Start the day at Lyon-Saint Exupéry, arriving early to check in and enjoy a relaxed coffee before boarding; if flying via Lisbon, take advantage of TAP’s lounges or a quick pastel de nata at the airport to begin the Azorean mood. Keep your passport, boarding passes and a printed arrival address for Ponta Delgada handy, and wear layers for the different climates you’ll encounter on the way.
On the Lisbon-Ponta Delgada leg, watch the islands approach from the window and review a short plan for your first evening in Ponta Delgada — the historic centre and the marina are easy to reach from João Paulo II Airport. After landing, collect baggage and either grab an official taxi (approx. €25) or a pre-booked transfer to your accommodation; if time allows, stroll a short route to stretch your legs and spot the lighthouse and coastal views near the marina.
Settle into your guesthouse and take a gentle orientation walk through Ponta Delgada’s Praça Gonçalo Velho and the Portas da Cidade as the streetlights come on, getting your first taste of Azorean atmosphere. If you have energy, choose a nearby restaurant for a relaxed dinner — try local fish or a pequeno prato of limpets — and get an early night to recover from travel and be ready for your full day of exploring tomorrow.
Wake up slowly and head to the historic centre for a relaxed walk: start at Portas da Cidade, linger at Praça Gonçalo Velho and pop into the 15th-century Igreja Matriz to see its Manueline details. Continue to Mercado da Graça where the stalls brim with local cheeses, pão de milho, fresh fruit and fish — sample a pastel de nata or a slice of bolo lêvedo while chatting with vendors to get a local flavour of the island.
After a light lunch, explore the marina and the Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, taking in coastal views and the small gardens near Forte de São Brás before joining a wine-bar tasting focused on São Miguel varietals like Verdelho and Arinto-style whites. Your tasting will pair island wines with local snacks (cheeses, cured meats and sweet jams), providing a friendly introduction to Azorean terroir and producers you might seek out later in the trip.
As golden hour approaches, stroll back through the old town’s cobbled lanes to a cosy seafood restaurant near Praça do Município for a dinner of freshly caught fish or a small plate of limpets. Finish the evening with a quiet walk along the marina under the stars or a nightcap at the wine bar if you want one more taste of the island’s wines before bed.
Catch an early regional bus from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades and begin at the Miradouro da Vista do Rei to drink in the classic postcard view of the twin lakes; take time to photograph Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul from the overlook and read the local legends on the information panels. From there, set off along the rim trail toward Pico do Carvão (choose a 3-6 km option depending on energy), enjoying eucalyptus-shaded paths and intermittent viewpoints where the caldera walls tumble to the water below.
Descend toward the lakeside for a relaxed picnic by the shore near the small village of Sete Cidades or grab a sandwich at a local café, then walk across the old stone bridge at Mosteiros for closer views of the water and volcanic rock formations. If you prefer a gentler afternoon, rent a bike or a kayak from the village to paddle on Lagoa das Sete Cidades and experience the mirrored reflections of the crater’s slopes from the surface.
Return to a higher vantage point—such as Miradouro do Pico do Carvão or the western rim—about an hour before sunset to watch the light soften over the lakes and the surrounding pastures, a perfect moment for golden-hour photos. On the bus back to Ponta Delgada, reflect on the volcanic landscapes over a quiet dinner in town, choosing grilled fish or a hearty açorda to restore energy after a full day of hiking and exploring.
Catch a morning shuttle or regional bus from Ponta Delgada to the Lagoa do Fogo trailhead and set off on the scenic 5-7 km return hike toward the crater lake, passing fragrant endemic plants and open caldera slopes; the descent to the shore rewards you with expansive views and a peaceful picnic spot. Bring layers and water — the winds on the upper rim can be cool even in September — and pause at the Pico da Barrosa viewpoint for sweeping panoramas of the central massif and the Atlantic beyond.
After returning to the trailhead, drive or take a short transfer down toward the Furnas side and stop at Caldeira Velha to unwind among its warm, tannin-stained thermal waterfalls and natural pools (small entry fee applies), where you can soak in mineral-rich waters beneath lush, fern-clad banks. If time allows, visit the nearby Salto do Cavalo viewpoint for a different angle on the lake and some late-afternoon photos of the crater’s contours.
