Ponta Delgada is the capital city of the Azores island of São Miguel. Start your trip by exploring this charming city. Visit the Portas da Cidade, a historic city gate with a clock tower, and the Gruta do Carvão, a volcanic cave with unique rock formations. Enjoy local cuisine at traditional restaurants like Taberna Açor and O Abocanhado.
Visit the town of Furnas, known for its hot springs and geysers. Walkthrough the Terra Nostra Park, a botanical garden with natural hot springs. Explore the Furnas Lake and enjoy a picnic by the shore. For a unique experience, enjoy a traditional Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked underground using volcanic heat.
Visit the historic town of Vila Franca do Campo. Admire the Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a volcanic islet and nature reserve accessible by boat in the summer. Explore the town's landmarks, including the Main Church and the Old Convent of São Francisco. Relax on the white sand beach of Praia da Vinha d'Areia.
Take a day trip to Pico Island, known for its vineyards, whale watching, and hiking trails. Hike the Pico Mountain, the highest peak in Portugal, for breathtaking views. Visit the Museu do Vinho in Madalena and taste the famous Pico wines. Go on a whale watching tour and experience the magnificence of the sea.
Take a day trip to Terceira Island. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo and visit the Forte de São João Batista, a military fortress from the 16th century. Walkthrough the Biscoitos Natural Swimming Pools, volcanic rock formations filled with glistening waters. For an authentic meal, enjoy traditional dishes like the Alcatra and Encharcada.
Visit Fajã dos Cubres, a hidden gem on São Jorge Island. This isolated village is accessible by a scenic hiking trail, where you can explore the unique flora and fauna. Take a dip in the natural pools and enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views. For an unconventional experience, stay the night in a yurt.
Take a day trip to Flores Island, known for its lush vegetation and waterfalls. Hike to the Caldeira Funda, a volcanic crater lake. Explore the Lighthouse of Albarnaz, a historic landmark with panoramic ocean views. Taste the Barrosã beef, a unique local delicacy.
End your trip at Lagoa do Fogo, a stunning natural lake on São Miguel Island. Hike the Lagoa do Fogo trail and admire the lake's crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a picnic with a view or relax on the sandy beaches surrounding the lake. End your trip with a soak in the Caldeira Velha, a hot waterfall.
To explore the Azores, you can rent a car or use public transportation. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available, but can be more expensive. Domestic flights with Azores Airlines and SATA Air Açores are available for travel between the islands. Ferry services are also available between some islands. Expect to spend between €60-100 for domestic flights and €15-20 for ferry services.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Sete Cidades Lagoons or going on a cave tour. If you have less time, consider skipping a day trip to Pico or Flores Island. Keep in mind that the Azores weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and plan accordingly. Finally, don't forget to try local delicacies like Cozido das Furnas, Bolo Lêvedo, and Queijadas da Vila Franca do Campo.
The main airport in the Azores is João Paulo II Airport (PDL) in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island. Other airports include Lajes Field (TER) in Terceira Island, Horta Airport (HOR) in Faial Island, and Santa Cruz das Flores Airport (FLW) in Flores Island. João Paulo II Airport is 15 minutes from Ponta Delgada and serves domestic and international flights.