São Miguel & Faial: Fly & Drive

Welcome to the Azores! Pick up your car rental on arrival and get ready for adventure. 

*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.

Suggestion for the day: Discover the City of Horta

After settling in, set sail to explore the vibrant town of Horta, the "City of Sailors." Horta has served as a vital and strategic stopping point for sailors crossing the vast Atlantic Ocean for centuries. On your arrival day, this itinerary offers a delightful way to soak up the island's main city's unique charm and rich maritime history.

Don’t Miss:

• Horta's Historical Streets: Stroll along Horta's cobblestone streets, admiring the colorful facades and traditional architecture.
• Peter Café Sport: No visit to Horta is complete without a stop at the iconic Peter Café Sport. This historic cafe is a local landmark and a favorite gathering place for sailors from around the world.
• Porto Pim: Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, relax on the sandy beach, or take a refreshing dip in the calm waters.
• Genuíno Restaurant: For a taste of local legend, consider lunch at Genuíno Restaurant. This restaurant is owned by Genuíno Madruga, a celebrated Azorean seafarer who has twice circumnavigated the globe solo! Admire the maritime memorabilia adorning the walls, a testament to his adventurous spirit.
• Monte da Guia: Walk up to Monte da Guia, a hilltop offering panoramic views of Horta, the harbor, and Pico Island
• Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint: For another captivating perspective, head to the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint.
• Horta's Marina (a very colorful one): Horta's marina boasts a very colorful tradition! Sailors paint the harbor walls, creating a mosaic that celebrates their journeys across the Atlantic. It's a vibrant testament to their adventures.

Suggestion for the day: São Jorge Day Trip

The islands of the Azores Triangle are conveniently connected by short ferry rides, making island hopping a breeze. Today's adventure focuses on the captivating southern region of São Jorge (the Azores Triangle = Pico, Faial & São Jorge!)

São Jorge may be a small island, but its shape is one of the most iconic of all the islands: São Jorge Island has 53 km of Distance and 8 km of width and its scenery is dramatically beautiful, filled with mountains that tumble into deep ravines, as well as rocky cliffs, crater lakes, and unique fajãs (plains formed by lava flow).

Not to Miss in São Jorge Island:

• Explore Velas, the capital of São Jorge. Visit the town square, Jardim da Praça, and the Church of São Jorge.
• Poça Simão Dias: Walk to the natural swimming pools of Poça Simão Dias near Velas.
• Fajãs: Favorites of both visitors and locals alike are the Fajã dos Cubres, which is accessible by car, and the Fajã do Santo Cristo, which is only reachable by foot or moto. Both destinations are incredibly gorgeous.
• Queijo de São Jorge: Of course, no visit to São Jorge is complete without a stop at the island’s cheese factory, where they produce the famed Queijo São Jorge, a robust, aged cheese characterized by its spicy, tangy flavor.

Additional Tips:

• Consider a Guided Tour: For a hassle-free experience, explore the option of a guided day trip to São Jorge island. These tours typically include ferry tickets, a guided tour of the island's highlights, and lunch.. We can help you book the perfect guided tour for your needs! 

Suggestion for the day: Pico Day Trip 

Nine amazing Azores islands emerge from the deep blue of the Atlantic, but Pico Island stands taller than the rest! Pico Mountain is Portugal’s highest peak, measuring over 7,000 ft tall. At such a towering height, it will come as no surprise that hiking Pico is one of Europe’s most popular hiking trails! Characterized by black volcanic soil, Pico Island is covered with basalt (lava rock)-lined vineyards that are official UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Locals have been producing wine here since the 15th century, and they even have a museum dedicated to the pastime’s rich history. 

Not to Miss in Pico Island:

• Wine Museum (Museu do Vinho): Visit the Wine Museum to learn about Pico's unique viniculture and taste some of the famous Verdelho wine. The museum is set in a former Carmelite convent with beautiful gardens and traditional wine presses.
• Criação Velha Vineyards: Explore the Criação Velha vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the stone-walled vineyards and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and nearby Faial Island. 
• Whalers Museum (Museu dos Baleeiros): Visit the museum to learn about the island's whaling history and see artifacts related to this important part of Pico’s cultural heritage.
• Natural Pools of São Roque: Relax and take a swim in the natural lava rock pools, a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Additional Tips:

• Consider a Guided Tour: For a hassle-free experience, explore the option of a guided day trip to Pico Island. These tours typically include ferry tickets, guided tour of the island's highlights, and lunch. We can help you book the perfect guided tour for your needs!