Head back to Ponta Delgada with sun-softened memories of the day and freshened by the thermal baths, then choose a waterfront restaurant near the marina for dinner — try grilled limpets or a whale of the day catch paired with a local white wine. Finish with a gentle stroll along Avenida Infante Dom Henrique as the lights come on, reflecting on the volcanic beauty you explored and planning tomorrow’s whale-watching excursion.
Make your way to Ponta Delgada marina after an early breakfast and check in with a reputable operator (look for AZORES whale-watching accreditation). The boat will head out into deeper waters where naturalist guides scan for sperm whales, common and bottlenose dolphins, and seabirds — keep your camera and binoculars ready and listen to the commentary to learn about each sighting and the islands’ marine ecology.
If you’re on a full-day trip you’ll cruise farther along the southern or western slopes of São Miguel, pausing for sustained observations and occasional photo-friendly approaches when it’s safe; crew may offer light snacks and hot drinks on board. After returning to the marina, warm up with lunch at a nearby café such as Associação Agrícola or O Giro, and visit the Carlos Machado Museum if you want to follow up marine stories with local natural history exhibits.
Spend a relaxed evening back in town reflecting on the day’s encounters with a sunset stroll along Avenida Infante Dom Henrique and the marina, stopping for a seafood dinner at A Tasca or Associação Agrícola to celebrate the marine highlights. Finish with a quiet drink at a wine bar near Praça do Município, comparing notes with other travelers or your guidebook about where you might explore next on São Miguel.
Take an early regional bus from Ponta Delgada to Ribeira Grande and begin with a stroll through the town’s pastel-painted streets, pausing at Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora das Estrelas and the riverside Praça do Município to soak in local life. Pop into a café for a strong coffee and bolo lêvedo, then head to the Miradouro da Ponta do Cintrão or the Teiga viewpoint for dramatic coastal panoramas where the waves crash against volcanic cliffs.
Walk or catch a short local bus to the nearby Ribeira dos Caldeirões area and follow the shaded trails to small waterfalls, mossy pools and restored watermills—perfect for photography and a refreshing dip if the weather allows. Continue along the northern lane to the charming hamlet of Ribeira Funda or visit the natural pools at Caldeiras, sampling freshly caught seafood at a seaside tasca before returning toward town.
As dusk falls, enjoy a relaxed dinner in Ribeira Grande at a traditional restaurant—try a seafood cataplana or the island cozido if available—then wander the riverfront promenade as lanterns come on and locals finish their day. Catch a late bus back to Ponta Delgada or, if you’re staying overnight, settle into a guesthouse and plan tomorrow’s horse-riding excursion with notes from today’s coastal discoveries.
After breakfast, meet your pre-booked riding operator at the meeting point (usually near Furnas or the coastal stables by Ribeira Grande) for a safety briefing and tack-up; mounts are calm, well cared-for horses suited to varied riders. Set off along shaded trails that thread past tea plantations and hortas or follow a coastal route with ocean vistas, pausing at viewpoints to admire Furnas’ steaming valleys or the dramatic cliffs above the Atlantic.
Return to the stables for a short break, then choose a longer guided loop if you’re feeling confident — rides often continue to lagoon edges or tidal pools where you can dismount briefly to stretch and take photos near Lagoa das Furnas or the São Miguel shoreline. After the ride, warm up and freshen up with a transfer to Terra Nostra Park if you opted to combine activities, slipping into the iron-rich thermal pool amid subtropical gardens for a restorative soak.
Head back to Ponta Delgada or your guesthouse with salty air or laundered saddle scent lingering, then enjoy a relaxed dinner at a nearby restaurant such as A Tasca or Associação Agrícola, choosing a comforting dish like peixe grelhado or cozido if you returned via Furnas. Finish the night with a gentle walk along the marina or a quiet drink at the wine bar you visited earlier, savoring the island rhythms after a day spent in motion and nature.
Take the regional bus to Furnas and begin at the fumarole fields in the town square, inhaling the mineral steam and watching locals tend the underground cozido pots. Wander the nearby Jardim da Ribeira dos Caldeirões and the small handicraft stalls, then pause for coffee and a bolo lêvedo at a café facing the steaming vents to set the day’s geothermal tone.
