Azores 5-Day Cultural Immersion Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Sao Miguel Island - Ponta Delgada
    10-minute drive from João Paulo II Airport

    Start your trip in Ponta Delgada, the largest city in Azores and capital of Sao Miguel. Visit the Igreja de São José, a beautiful 18th-century church in the city centre, then take a stroll on the Avenida Infante Dom Henrique promenade and enjoy the ocean view. End the day with a dinner at A Tasca Restaurant, serving modern Azorean cuisine with fresh, local ingredients.

  2. Day 2: Pico Island - Madalena
    45-minute flight from João Paulo II Airport to Pico Airport

    Take a morning flight to Pico Island and visit the Museu do Vinho, showcasing the traditional vineyards and wine production of the island. Head to Lajes do Pico, a charming coastal village, and have lunch at DoisCinco Restaurante & Vinhos, offering fresh seafood and local wines. In the afternoon, visit Museu do Cais do Pico, a whaling museum located in an old whaling factory.

  3. Day 3: Terceira Island - Angra do Heroismo
    30-minute flight from Pico Airport to Lajes Airport

    Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroismo, located on Terceira Island. Visit the impressive Sé Cathedral, dating back to the 16th century, and the Museu de Angra do Heroismo, showcasing the history and culture of the city. Take a break at Café da Praça, a historic coffeehouse in the city centre. In the evening, have dinner at O Pipas Restaurante, a traditional Azorean restaurant serving local specialities.

  4. Day 4: Faial Island - Horta
    30-minute flight from Lajes Airport to Horta Airport

    Discover the cosmopolitan city of Horta, located on Faial Island. Start the day with a visit to Peter Café Sport, a legendary bar and meeting place for sailors from around the world. Take a walk in the scenic Parque da Alagoa, a park with a lagoon and a botanical garden. Have lunch at Convés Restaurante, a seafood restaurant overlooking the marina. In the afternoon, visit the Whaling Museum, located in a former whaling factory, and learn about the history of whaling in the Azores.

  5. Day 5: Sao Miguel Island - Furnas
    1-hour drive from Ponta Delgada

    Explore the enchanting town of Furnas, located in the eastern part of Sao Miguel Island. Start the day with a visit to the Terra Nostra Park, a botanical garden with a natural hot spring swimming pool. Have lunch at Tony's Restaurant, serving traditional Azorean stew and other local dishes. Take a walk in the Caldeiras das Furnas, where you can see geysers and hot springs in action. End the day with a relaxing bath at Poça da Dona Beija, a natural hot spring complex.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Igreja de São José (1 hour, free)
  • Avenida Infante Dom Henrique promenade (30 minutes, free)
  • A Tasca Restaurant (2 hours, €30-€40 per person)
  • Museu do Vinho (1-2 hours, €5 per person)
  • DoisCinco Restaurante & Vinhos (2 hours, €20-€30 per person)
  • Museu do Cais do Pico (1-2 hours, €5 per person)
  • Sé Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Museu de Angra do Heroismo (1-2 hours, €5 per person)
  • Café da Praça (30 minutes, €3-€5 per person)
  • O Pipas Restaurante (2 hours, €20-€30 per person)
  • Peter Café Sport (1 hour, free)
  • Parque da Alagoa (1 hour, free)
  • Convés Restaurante (2 hours, €20-€30 per person)
  • Whaling Museum (1-2 hours, €5 per person)
  • Terra Nostra Park (2-3 hours, €8 per person)
  • Tony's Restaurant (1-2 hours, €10-€20 per person)
  • Caldeiras das Furnas (1 hour, free)
  • Poça da Dona Beija (1-2 hours, €4 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding flight and hotel): €122-€173 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the volcanic island of Graciosa, taking a whale-watching tour from Horta, or hiking in the Sete Cidades crater on Sao Miguel Island. If you have less time, you could skip Pico or Faial Island, or combine Days 1 and 5 to spend more time in Furnas.

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