where you'll encounter the untouched charm of the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. Relax in the rejuvenating thermal pools of Caldeira Velha, then marvel at the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Journey to Furnas and immerse yourself in its myriad attractions, from the serene lake and Pico do Ferro Viewpoint to the unique caldeiras and Terra Nostra Park. Relish local flavors like cozido das Furnas and bolos lêvedos, and experience a fusion of nature and culture that's truly Azorean.
7. Day 7Free Day for Personal Activities (São Miguel Island)

   Suggestion for the first time of the day:

   • Explore the wonders of Sete Cidades, where each stop promises breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences:
   • Cumeeiras Viewpoint
   • Lagoa de Santiago
   • Vista do Rei Viewpoint
   • Ponte dos Regos
   • Lagoa das Sete Cidades
   • Say Goodbye to the Azores with a Fado Dinner: A captivating and deeply emotional experience that combines the soulful melodies of Fado music with delicious Azorean cuisine. As you enter a cozy, dimly lit restaurant, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of nostalgia and tradition. The hauntingly beautiful strains of Fado, performed by local musicians, fill the air, evoking a profound sense of saudade—the Portuguese longing for something lost.
8. Day 8Return Flight Home

   Thank you for traveling with us, and we look forward to being your travel companion again in the future!