Join a guided cozido demonstration or visit one of the traditional restaurants that serve the slow-cooked stew, tasting the earthy flavors born of the volcanic heat; if you prefer, picnic in Parque Terra Nostra before slipping into its iconic iron-rich thermal pool for a warm, restorative soak amid subtropical plantings. After your bath, stroll the Terra Nostra Gardens to spot endemic flora and the park’s historic greenhouse, taking photos of the azaleas and winding paths.
As evening cools, head back toward the village center for a relaxed dinner—choose a local tasca to sample grilled fish or a lighter version of cozido with regional wine—and stroll past the illuminated fumaroles for one last atmospheric glimpse of Furnas. Return to Ponta Delgada or your accommodation refreshed, planning tomorrow’s beach or northern-coast adventure while savoring the day’s volcanic delights.
Catch an early regional bus or short taxi from Ponta Delgada to Mosteiros and begin with a gentle walk along the volcanic coast to the iconic sea stacks, pausing at the natural tidal pools for a refreshing dip if the tide and swell are calm. Photograph the basalt formations and explore the small village cafés—grab a bolo lêvedo and a coffee—before wandering down to the black-sand shore to feel the Atlantic breeze and watch local fishermen at work.
If you prefer a livelier surf vibe, transfer to Santa Bárbara instead for a relaxed surf lesson or long swim at the sandy beach guarded by rolling waves and surf schools; alternatively, rent a board or simply sunbathe and stroll the shoreline toward the scenic headlands. For a quieter option, picnic among the rock pools at Mosteiros, snorkel in sheltered pockets of clear water, or visit the nearby Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado for sweeping coastal views before heading back toward town.
Return to Ponta Delgada in time for golden-hour views along Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, then choose a seaside tasca for dinner—fresh grilled fish, limpets or a seafood cataplana are excellent choices—paired with a crisp local white. Finish the day with a slow walk around the marina or a nightcap at your favourite wine bar, reflecting on the island’s dramatic coastline before tomorrow’s flight to Terceira.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for the short SATA hop to Lajes; enjoy aerial views of the Azorean archipelago as you fly and use the time to review your Angra arrival plan and hotel directions. On landing at Lajes, collect luggage and take an official taxi or pre-booked transfer (~20-30 minutes) into UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, watching the lush central plateau and coastal cliffs unfold on the drive in.
Check in to your accommodation and stretch your legs with a self-guided introduction to Angra: start at Praça Velha to see the Câmara Municipal and the elegant Sé Cathedral, then wander the narrow, tiled streets toward the Jardim Duque da Terceira for a peaceful break. If you have energy, visit the Museu de Angra or the nearby Fort of São João Baptista to learn about the island’s maritime history and strategic role in Atlantic navigation.
As evening falls, enjoy a relaxed stroll along the waterfront and through the atmospheric Bairro Alto, pausing for dinner at a traditional tasca—order fresh local fish or an octopus dish paired with a regional white wine. Finish the night with a calm paseo around the harbor or a gelato at a café near Largo de São Sebastião, soaking up the warm glow on the colonial façades and planning tomorrow’s deeper exploration of Terceira.
Begin with a guided or self-guided walk from Praça Velha, visiting the Sé Cathedral to admire its ornate interior and then wandering the tiled lanes toward the Câmara Municipal; pause at a riverside café for a strong coffee and bolo lêvedo while watching locals start their day. Continue to the Jardim Duque da Terceira for a brief respite among shaded paths and sculptures before heading uphill to the imposing Fort of São João Baptista to take in sweeping views over the bay and learn about Terceira’s strategic Atlantic history.
After lunch, dive deeper into Angra’s past at the Museu de Angra where maritime exhibits and colonial artifacts tell the story of the island’s role in transatlantic navigation, then stroll to the nearby Convento de São Francisco and the small artisan shops along Rua da Sé to browse ceramics and lace. If time allows, cross to the waterfront to visit the small naval museum or walk the coastal promenade toward the picturesque São Sebastião area for photo opportunities of the harbour and colourful façades.
As dusk falls, choose a traditional tasca in the Bairro Alto for dinner—order fresh grilled fish, polvo à lagareiro (octopus) or a tasting of local cheeses paired with an island white wine—and linger over dessert at a café on Largo de São Sebastião. Finish the night with a gentle paseo along the harbourfront or, for a dramatic finale, head up to Miradouro da Serra do Cume (short taxi ride) for a starlit panorama of Angra’s lights nestled in the valley.
