Leave Lyon-Saint-Exupéry early and head to your flight; expect a connection in Lisbon with time to grab a coffee and a light snack at the airport. Use the flight time to rest, skim your guide notes for São Miguel, and confirm transfers and your guesthouse arrival details in Ponta Delgada.
Arrive at João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada mid- to late-afternoon; take the Aerobus or a taxi into the compact city centre and check into your centrally located guesthouse. If energy allows, take a first wandering stroll around Praça Gonçalo Velho and along the harborfront to get your bearings and enjoy your first Atlantic views.
Dine at a modest local restaurant in the old town—try grilled limpets or a simple fish dish—and sip a beer or local vinho verde while watching the light fade over the marina. Return to your guesthouse to unpack and set out plans for tomorrow’s Old Town orientation and market visit, sleeping early to shake off travel fatigue.
Wake up refreshed and begin with a leisurely stroll around Praça Gonçalo Velho, taking in the Manueline touches of the Igreja Matriz and the fortress ramparts of Forte de São Brás; pop into Mercado da Graça to sample local cheese, pineapple sweets and freshly roasted coffee while chatting with stallholders. Pause for a mid-morning pastel and coffee at a café on Rua do Mercado, then wander the tree-lined Jardim António Borges if you want a quieter green interlude before lunch.
After a light lunch at a modest café (look for local fish or a bifana), follow the coastline promenade east toward the João Paulo II gardens, enjoying ocean views and the sculpted lawns; from there take a short coastal walk to the Rocha da Relva viewpoint for a panoramic introduction to the volcanic coast. If you prefer culture over views, spend the afternoon exploring the small museums around the harbour or browsing artisan shops in the old town for ceramics and linens.
Return to the historic centre for dinner—seek out a tavern serving Azorean seafood or, if available, a cosy place offering cozido made in Furnas style—and pair it with a glass of local wine or a beer while people-watching at the marina. Finish with a gentle after-dinner promenade along Avenida Infante Dom Henrique under the lamps, noting your plans for tomorrow’s transfer to Sete Cidades and confirming transport details with your guesthouse.
Catch an early bus or drive west to the Sete Cidades massif and start at Miradouro da Vista do Rei, where the classic view of the twin green and blue lakes spreads below — linger to photograph and read the viewpoint panels. From there follow the crater-rim path toward Boca do Inferno, taking the grassy trail with occasional rocky sections; stop for a picnic or snacks you packed while enjoying the silence and sweeping Atlantic views.
Continue the 6-8 km loop along the rim, dropping down into the village of Sete Cidades to stroll past the small church (Igreja de São Nicolau) and the lakeshore at Lagoa das Sete Cidades, where you can rent a kayak or simply sit by the water and watch local ducks and occasional fishermen. If you prefer a gentler finish, drive to the nearby Vista do Rei terrace again for a different light angle, or visit the nearby Cancela do Cinzeiro for a short coastal viewpoint before heading back toward Ponta Delgada.
Return to Ponta Delgada in time for a relaxed dinner; choose a seafood taverna in the old town to try fresh grilled fish or octopus and compare notes from the day’s hike. Unwind with a walk along the harbor under the evening lamps, check your gear for tomorrow’s Furnas excursion, and set a leisurely alarm after a day of volcanic panoramas.
Leave Ponta Delgada after breakfast for the scenic drive or regional bus east to Furnas, arriving at Parque Terra Nostra to wander the lush botanical gardens and take a relaxing dip in the iron-rich thermal pool—bring swimwear and a towel for the warm, rust-tinted waters. Before leaving the park, stroll the paths to admire the old trees and curated flower beds, then pop into the on-site café or nearby pastry shop for a coffee and a sweet to fuel your mid-morning explorations.
Head to the Furnas lake to watch the fumaroles and steaming caldeiras where locals bury cazuelas for the traditional cozido; time your visit so you can join or observe the lunchtime ritual and then enjoy the hearty cozido at a recommended restaurant such as Tony’s or Restaurante Gorreana’s local partner (reserve if possible). After lunch, soak further at Poça da Dona Beija thermal baths for a more private series of thermal pools and small waterfalls, letting the mineral waters loosen tired muscles from previous hikes.
