After arriving and dropping bags at your Vrbo in Lagoa, take a relaxed walk to Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint for sweeping crater-lake views that set the island's volcanic tone, then continue to the nearby Caldeira do Vulcão trailhead for a gentle 1-1.5 hour loop if you feel like stretching your legs. Finish the morning with a late breakfast or coffee at Padaria e Pastelaria Central in Lagoa, sampling local pão e chouriço or a bolo lêvedo while planning the afternoon drive along the west coast.
Drive a short scenic loop toward the coast and stretch your legs at Praia do Carreiro do Mosteiro, where rugged cliffs and basalt formations make for dramatic photos and a quiet beach stroll. Afterward, pop into Restaurante O Silva in Lagoa for a leisurely seafood lunch or lighter petiscos on the terrace, then wander the town center to browse ceramics at Loja das Furnas and pick up supplies for your stay.
As twilight settles, wander down to Marina de Lagoa for a leisurely promenade and watch fishing boats return while enjoying ocean air. For dinner, savor fresh Azorean flavors at A Tasca, trying limpets or grilled fish with a glass of local vinho verde, then finish the night with a digestif at Bar Ponte, a relaxed spot for people-watching and planning tomorrow's drive toward Sete Cidades.
Start early with a coffee in Lagoa then drive to the western rim to take in panoramic views from Miradouro do Rei, lingering on the terrace to photograph the twin lakes and the classic viewpoint composition. Continue with a short walk around the rim to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno for a different angle, then descend toward the village to rent kayaks at Lagoa das Sete Cidades Kayak Rentals for a calm paddle across the blue and green lakes-perfect for close-up shots of the crater walls and birdlife before lunch.
After your kayak morning, drive the rim road toward the village and stop to stretch your legs with a gentle stroll around Lagoa das Sete Cidades Church (Igreja de São Nicolau) and the adjacent lakeside promenade for postcard views and local life. Continue to Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras for a quieter panorama, then descend to the hamlet of Mosteiros to hunt tidal pools, explore black-sand coves and enjoy a late-seafood bite at Restaurante O Moinho, watching the sunset light paint the crater walls.
As daylight softens, head to Miradouro do Escalvado for quieter, golden-hour views of the crater rim, then drive down to the lakeside village and enjoy a relaxed dinner at Restaurante Green Love, sampling local fish dishes and a glass of Azorean vinho. After dinner, take a short post-meal stroll to Ponte dos Regos to watch the lights reflecting on the water, then finish the night with a nightcap at Café Central de Sete Cidades, soaking in the peaceful crater atmosphere before returning to Lagoa.
Ease into the day with a coastal drive south to Praia de Água d'Alto for a morning swim or beach walk among golden sand and tide pools, then stop at Miradouro da Ponta da Galera for a quiet coffee while watching fishing boats and the coastline wake up. Continue to Ferraria Thermal Baths to time a soak in the ocean-heated pools at low tide-alternating warm seawater dips with cliffside strolls gives a soothing contrast after the crater touring of the previous days.
Drive a short coastal loop to unwind at Praia das Milícias, where you can stretch out on golden sand or stroll the promenade before stopping for fresh fish tapas at O Pescador Restaurante overlooking the bay. Later, head to the dramatic coastal cliffs at Vista do Rei da Costa, take the short path to the rugged headland for sea-spray panoramas, then cool off with an ice cream and people-watching in Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara as the light softens toward evening.
As the sun lowers, drive to Ponta da Ferraria viewpoint to watch the rugged coastline glow and then stroll down to the cliffside pools near Bar do Adão for a casual seafood snack and a cold drink while listening to waves. After dinner, head back toward Lagoa for a relaxed post-meal walk through Jardim Municipal de Lagoa, catching local life and possibly live music, then finish with inventive cocktails at Casa do Chá - Lagoa for a cozy nightcap before returning to your Vrbo.
Leave Lagoa after breakfast and take the scenic northbound drive to Ribeira Grande, stopping at the charming Mercado Municipal de Ribeira Grande to sample local cheeses and pastries while watching fishermen unload their catch. Continue along the coast to Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego for dramatic sea-cliff views and then head down to Calheta da Baragaça for a short coastal walk and the chance to join a mid-morning whale- and dolphin-watching boat from Marina de Ribeira Grande-an ideal way to pair coastal panoramas with marine wildlife before lunch.