Catch a regional bus or join a shared tour to the central plateau and begin at Algar do Carvão, the dramatic volcanic chimney where you'll descend the stone steps into a cool, echoing world of stalactites and a small emerald pool—allow time for photos and to read the interpretive panels about the island’s volcanic history. After the cave visit, drive or walk to nearby Furnas do Enxofre or small streams in the Serra do Cume area to admire mossy banks and tiny cascades while breathing the fresh, highland air.
Continue inland to explore the pleasant network of short trails around Mistério da Prainha or Ribeirinha’s waterfall spots, pausing at viewpoints to photograph plunging streams and terraced pastures; enjoy a picnic lunch beneath laurel and heather if the weather is fine. If you prefer a guided option, visit a local environmental centre or join a nature guide who can point out endemic plants and explain how water shapes Terceira’s lush central landscape.
Return to Angra do Heroísmo in the early evening and freshen up before heading to a cosy tasca in the old town for dinner—order polvo à lagareiro or a fish stew paired with an island white wine to celebrate the day’s geology-fuelled discoveries. Finish with a leisurely walk along Praça Velha and the harbourfront, where the colonial façades glow under lamplight and you can reflect on the island’s volcanic origins as you prepare for tomorrow’s wine-tasting or gourmet choice.
Slow breakfast in Angra sets a relaxed tone before your private transfer collects you for the day’s high-end option; if you chose the winery experience, head into the verdant outskirts to a boutique producer such as Adega S. Mateus or a family-run plot near Biscoitos for a behind-the-scenes tour of basalt terraced vineyards and a talk about the islands’ microclimates. If you prefer a gentler start, spend the morning wandering the Jardim Duque da Terceira and nearby artisan shops, sampling local cheeses and preparing for the tasting or evening meal ahead.
For the private wine visit, linger over a seated tasting of Verdelho and other island whites paired with island cheeses, olives and a light fish pâté while the vigneron explains traditional methods and recent innovations; a small vineyard lunch or picnic among the vines can be arranged to complete the immersion. If you opted to reserve the gourmet dinner instead, spend a leisurely afternoon relaxing by the coast at Praia da Vitória or visiting the Museo de Angra to soak up local culture before an early evening return to your hotel to dress for dinner.
Enjoy your high-budget finale: at the winery, finish with a sunset glass on the terrace overlooking patchwork pastures and basalt cliffs, then take the private transfer back to Angra for a nightcap; if you chose the gourmet route, settle into a top-rated Angra restaurant for a multi-course tasting menu (think locally sourced seafood, octopus preparations and refined Azorean produce) paired with carefully selected island wines. Conclude the night with a slow paseo through Praça Velha, savouring the flavours and stories of Terceira as the trip winds toward its final travel day.
Pack up after breakfast and take your pre-booked transfer or an official taxi to Lajes Airport, leaving extra time for check-in and the security process; on clear mornings you’ll get one last panorama of Terceira’s patchwork fields and the basalt coast as the island recedes beneath you. If your routing includes a short connection in Ponta Delgada, use the layover to pick up any last souvenirs at Ponta Delgada’s duty-free or stretch your legs with a coffee near the terminal while watching the Azores one last time from the observation areas.
During the mainland or Lisbon connection, enjoy a relaxed lunch at the airport—seek out a café serving Portuguese sandwiches or a pastel de nata for a final taste of the trip—and double-check your onward boarding gate and timings to avoid stress. If time and routing allow, take a brief walk through the Lisbon or Ponta Delgada terminal windows to spot incoming flights and reflect on the islands’ highlights, then board your long-haul segment to Lyon with your travel documents and a small hand luggage kit within easy reach.
Arrive back in Lyon in the evening, collect baggage and take a taxi or the Rhônexpress/shuttle to your final destination, carrying a small keepsake or bottle of Azorean wine as a memento. Once home, settle in with a quiet meal or a light unpack, review photos from Sete Cidades, Furnas and Angra, and rest—you’ll carry the volcanic landscapes, thermal pools and convivial island dinners with you long after the trip ends.