by Azores Getaways Team
April 27, 2026 • 7 min read
A Day-by-Day Guide to São Miguel and Terceira Island
Seven days is the sweet spot for a first trip to the Azores. It gives you enough time to explore São Miguel, the largest and most visited island, and still hop across to Terceira for a completely different experience: a UNESCO World Heritage city, different landscapes, different food, and a different pace.
This itinerary splits your week evenly, with 3 nights on each island. It is designed for travellers flying into Ponta Delgada with a rental car, which is the best way to explore both islands at your own pace. It balances active days with slower ones, mixes nature with culture, and leaves room for the unexpected, because in the Azores, the unexpected is often the best part.
Before You Go: Practical Notes for This Itinerary
Flights: Most transatlantic flights arrive in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel. From the US East Coast, direct flights operate from Boston seasonally. From Canada and other US cities, connect via Lisbon or a US hub.
Car rental: Essential for this itinerary. Book in advance, especially in summer. An automatic compact car is enough for both islands. Roads are narrow in places but well maintained.
Inter-island travel: This itinerary includes one inter-island flight from São Miguel to Terceira with SATA or Azores Airlines, approximately 30 minutes. Book at least a few weeks in advance as flights fill quickly in peak season.
Best time to go: May to October. July and August are peak season, busier and pricier, but reliably sunny. May, June, and September offer a great balance of weather, availability, and price.
Packing: Even in summer, bring a waterproof layer. Azorean weather changes fast, especially in the mountains. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Day 1: Arrival in São Miguel — Ponta Delgada and the South Coast
Welcome to São Miguel! Check in to your accommodation and take a moment to breathe in the island air before the adventure begins.
Tip: If you want to make the most of your first day, consider requesting an early check-in when booking. It means you can start exploring sooner without losing precious time. If you have any questions or need help arranging this, our reservations team is always available to assist.
Where to start: Explore the centre of Ponta Delgada and its surroundings.
Start with a walk through the historic streets of Ponta Delgada. Pass through the iconic Portas da Cidade and the Igreja Matriz, and feel the sea breeze along the Avenida do Mar, lined with bars and restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Jardim António Borges — a great spot for a relaxed brunch — or the Jardim José do Canto if you prefer a quieter afternoon surrounded by nature right in the city centre.
If the weather is on your side, head to the natural pools of Pesqueiro, just minutes from the city centre, or explore the nearby beaches of São Roque: Praia das Milícias and Praia do Pópulo are both excellent natural escapes within 7 minutes of Ponta Delgada.
If the weather is not cooperating, do not worry. A guided tour of the pineapple plantations is a fascinating and uniquely Azorean experience — and you can even relax in a heated pool inside a pineapple greenhouse.
Other highlights not to miss:
Visit the Forte de São Brás, home to the Museu Militar dos Açores. Browse the Mercado da Graça for fresh local produce. Cheese lovers should not miss Rei dos Queijos or Príncipe dos Queijos. Climb the Torre Sineira de Ponta Delgada, open weekdays from 09:30 to 17:30, for views over the city. For a panoramic view of Ponta Delgada, head to the Ermida de Nossa Senhora Mãe de Deus.
Where to eat tonight:
Restaurante São Pedro, Restaurante Ramires, A Tasca (book well in advance), Tã Gente, Restaurante Alcides, Pedro Homem Bistro, Taberna Açor.
Where to stay: Ponta Delgada. The central location makes Day 2 logistics easy.
Day 2: Sete Cidades and the West of São Miguel
Today you head west, one of the most scenic drives on the island. The journey to Sete Cidades takes about 45 minutes from Ponta Delgada and already feels like a journey into another world, with lush vegetation, winding roads, and a growing sense of calm.
On the way, do not miss the Miradouro do Pico do Carvão, the Lagoa do Carvão, the Aqueduto do Carvão, and the Lagoa do Canário. From here, the Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is one of the best viewpoints over Sete Cidades and is considered a must-stop. Park outside and take the short walk — it is absolutely worth it. Continue to the Miradouro da Vista do Rei before descending into the caldera.
