The Azores | São Miguel & Graciosa
Excellent opportunity to visit the islands of São Miguel and Graciosa!
What's Included?
Why we love this deal:
- This is the perfect opportunity to visit two islands of the Azores: One is the most visited island and the other is the least known island, providing you with a perfect contrast and the best of both worlds!
- Graciosa (translated as gracious in English) truly takes after its name. Also considered the “White Island” due to its landscape and place names (such as White Hills and White Stones), Graciosa offers beautiful sights of well-preserved vineyards and quaint windmills of Flemish influence. The island is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve and has amazing sights and places of interest.
- With stunning lush landscapes, sunny black sand beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, exotic plants, dormant volcanoes, and hot springs, São Miguel is the perfect vacation destination for nature lovers, beach bums, or those simply looking for an off-the-beaten-path European destination.
- We have made a selection of accommodations in prime locations on both islands;
- Breakfast may be included during your stay, depending on the accommodation selected.
Itinerary
Suggestion for the day:
- Take the afternoon to stroll around Santa Cruz municipality.
Book here your Horse & Carriage ride around Santa Cruz.
Suggestion for the day:
- Explore Graciosa’s Volcanic Landscapes
Highlights:
- Furna do Enxofre
- Caldeira
- Furna da Maria Encantada
- Carapacho Viewpoint
- Termas do Carapacho
- Ponta da Restinga Viewpoint
Suggestion for the day:
Can’t miss in Graciosa island:
- Windmills of Graciosa Island
- Queijadas da Graciosa Factory
- Praia Islet in Graciosa Island
- Ponta da Barca Lighthouse
- Baleia Islets
- Porto Afonso
Suggestion for the day:
- Take the afternoon 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. Or book here your Ponta Delgada City Tour.
Not to miss:
- Portas da Cidade
- Louvre Michaelense
- Pineapple Plantations
- Matriz Church
Suggestions for the day:
- Visit Sete Cidades (Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa do Canário and Boca do Inferno Viewpoint) and take this opportunity to visit the neighboring village of Mosteiros - ideal for sunset! Once you’re in the west part of the island you can also indulge in an ocean thermal bath at Ferraria.
Book here a guided tour around the west part of the island that will have you discovering this and much more in the company of a local guide.
- Take the day for a hiking adventure.
Recommended hikes:
Suggestion for the day:
- Head to the north side of the island to visit the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo and take this chance to visit (and maybe bath) in the thermal pools of Caldeira Velha. Once you’re here you can also visit the Salto do Cabrito waterfall! On your way to Furnas, we recommend that you stop at Porto Formoso and Gorreana Tea Plantations (the only ones in Europe).
- In Furnas there’s just so much to explore, such as the lake, the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, the Grená Park, the caldeiras, the fumaroles, the Terra Nostra Park, the Dona Beija hot springs and so much more. Make sure to try out the local delicacies: the cozido das Furnas and the bolos lêvedos!
Book a Furnas guided tour here.
*itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless specifically stated.
Flexibility Policy
About the Destination:
Graciosa Island
This small island is serene enough to live up to its name, which translates as “Gracious” in English. Graciosa Island is home to over 4,000 inhabitants, all of whom are proud to live in such a peaceful and idyllic retreat. The famous and delicate queijadas da Graciosa, one of the Azores’ most beloved and preferred sweets, are originally from here. This Azores Island also has two spectacular ancient lava tubes to explore: Furna da Maria Encantada and the major landmark of Furna do Enxofre.
São Miguel Island
São Miguel Island is the largest island in the Azores, and the most populated, with almost 137,000 inhabitants (2011 data). As soon as you finally escape for your Azores getaway and visit São Miguel Island, you’ll immediately discover why this Azores Island is nicknamed ‘’The Green Island of the Azores.’’ São Miguel’s lush landscapes and rolling, verdant hillsides inspire and awe everyone who experiences them, which makes it come as no surprise that São Miguel is the most visited of the Azores Islands, soon followed in popularity by lovely Terceira Island.
Check out our Azores Travel Guide for more informations and tips.
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