After a wildlife-focused morning in Ribeira Grande, continue the coastal loop with a relaxed drive to Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego's lesser-known neighbor Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada for sweeping sea cliffs and late-afternoon light; linger for photos and cliffside birdwatching. Then descend toward the sheltered cove at Caloura for a seaside lunch at Restaurante Atlantico, followed by a calm post-meal swim from the rocks or a short snorkeling session near Piscinas Naturais da Caloura before heading back toward Lagoa as the coast softens into evening.
After a day of sea-spray drives and possible whale watching, slow the pace with a sunset detour to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado for quieter cliffside views and dramatic light on the headlands. Follow that with a seaside dinner at A Tasquinha da Praia in a nearby fishing hamlet-order grilled limpets or the day's catch-and finish with a relaxed post-meal stroll along Calheta do Nesquim to listen for night waves and watch coastal lights blink on as you drive back toward Lagoa.
Leave Lagoa after breakfast for a calm, scenic drive east to Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, where manicured gardens and cliffside benches frame the Atlantic and are perfect for morning light photography and birdwatching; continue a short drive to Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada for a contrasting wild, windswept panorama and a brisk 20-30 minute walk along the headland. Finish the morning with a guided tasting and plantation tour at Fábrica de Chá Gorreana, learning about Azorean tea production while sampling fresh green and black teas and picking up a few souvenirs before a relaxed seaside lunch in Nordeste village.
After lunch in Nordeste village, drive the coastward road to explore the dramatic headland at Farol do Arnel-climb the lighthouse grounds for sweeping ocean views and scan the cliffs for seabirds before descending to the nearby sheltered cove at Praia do Lima for a bracing swim or rock-pool exploration. Continue with a leisurely walk through the botanical paths of Parque Natural do Nordeste, stopping at the terraced Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego (local lesser trailheads and gardens) for late-afternoon light and then finish the segment with a tasting of homemade jams and cheeses at the family-run Casa de Chá do Nordeste before returning toward Gorreana.
As the day cools, head to Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego (west-facing lower terraces) for a quieter sunset view different from the morning gardens, then drive a short coastal stretch to stroll the pebble crescent at Praia do Algarvia, where the sea often calms and local fishermen mend nets-a lovely spot for golden-hour photography. Finish with a relaxed dinner at Restaurante O Moinho do Félix in Nordeste village, sampling regional lamb or limpets and watching village life slow into evening before a peaceful drive back to your Lagoa Vrbo.
Drive from Lagoa after breakfast toward the Furnas valley and begin with a gentle stroll through the terraced gardens of Parque Terra Nostra, soaking in the iron-rich thermal pool and admiring the century-old trees before the crowds arrive. Continue to the steaming fumaroles near Caldeiras das Furnas to watch the traditional cozido being prepared in buried pots, then stop at Poça da Dona Beija for a relaxing soak in mineral baths surrounded by volcanic rock and garden paths.
After a morning of gardens and thermal pools, take a short drive to explore the tranquil Lagoa das Furnas shoreline with a lakeside picnic of local cheese and sweet bolo lêvedo while watching steam rise from the far shore; then rent a bike or take a gentle walk along the lake path to the atmospheric Chafariz das Furnas and the nearby small-scale vegetable plots where locals tend the geothermal cooking pits. Finish the afternoon with a visit to Parque Ribeira dos Caldeirões for a refreshing contrast-wander its shaded waterfalls, old watermills and ferned trails before returning to Furnas village in time for an evening cozido tasting.
As steam cools into twilight, drive up to the peaceful terrace at Miradouro da Serra Devassa to watch the Furnas valley glow and photograph patchwork fields lit by low light; linger with a thermos of local tea from the day's tasting. For dinner, reserve a table at O Miroma in Furnas village to sample modern takes on cozido and island seafood, then finish the night with a stroll through Largo do Carmo to enjoy village lights and the distant hiss of fumaroles before returning to Lagoa.
Head inland from Lagoa for a crisp morning on the trails: start with the rim hike at Lagoa do Fogo (Miradouro da Serra de Água de Pau) for sweeping, high-elevation views of the crater lake, then descend onto the peaceful shoreline path to feel the geothermal breeze and photograph the lake from water level. After a picnic overlooking the water, drive a short way to park at Trilho da Lagoa das Empadadas for a 2-3 hour loop through volcanic scrub and native laurisilva, where boardwalks and small viewpoints reveal quiet ponds, endemic plants and plenty of birdlife before your midday break.