Once inside the crater village of Sete Cidades, take time to admire the Lagoa das Sete Cidades up close. There are several activities available on the water, including stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking, all available to rent at the lake. For lunch, Restaurante Lagoa Azul and Restaurante São Nicolau are both excellent options right in the village.
After your morning in Sete Cidades, head toward Mosteiros on the west coast. The volcanic rock formations here create extraordinary natural pools and a beautiful basaltic beach. Mosteiros is considered by locals to have the best sunset on the island. Watch it from Sunset Steve's Bar with a drink in hand.
To finish the day, continue to Ferraria. Stop at the Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, then make your way to the Piscinas Naturais da Ferraria, where the water is heated by volcanic activity. Check the tide times before you go — the lower the tide, the warmer the water.
Distance driven: approximately 80 km round trip.
Day 3: Furnas Valley — Geothermal Wonders and the Heart of the Azores
Today you explore Furnas, the thermal heart of São Miguel and one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the entire Azores archipelago.
If you want breakfast in Furnas before starting your day, head to Glória Moniz for the best bolos lêvedos on the island.
Start at Lagoa das Furnas and walk along the shoreline to see the fumaroles where the famous Cozido das Furnas is slow-cooked underground. Continue to Parque da Grená, a hidden gem with fascinating viewpoints and waterfalls. Then visit Terra Nostra Park and take a dip in the iconic thermal iron pool, which closes at 15:00, so plan accordingly. If you prefer a later swim, Poça da Dona Beija is open until 23:00 and is a magical experience in the evening. Along the way, taste the Águas Azedas das Furnas from the small thermal fountains dotted around the caldeiras, and try the sweet corn cooked directly in the volcanic vents, a uniquely Azorean experience. Poça da Tia Silvina is also worth a visit if you have time.
For lunch, the Cozido das Furnas at Restaurante Vale das Furnas is unmissable. The stew is slow-cooked underground using geothermal heat and served from midday. Arrive early to avoid queuing.
In the afternoon, drive down to Ribeira Quente on the south coast and visit Praia do Fogo, a natural beach with submerged fumaroles that warm the water around it. For dinner, Café Adelino in Ribeira Quente is a local favourite.
Tonight is your last night on São Miguel. Pack your bags for the flight to Terceira tomorrow.
Day 4: Fly to Terceira — Angra do Heroísmo and the UNESCO City
Welcome to Terceira! Check in to your accommodation and get ready for a completely different Azorean experience.
Tip: If you want to make the most of your first afternoon on the island, consider requesting an early check-in when booking. Our reservations team is always available to help with any arrangements.
Today is for Angra do Heroísmo, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Not to miss in Angra do Heroísmo: The Sé Catedral de Angra do Heroísmo, a 16th-century masterpiece with an intricately sculpted portal and an interior adorned with gold leaf and Azorean cedar. The Palácio dos Capitães-Generais, a landmark of 18th-century civil architecture. The Jardim Duque de Bragança, a romantic 19th-century garden with winding paths, grottos, and fountains, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. The Miradouro do Alto da Memória, a former military fort with panoramic views over the city, the harbour, and Monte Brasil. The Igreja da Misericórdia, an elegant 16th-century landmark. And the Mercado Duque de Bragança, where you can pick up fresh fish, local fruits and vegetables, and the famous Ilha cheese made from local cow's milk.
For dinner, stay in Angra and try O Pescador for fresh fish, or O Caseiro for alcatra, Terceira's iconic slow-braised beef stew cooked in a clay pot.
Day 5: Monte Brasil, Serra do Cume and the Best of Terceira
Today you explore the most iconic landscapes and landmarks of Terceira, from dramatic volcanic viewpoints to historic fortifications and beautiful coastline.
