São Miguel: 8-Day Guided Adventure

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1Saturday: Arrival in São Miguel Island

   

   Welcome to São Miguel Island! Relax and unwind from the moment you arrive. We'll handle your airport transfers on arrival and departure, ensuring your adventure's seamless start and finish.

   *Want to maximize your time in paradise? Consider pre-booking an early check-in during the booking process. This way, you can hit the ground running and start exploring sooner! Don't hesitate to contact our booking agents if you have any questions or need assistance setting this up.

   It’s time to explore Ponta Delgada, the main city, that beckons not only with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere but also with its status as the economic heart of the archipelago. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene. 

   Don’t Miss:

   • Simply Stroll Through Ponta Delgada’s Cobblestone Streets: Start your São Miguel discovery with a stroll along Ponta Delgada's charming city streets. Admire the architecture, from historical buildings to colorful houses. Peek into local shops and soak in the atmosphere.
   • Portas da Cidade: Standing proudly at the entrance to Ponta Delgada, the Portas da Cidade (City Gates) serves as a symbolic gateway to the city's rich history and vibrant culture. 
   • Matriz Church: Visit the impressive Matriz Church, a beautiful example of Azorean religious architecture right in the city center.
2. Day 2Sunday: Ponta Delgada City Tour (Included)

   

   Ponta Delgada City Tour (9:30 AM - 12 PM)

   This tour takes place in what is considered the "capital" of São Miguel Island – the city of Ponta Delgada. During this tour, we will discover the main historical, cultural, and noteworthy sites of this wonderful city.

   Highlights of this tour include:

   • Old churches and convents
   • Monument of Portas da Cidade 
   • Pineapple plantations (* if not possible during the City Tour, this visit will take place during the Full-Day Tour of Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo)
   • Historical Beautiful gardens
   • São Brás Fortress and São Francisco square
3. Day 3Monday: Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour (Included)

   

   Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Tour (9 AM - 5 PM)

   A full-day tour that takes you to the two most famous lakes of São Miguel Island. 

   Sete Cidades: One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, this show-stopping, lake-filled crater has become one of the signature and most famous images of the Azores. There are (amazingly) 11 lakes in total scattered around Sete Cidades, but they can only be seen from certain angles from the various miradouros (viewpoints in Portuguese) in the area. 

   Lagoa do Fogo: Lagoa do Fogo, which translates roughly into "Lagoon of Fire", is a breathtaking crater lake located in the center of São Miguel Island. This protected nature reserve sits tucked away atop the impressive Pico da Barrosa, far above the whir, hum, and hurry of civilization below. 

   Highlights of this tour include:

   • Pineapple plantations (* if already visited during the City Tour, it will be substituted for a different point of interest)
   • Escalvado viewpoint (offering a magical view to Mosteiros)
   • Sete Cidades parish
   • Santiago lagoon
   • Vista do Rei viewpoint (overlooking the most famous lake of Sete Cidades) 
   • Pico do Carvão
   • Lunch at a local restaurant 
   • Local ceramics factory (Cerâmica Vieira)
   • Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint
   • Ribeira Grande city center, with a visit to the local liquor shop
4. Day 4Tuesday: Furnas Tour & Hot Springs (Included)

   

   Furnas Tour & Hot Springs (9 AM - 5 PM)

   Furnas Valley is famous worldwide for its bubbling calderas and hot springs, where visitors can relax while soaking in a thermal bath any time of year, but this mystical volcanic valley is full of many more interesting surprises!

   Highlights of this tour include: 

   • Vila Franca do Campo (offering a viewpoint of the iconic islet)
   • Furnas Lake (here, learn how the famous "cozido" dish is cooked underground by heat from the actual volcanic vents!)
   • Furnas parish (you will have free time to bathe in the thermal waters here, or visit the Terra Nostra Garden)
   • Cozido lunch 
   • Visit Furnas "calderas" to see the volcanic activity
   • Pico do Ferro viewpoint
   • Tea Factory
   • Santa Iria Viewpoint

   Please note: Please note that entrance fees for Terra Nostra Park and Dona Beija are not included in our package and cost between €8 and €16 per person. To fully enjoy your experience, consider bringing a dark swimsuit and pulling your hair up (the thermal waters may stain fabrics and dyed hair), a towel, and a change of clothes.

5. Day 5Wednesday: Whale Watching Experience (Included)

   

   Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

   Take the opportunity to observe some of the dozens of cetacean species that are usually seen in the Azores. While nature is indeed wild, and offers no guarantees, whales and dolphins are regularly seen during our half-day tours. During this tour, you will also have the opportunity to observe turtles, birds, and other marine species. Before you embark on the boat trip, expert biologists hold a small informative talk to explain which cetacean species can be observed, the safety measures and protocols for behavior on board – including how we respect animals and what the rules for observation at sea are. You will even learn some fascinating historical facts.

6. Day 6Thursday: Free Day in São Miguel Island

   

   Suggestion for the day: The Wonders of Nordeste

   Immerse yourself in the beauty of São Miguel Island's northeast region with a captivating day trip to Nordeste! This haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers boasts breathtaking scenery, charming villages, and a wealth of outdoor activities.

   Don’t Miss:

   • Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint: Embrace panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
   • Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoint: Witness the magical spectacle of the sunrise, a moment of pure tranquility.
   • Arnel Lighthouse: Discover the majestic Arnel Lighthouse, a towering sentinel guiding ships for centuries.
   • Poço Azul Hiking Trail: Embark on an invigorating hike through lush forests and cascading waterfalls, culminating at the breathtaking Poço Azul, a natural swimming basin.

   Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park: Explore a paradise of cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation, and ancient watermills. Hike the park's trails and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
   

7. Day 7Friday: Free Day in São Miguel Island

   Suggestion for the day: Unforgettable Hikes

   One of the best ways to discover São Miguel Island is through its stunning and well-preserved hiking trails. Here are our top picks:

   Sanguinho/Salto do Prego Hike

   • Highlights: Discover the hidden gem of Salto do Prego waterfall on this captivating hike and a secluded hidden village. Immerse yourself in lush forests, refreshing waterfalls, and the charming civil parish of Faial da Terra, known locally as "The Nativity Scene of the Island" for its picturesque houses.
   • Distance: 4.5 km (2.7 miles)
   • Difficulty: Moderate
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Trail Type: Circular

   Moinho do Félix Hike

   • Highlights: Explore the charm of the Moinho do Félix trail. This coastal walk takes you through lush landscapes, past a historic windmill, and several stunning waterfalls. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty and capture unforgettable memories on this beautiful hike.
   • Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
   • Difficulty: Moderate
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Trail Type: Circular

   Serra Devassa

   • Highlights: Uncover the enchanting beauty of Serra Devassa, a hiker's paradise in São Miguel. This stunning landscape boasts a collection of pristine lakes, including the iconic Lagoa do Canário. Immerse yourself in nature as you traverse through lush forests and volcanic terrain, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the trail's highest point, Pico da Éguas.
   • Distance: 4.9 km (3 miles)
   • Difficulty: Moderate
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Trail Type: Circular

   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 8Saturday: Return Flight Home

   We've arranged your hotel transfer to ensure a smooth journey to the airport.

   Thank you for choosing us to be your travel companions on this adventure! It's been a pleasure assisting you in creating unforgettable memories. We wish you happy travels and until next time!