Return slowly to Ponta Delgada, stopping if you wish at a viewpoint or tea plantation nearby for final photos and a quick tasting, and arrive back in town in time for a gentle seaside stroll along the Avenida Infante Dom Henrique. For dinner choose a cosy tavern in the old town to compare notes on Furnas’ thermal highlights—if you didn’t try it midday, look for a restaurant offering leftover cozido or local fish—and unwind with a glass of Azorean wine before an early night.
Catch an early bus or drive north from Ponta Delgada toward the Salto do Cabrito trailhead and begin a crisp loop hike through fern-filled ravines and eucalyptus stands, aiming for the viewpoint above the waterfall where spray mists the path and photographic opportunities abound. Bring water, sturdy shoes and a light rain layer—the trail crosses forested streams and offers rewarding views of the cascade and the surrounding volcanic ridges that contrast with the coastal scenes you’ve enjoyed earlier in the trip.
After a packed picnic near Salto do Cabrito, continue northeast to Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões to wander the easy wooden walkways past multiple cascades, restored watermills and mossy bridges; explore the museum room and the small cafe for a warming coffee. Take time to photograph the iconic mill wheels and the lush valley panorama, then stroll a short loop trail to stretch your legs before catching a late-afternoon bus back toward Ponta Delgada.
Return to town in time for a relaxed dinner—seek out a modest waterfront restaurant in the old centre to sample grilled fish or an Azorean stew and compare waterfall photos with your travel companions. Finish the day with a gentle promenade along the harbour under the lamplight, checking gear and maps for tomorrow’s wine-tasting and coastal walk near Sete Cidades.
Travel west after breakfast toward the Sete Cidades area to visit a small local producer for a vineyard tour and tasting — arrange ahead with a winery such as Quinta dos Açores or a nearby boutique producer for a guided introduction to Azorean viticulture and samples (expect 3-5 tastings, stories of volcanic soils and Madeira-style techniques). Follow the tasting with a light farmhouse snack of local cheese and bolo lêvedo while the guide points out nearby terraces and the distant crater silhouette.
Drive or walk along the northwest coastal lane after the tasting and take the gentle cliffside path toward the Miradouro da Vista do Rei or the Cancela do Cinzeiro viewpoint to enjoy sweeping ocean and crater views; stop for a picnic or coffee at a roadside café in Sete Cidades village. If you prefer a more grounded option, visit the small family-run vineyard plots around Mosteiros for another short tasting or to meet growers, then stroll the lava-formed shoreline at Mosteiros for basalt stacks, black sand pockets and seal-watching opportunities.
Return to Ponta Delgada in time for a sunset coastal promenade along the João Paulo II gardens and Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, then dine in town at a higher-end restaurant to pair fresh Azorean seafood with a bottle from the morning’s tasting (reserve ahead if you want a particular wine). Finish the night with a relaxed drink at a harbour-side bar, reflecting on the island’s unique terroir and the day’s volcanic panoramas before turning in for tomorrow’s horse-riding and beach swim.
After breakfast, transfer to a trusted local operator for a half-day horse-riding excursion along coastal trails and verdant farmland — many rides depart from the Ribeira Grande or Vila Franca do Campo area and include escorted gallops with Atlantic views. Tell your guide your experience level so they can match a suitable horse, and pause at a clifftop viewpoint or small farmhouse to photograph the patchwork pastures and distant islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
Spend the afternoon cooling off with a swim at Praia do Fogo or take the short boat trip to the protected islet of Vila Franca do Campo (boats run from Vila Franca harbour; ~€10-€20) to snorkel in crystalline, sheltered waters and relax on volcanic pebble beaches. If you prefer something gentler, stroll the seafront promenade in Vila Franca, sample fresh fish at a beachfront café, and watch local fishermen haul in the day’s catch.
Return to Ponta Delgada with sandy shoes and salty hair for a laid-back dinner in the old town — choose a seaside taverna to try grilled limpets, fresh tuna or polvo à lagareiro and pair it with a local vinho. Finish the day with a peaceful harbour-side walk under the lamps, comparing photos from the ride and swim and checking details for tomorrow’s ferry or flight to Terceira.
Take a relaxed morning stroll from your guesthouse to the João Paulo II gardens or the Mercado da Graça for a last taste of Azorean pastries and fresh pineapple juice, then pack and check out at a leisurely pace. If the weather is fine, squeeze in a quick swim at the nearby Anjos or São Roque bathing areas or a coffee on Avenida Infante Dom Henrique while you watch the harbor come alive.