Start with Monte Brasil, an extinct volcanic cone overlooking Angra do Heroísmo. The walk to the summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views over the city, the bay, and the surrounding countryside. Then head to Baía da Salga on the north coast, a beautiful natural bay perfect for enjoying the scenery and relaxing by the sea. Continue to the Miradouro da Serra do Cume, one of the most memorable views in the entire Azores, a sweeping panorama of Angra do Heroísmo, Monte Brasil, and the patchwork of green fields divided by basalt stone walls stretching to the horizon. On the way back, visit the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião and consider a stop at Praia da Vitória, a beautiful sandy beach on the east coast and one of the best places on Terceira to swim and soak up the sun.
For dinner, return to Angra and try something you have not yet had: percebes, or fresh barnacles, at a seafood restaurant, or a traditional alcatra if you missed it last night.
Day 6: Algar do Carvão, Furnas do Enxofre and Terceira's Cultural Heritage
Start your morning with Algar do Carvão, one of those experiences that should be on everyone's list when visiting Terceira. This ancient lava tube and volcanic chimney was formed over 3,200 years ago. You descend 90 metres through tunnels and staircases into a world of extraordinary natural beauty, with some of the largest stalactites in the world and a small underground lake at the bottom. It will leave you speechless.
Also not to miss this morning: the Gruta do Natal, another volcanic cave with impressive geological formations, and the Furnas do Enxofre, a geothermal area with sulphurous fumaroles and a unique landscape.
In the afternoon, discover Terceira's rich cultural heritage. Visit a traditional pottery workshop and see the art of ceramics being made using ancestral techniques. Alternatively, explore the world of Azorean embroidery in Angra do Heroísmo and learn about the intricate designs and colourful threads used to create these beautiful textiles.
End your day at Serra da Ribeirinha, known for its extraordinary sunset views. As the sun sets over the Atlantic, painting the sky in warm tones, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Terceira and everything this island has given you this week.
Day 7: Departure — Last Morning in the Azores
Flights from Terceira typically depart from Lajes Airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, you have time for one last Azorean morning.
Option A: Return to Praia dos Biscoitos for a final swim in the Atlantic lava pools before heading to the airport.
Option B: Have a slow breakfast in Angra, walk the Praça Velha one last time, and pick up any last-minute gifts at the local market.
Lajes Airport is about 25 to 30 minutes from Angra. Return your rental car at least 2 hours before departure.
Thank you for choosing us as your travel companions. It has been a pleasure helping you create unforgettable memories in the Azores. Safe travels, and until next time!
Ready to Book Your 7-Day Azores Trip?
Our one-week Azores packages include flights, rental car, hand-picked accommodation on both São Miguel and Terceira, and expert local support throughout, so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions: 7-Day Azores Itinerary
Is 7 days enough for the Azores?
Yes. Seven days is the ideal length for a first trip to the Azores. This itinerary splits your week evenly with 3 nights on São Miguel and 3 nights on Terceira, giving you enough time to explore both islands properly without feeling rushed. If you have more time, consider adding Faial or Pico to the mix.
Which islands does this 7-day itinerary cover?
This itinerary covers São Miguel (3 nights) and Terceira (3 nights), connected by a short inter-island flight with SATA or Azores Airlines. São Miguel is the most visited island in the Azores and the main entry point for transatlantic flights. Terceira offers UNESCO heritage, volcanic caves, and one of the best food scenes in the archipelago.
Do I need a rental car for this itinerary?
Yes. A rental car is essential for both São Miguel and Terceira. Public transport on both islands is limited and does not reach most key sights. Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, Serra do Cume, and Algar do Carvão all require a car. Book in advance, especially in July and August.
How do I get from São Miguel to Terceira?
The easiest option is a short domestic flight with SATA or Azores Airlines, approximately 30 minutes, from around 40 to 80 euros each way. The inter-island ferry also connects both islands in summer but takes around 8 hours, which is better suited for travellers with more time.
What is the best time of year for this 7-day itinerary?
May to October is the best window. July and August offer the most reliable weather but are the busiest months. May, June, and September are excellent alternatives with fewer crowds, lower prices, and still very pleasant weather. April can be beautiful but expect more rain.
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.jpg "Pico Island’s Longitudinal Road (IS1) – Scenic Drive Through the Heart of the Island")
