The Azores | Discover The Triangle
Discover the "triangle" of the Azores and take this chance to stop in São Miguel as well!
What's Included?
Why we love this deal:
- The perfect escape for those who want to discover what makes the Azores such a unique place!
- You might have heard about the Triangle of the Azores, but most likely didn’t know what it was. It’s the nickname for the trio of Faial, São Jorge, and Pico Islands, all of which are quite close to one another.
- Start your trip by exploring the island of Faial where you can admire the power of the Earth at the Capelinhos volcano, have a refreshing gin and tonic at Horta's famous yachtsmen's bar and gaze at its colorful marina.
- Then travel by ferry to the amazing Pico Island where you can taste great wine and/or hike the imposing Pico Mountain (Portugal's highest mountain).
- End your discovery of the triangle by traveling from Pico to São Jorge by ferry boat where you can taste the famous Azorean cheese.
- You'll also stop in São Miguel Island for a couple of days so you can discover the biggest island the archipelago has to offer.
Itinerary
It is recommended to book airport transfers or to get a rental car (both available during the booking process).
Take the afternoon to stroll around Horta’s quaint city streets.
Highlights:
- Marina da Horta
- Peter Café Sport
- Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint
- Monte da Guia
- São Salvador Church
- Porto Pim Bay
- Santa Cruz Fort
- The View Across the Bay to Pico Island
Can't Miss:
- Capelinhos Volcano
- Caldeira do Faial
- Ribeirinha
We recommend booking airport transfers to the hotel or rent a car (both available during the booking process).
Take a stroll around Madalena’s historical cobblestone streets and enjoy a meal at one of the several seaside restaurants.
Walk around the historical vineyards of Criação Velha and visit the Frade windmill. Once you’re in the area, make sure to visit the Pico Wine Museum and the Gruta das Torres.
Did you know Pico Island produces one of Europe’s finest wines, and its vineyards have enjoyed being among the official UNESCO Heritage Site family since 2004? Book a vineyard tour here.
Option 1: Hike Pico’s Mountain, Portugal’s highest peak (book here).
Option 2: Visit the natural pools of Pico Island (Criação Velha, Cachorro, Poça da Branca, Poça das Mukas, Cais do Pico, Lajes do Pico, Barca and Furna de Santo António). You can also discover Pico’s lakes along the way: Lagoa do Capitão, Lagoa do Caiado, Lagoa do Paul and Lagoa Rosada). Other suggestions include visiting the Ponta da Ilha lighthouse (perfect for sunset) and the Whaling Museum. Book a full-day tour around the island here.
It is recommended to book airport transfers to the hotel or to rent a car (both available during the booking process).
Take a stroll around downtown Velas and visit the República Garden and the natural swimming pools tucked along the coast.
Other highlights include:
- Ponta dos Rosais
- Urzelina Windmills
- Vimes Coffe Plantation in Fajã dos Vimes
- Ponta do Topo Islet
- São Jorge Cheese Factory
Or book here your Velas guided tour.
It is recommended to book airport transfers to the hotel or to rent a car (both available during the booking process).
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. Or book here your Ponta Delgada City Tour.
Not to miss:
- Portas da Cidade
- Louvre Michaelense
- Pineapple Plantations
- Matriz Church
We also recommend embarking on a whale & dolphin-watching experience (book here).
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 western part of the island that will have you discovering this and much more in the company of a local guide.
or
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) 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.
Flexibility Policy
About the Destination:
Faial Island
Faial Island is the site of the most recent volcanic eruption in the Azores, which took place along the coast of Capelinhos Village in 1957 and left behind one of the most emblematic landscapes in the whole world! Most famous as a port, Faial historically has been (and remains to this day) a popular stopping point for sailors crossing the Atlantic. The island’s main city, Horta, has a modern, cosmopolitan feel, with travelers from all over the globe gathering at the restaurants and bars along the harbor to swap stories and take in stunning views of Pico Island across the bay.
Pico Island
Pico is home to Pico Mountain, Portugal’s highest peak, which measures 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. Pico Island also boasts one of the world’s longest lava tubes, as well as dozens of natural swimming pools and other amazing sights, including Lagoa do Capitão, Lajido da Criação Velha, whaling museums and much more!
São Jorge Island
São Jorge’s 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). 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. This Azores Island is a particular favorite among those who love the outdoors and adventure enthusiasts, as you can do everything here, from mountain biking to canyoning, hiking, canoeing and even spelunking. 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.
Check out our Azores Travel Guide for more information and tips.
Included services
Important information
Other trips you might like