After a morning of high-rim vistas, drive to the lesser-known Trilho do Pico da Barrosa for a crisp 2-hour ridge walk that rewards you with sweeping views over multiple crater lakes and wildflower-filled peat bogs; pause at the summit cairn to sip tea and photograph the layered calderas. Continue with a gentle descent to explore the shoreline and birdlife around Lagoa das Empadadas do Norte, where a short boardwalk leads to quiet hides perfect for spotting endemic waterfowl before returning to Lagoa as late light softens the volcanic ridges.
After a day on the high ridges, unwind with a late-afternoon drive to Miradouro da Lagoa do Congro for a peaceful lakeside lookout where the rim light softens and the water mirrors the crater walls; linger on the short lakeside path to catch woodland birds and the cool, fragrant laurisilva air. For dinner, head to Casa de Pasto O Moinho in a nearby village for hearty Azorean stew and locally-produced cheese, then finish the night with a quiet stargazing spot at Miradouro do Pico do Carvão, where minimal light pollution lets the Milky Way emerge over the island's silhouetted peaks.
Start with a savory breakfast at Mercado da Graça, sampling fresh queijadas and local sausages from stall vendors while watching Ponta Delgada wake up; wander the market aisles to pick up island-made jams and a bottle of local liqueur to bring home. From there, take a short stroll to Jardim António Borges for a peaceful morning among exotic trees and ornate bridges, then head down to the waterfront promenade to join a guided food-walking tour that stops at A Tasca for petiscos, Cais 20 for octopus tapas, and a specialty-confeitaria for a coffee and pastel de nata tasting before lunch.
After a morning of markets and gardens, wander the compact old town streets to sample artisanal cheeses and charcuterie at Mercearia Açoriana, then join a hands-on cooking class at Sabores Açorianos where you'll learn to prepare a simple fish stew and sweet bolo lêvedo with a local chef. Finish the afternoon with a relaxed ferry-chauffeured hop to nearby Vila Franca do Campo Islet viewpoint (short boat transfer) for seaworthy pastries at Café Maré Alta and a coastal stroll along the harbor as the light softens, connecting today's urban tastes with tomorrow's coastal explorations.
As twilight deepens, wander the historic harbor-front and stop for an aperitivo at Casa do Capitão, where outdoor tables overlook moored boats and you can sample local ginjinha or an Azorean vinho while watching fishermen mend nets. Continue with a relaxed dinner at Taberna Açor, savoring a tasting plate of island cheeses, octopus à lagareiro and a seasonal fish special, then finish the night with craft cocktails and live music at Mercado 23 Bar for a convivial local atmosphere before returning to Lagoa.
After a relaxed breakfast at your Vrbo, take a short drive to Jardim António Borges in Ponta Delgada for a final stroll among exotic trees and quiet ponds that ease you into packing and goodbyes; linger with a coffee at Café Central da Graça nearby while sorting souvenirs into your luggage. If time allows, pop into Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião for a brief visit to admire its azulejos and then grab a light mid-morning bite of fresh pastries and local cheese at Mercearia Açoriana before returning to Lagoa to finish packing and head to the airport in the evening.
After finishing packing, take a relaxed drive toward Ponta Delgada and stop for a lakeside wander and light lunch at Lagoa do Congro, where the short loop trail and mirror-like water make for peaceful final photos and a picnic bench spot for local queijo and bolo lêvedo. Later, return to town for last-minute shopping and a late-afternoon coffee at Cais 22 on the waterfront-perfect for people-watching and savoring one last plate of grilled limpets-before heading to the airport, leaving time to refuel the rental and drop off souvenirs bought at Loja das Ilhas.