Make your way to Ponta Delgada airport or ferry terminal with plenty of time—if you’re taking the ferry, enjoy the sea crossing and panoramic Atlantic views; if flying, aim for an early afternoon PDL→TER flight to maximize daylight in Terceira. On arrival at Lajes or the Angra bus stop, take a short taxi or bus into Angra do Heroísmo and check into your guesthouse before heading out to explore the UNESCO-listed cobbled streets and the Jardim Duque da Terceira.
As dusk falls, wander Angra’s waterfront and the Praça Velha to get your first impression of Terceira’s maritime history, then dine at a local tasca—try fresh limpets, sopa de peixe or a regional seafood stew paired with a glass of local wine. Finish with a gentle climb to a nearby miradouro for a night-time view over the harbor, noting plans for tomorrow’s full day exploring Angra’s historic sites.
Begin with a guided or self-led stroll from Praça Velha to the imposing Sé Cathedral, pausing to admire the rococo and Manueline details before wandering through Jardim Duque da Terceira to enjoy shaded paths and historic monuments. Pop into the small Museo de Angra or the Regional Museum (Paços do Concelho) to ground yourself in the island’s maritime history and the city’s role in the Age of Discovery.
After lunch at a local café sampling queijada or bolo lêvedo, explore the fortress line—visit São Sebastião Fortress and the ruins near Monte Brasil for sweeping harbor views and cannon emplacements; follow with a meander through Rua da Se and the artisan shops for ceramics, linens and local crafts. If you prefer deeper context, join a 1-2 hour walking tour to hear tales of pirate raids, whaling and the city’s UNESCO designation while stopping at hidden chapels and viewpoints.
As dusk falls, choose a seaside tasca for dinner—try sopa de peixe or freshly grilled limpets paired with a glass of Terceira wine—and then climb to the Miradouro do Facho or the Monte Brasil promenade for a night-time panorama of the lit harbor. Finish with a relaxed digestif at a central bar or a peaceful walk along the waterfront, planning tomorrow’s Algar do Carvão and Biscoitos excursion.
After breakfast in Angra, head inland to Algar do Carvão, the dramatic volcanic chimney near the village of Santa Bárbara; descend the stone steps into the cool, otherworldly cavity to admire the basalt columns, subterranean lake and ancient lava formations, pausing for photos and the short interpretive panels at the site entrance. Allow about 60-90 minutes for the visit and, if open, join a guided explanation of the cave’s geology to deepen your appreciation of Terceira’s volcanic past.
Drive or take a local transfer north to the Biscoitos coastline where lava-formed tidal pools await—swim in the calm, mineral-rich natural pools when sea conditions allow, or walk the rugged cliffs photographing the black rock and pounding surf; stop for lunch at a seaside tasca in Biscoitos village to taste fresh fish and regional vinho. After eating, wander the small vineyards and terraced plots nearby (if a family-run tasting is available, enjoy a brief sample) or explore the Interpretation Centre to learn about traditional winemaking on Terceira.
Return to Angra do Heroísmo in the late afternoon and freshen up before dinner in the historic centre; choose a cosy restaurant near Praça Velha to sample sopa de peixe or grilled limpets and pair it with a local wine from Biscoitos. Finish the night with a relaxed stroll along the harbor or a short climb to the Monte Brasil miradouro for a peaceful view of Angra’s lights, reflecting on the island’s subterranean secrets and coastal contrasts observed today.
If you chose horse riding, meet your local guide near Praia da Vitória for a crisp morning ride across patchwork farmland and coastal trails, pausing at farmland miradouros to photograph the sweeping Serra do Cume plateau and the Atlantic beyond; operators usually stop at a viewpoint so you can swap mounts and snap panoramic shots. If you’re hiking, set out from the Serra do Cume car park along the easy ridge trails to admire the famous quilt-like pastures and step into the small viewpoints (Miradouro da Serra do Cume) where interpretive panels explain the island’s grazing history and volcanic terraces.
After the ride or ridge hike, descend toward Praia da Vitória for a relaxed seaside lunch at a beachfront tasca—sample sopa de peixe or fresh grilled fish while watching local boats come and go—and stroll the marina to mingle with fishermen and see traditional boats. Alternatively, extend the afternoon with a gentle coastal walk toward the Cabeço da Praia viewpoint or visit a nearby quinta for a short farm tour and coffee with bolo lêvedo before returning to Angra or your base.