Before you drive to the airport, enjoy a relaxed final sunset along the coast at Miradouro da Ponta da Ferraria, where the headland offers dramatic late-light views and a last chance to dip toes in the salt-warmed natural pools. Wrap up with a leisurely farewell dinner at Restaurante A Tasca do Jamaicano in Ponta Delgada-order a tasting of island petiscos and a glass of local vinho while you swap highlights from the trip-then return your rental car with time to spare for an easy evening departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint | Free |
| Caldeira do Vulcão trail (loop) | Free |
| Padaria e Pastelaria Central (breakfast) | €6 |
| Praia do Carreiro do Mosteiro | Free |
| Restaurante O Silva (lunch) | €18 |
| Loja das Furnas (ceramics/shopping) | €15 |
| Marina de Lagoa (promenade) | Free |
| A Tasca (dinner) | €22 |
| Bar Ponte (drink/nightcap) | €6 |
| Miradouro do Rei | Free |
| Miradouro da Boca do Inferno | Free |
| Lagoa das Sete Cidades Kayak Rentals (kayak rental per person) | €25 |
| Igreja de São Nicolau (Lagoa das Sete Cidades) | Free |
| Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras | Free |
| Mosteiros (beach/tidal pools) | Free |
| Restaurante O Moinho (seafood dinner) | €20 |
| Miradouro do Escalvado | Free |
| Restaurante Green Love (dinner) | €20 |
| Café Central de Sete Cidades (nightcap) | €5 |
| Praia de Água d'Alto | Free |
| Miradouro da Ponta da Galera | Free |
| Ferraria Thermal Baths (entry / per person) | €6 |
| Praia das Milícias | Free |
| O Pescador Restaurante (lunch) | €18 |
| Vista do Rei da Costa (headland) | Free |
| Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara (ice cream/snack) | €4 |
| Ponta da Ferraria viewpoint | Free |
| Bar do Adão (snack/drink) | €8 |
| Jardim Municipal de Lagoa | Free |
| Casa do Chá - Lagoa (cocktails/nightcap) | €8 |
| Mercado Municipal de Ribeira Grande | Free |
| Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego | Free |
| Calheta da Baragaça (coastal walk) | Free |
| Whale- and dolphin-watching from Marina de Ribeira Grande (per person) | €55 |
| Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada | Free |
| Restaurante Atlantico (lunch/snorkel access) | €20 |
| Piscinas Naturais da Caloura (snorkel/site access) | Free |
| Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado (sunset) | Free |
| A Tasquinha da Praia (dinner) | €18 |
| Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego (Nordeste gardens) | Free |
| Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada (Nordeste) | Free |
| Fábrica de Chá Gorreana (guided tour & tasting) | €6 |
| Farol do Arnel (lighthouse grounds) | Free |
| Praia do Lima | Free |
| Parque Natural do Nordeste (botanical paths) | Free |
| Casa de Chá do Nordeste (tasting) | €5 |
| Restaurante O Moinho do Félix (dinner) | €20 |
| Parque Terra Nostra (entry + thermal pool) | €12 |
| Caldeiras das Furnas (fumaroles viewing) | Free |
| Poça da Dona Beija (entry) | €8 |
| Lagoa das Furnas (lakeside picnic) | Free |
| Chafariz das Furnas | Free |
| Parque Ribeira dos Caldeirões (entry) | Free |
| Miradouro da Serra Devassa | Free |
| O Miroma (dinner) | €25 |
| Lagoa do Fogo rim hike (Miradouro da Serra de Água de Pau) | Free |
| Trilho da Lagoa das Empadadas (entry/trail) | Free |
| Trilho do Pico da Barrosa (hike) | Free |
| Lagoa das Empadadas do Norte (boardwalk) | Free |
| Miradouro da Lagoa do Congro | Free |
| Casa de Pasto O Moinho (dinner) | €18 |
| Miradouro do Pico do Carvão (stargazing) | Free |
| Mercado da Graça (breakfast/market purchases) | €8 |
| Jardim António Borges | Free |
| Food-walking tour in Ponta Delgada (per person) | €45 |
| Mercearia Açoriana (cheese/charcuterie sampling) | €10 |
| Sabores Açorianos (hands-on cooking class) | €60 |
| Ferry/boat to Vila Franca do Campo Islet (roundtrip) | €20 |
| Café Maré Alta (pastries/coffee) | €6 |
| Casa do Capitão (aperitivo) | €8 |
| Taberna Açor (dinner tasting) | €28 |
| Mercado 23 Bar (cocktails/live music) | €10 |
| Jardim António Borges (final stroll) | Free |
| Café Central da Graça (coffee) | €3 |
| Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião (brief visit) | Free |
| Lagoa do Congro (lakeside walk/picnic) | Free |
| Cais 22 (late-afternoon coffee / limpets) | €12 |
| Loja das Ilhas (souvenirs) | €12 |
| Miradouro da Ponta da Ferraria (final sunset) | Free |
| Restaurante A Tasca do Jamaicano (farewell dinner) | €22 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €841 |