Return to Angra do Heroísmo or stay in Praia da Vitória for a mellow evening: dine at a local taverna sampling Terceira specialties such as cozido-style stews or limpets paired with a glass from Biscoitos vineyards, then climb to a small miradouro near town to watch the sunset fade over the bay. Wind down with a seaside promenade or a quiet drink in the old town, comparing photos from the day and confirming any transfers for tomorrow’s relaxed rural explorations.
After a leisurely breakfast, head east by local bus or a short taxi ride toward the quiet hamlets around São Sebastião and Agualva, pausing to admire whitewashed chapels and traditional quintas where you can greet farmers and sample freshly baked bolo lêvedo. Take a gentle stroll along the country lanes toward small springs and rivulets—keep an eye out for hidden cascades in the Ribeira do Além valley and the tiny roadside waterfalls that appear after summer showers.
Spend the afternoon following a low-traffic scenic loop through Altares and the surrounding pastures, stopping at the peaceful Miradouro da Escalvado for sweeping views of the eastern coast and Serra do Cume; if you prefer, join a local low-cost guided rural tour that visits small watercourses and explains island farming traditions. Break for a relaxed lunch at a family tasca in Fontinhas or São Mateus, sampling sopa de peixe or local cheese, then wander to nearby springs and old stone fountains where villagers once drew water.
Return toward Angra with time to freshen up, then enjoy a calm evening in town—catch a local music event if available or dine at a cosy tasca near Praça Velha to savour limpets or grilled fish paired with Biscoitos wine. Finish the day with a short twilight walk up to a nearby miradouro (such as Monte Brasil promenade) for a last peaceful view of the harbour lights and the islands’ silhouette, reflecting on the gentle rural charms you discovered today.
If you choose the marine option, rise early in Angra and transfer to the marina to meet your private charter—skippers commonly depart from Porto das Pipas or Praia da Vitória—where a small-group launch will take you into deeper waters in search of sperm whales, common dolphins and pilot whales; bring binoculars, a light windproof layer and motion-sickness remedies. Alternatively, linger in São Miguel with a private guided morning at a boutique quinta or a behind-the-scenes visit to a Sete Cidades vineyard, tasting rare volcanic vintages and learning about Azorean terroir with the winemaker.
On a private boat cruise you’ll spend the afternoon following sightings, photographing breaches and listening to expert commentary on cetacean behaviour while the crew serves light snacks and local hors d’oeuvres—return to shore via a calm coastal approach for a late lunch in Praia da Vitória or Angra at a seafood tasca. If you opted for the culinary route on land, relax into a multi-course tasting menu at a renowned São Miguel restaurant (reserve in Ponta Delgada) or arrange a private chef lunch in a countryside quinta before strolling crater viewpoints or a quiet coastal path to digest the flavours.
Finish the day with a special high-end dinner: in Terceira, book a table at a top Angra restaurant for a tasting menu paired with Biscoitos wines and a view of Praça Velha; on São Miguel, reserve a waterfront fine-dining experience in Ponta Delgada and request regional specialties like octopus or tuna with local wine pairings. Whether at sea or ashore, end the night with a peaceful miradouro visit (Monte Brasil in Angra or the João Paulo II gardens in Ponta Delgada) to toast the trip’s highlights under the stars before preparing for your return travel.
Enjoy a final early stroll through Angra do Heroísmo’s Praça Velha and Jardim Duque da Terceira to pick up last-minute souvenirs (local ceramics or a bottle from Biscoitos) and savour a strong coffee and bolo lêvedo at a nearby tasca. Return to your guesthouse to finish packing, check out, and take a short taxi to Lajes airport allowing extra time for island flights—stop for one last sea-view photo from Monte Brasil if traffic and time permit.
Board your TER → LIS flight and use the Lisbon connection time to relax in the airport lounge or grab a fresh Portuguese sandwich and a Pastel de Nata, confirming your Lyon connection and luggage. On the Lisbon → Lyon leg, settle in with a book or photos from the trip and mentally review highlights—Monte Brasil, Furnas’ hot springs and the Sete Cidades crater—so you can share them when you land.
Arrive in Lyon-Saint-Exupéry in the evening and collect your luggage, then take the Rhônexpress or a taxi back into town, reflecting on the two islands’ contrasts over a final light meal or a glass of wine at home. Unpack slowly, set reminders to back up trip photos, and rest—your Azores memories of waterfalls, volcanic caves and warm thermal baths will keep the trip vivid for weeks to come.