Day 1: Visit the beautiful Terra Nostra Garden in São Miguel. Stroll through the lush vegetation and enjoy a romantic picnic on the grounds. End the day with a relaxing dip in the hot springs.
Day 2: Drive to Sete Cidades and admire the breathtaking Blue and Green lakes. Take a hike along the rim of the crater for panoramic views. Stop by the charming town of Mosteiros for lunch, known for its fresh seafood.
Day 3: Explore the village of Furnas and its hot springs. Admire the geysers and bubbling mud, and visit a tea plantation to learn about the local tea production. Relax in the calming waters of the hot springs
Day 4: Take a whale watching tour and spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. End the day with a relaxing swim at one of the island's many beaches such as Praia de Santa Bárbara.
Day 5: Visit the breathtaking Salto do Prego waterfall for a picturesque hike. Afterwards, have a romantic dinner in the idyllic town of Povoação at the local restaurant Terra Nostra Garden Restaurant.
Day 6: Take a day trip to the island of Pico, and visit the stunning vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pico Island Vineyard Culture. Taste the delicious local wine while taking in the dramatic scenery of the island.
Day 7: Explore the island of São Jorge with a hike to Fajã dos Vimes, a picturesque restored village. Afterwards, visit the cheese factory and indulge in the local cheeses paired with wine.
Day 8: Take a boat tour of the impressive volcanic Caldeira in Faial. Stop by the charming town of Horta for lunch, and admire the beautiful artwork on the marina piers. End the day with a relaxing evening walk on the beach of Porto Pim.
Day 9: Enjoy a day at the beach of Praia Formosa, known for its crystal clear waters and stunning natural scenery.
Day 10: Take a scenic drive along the coast of São Miguel and watch the colorful sunset at the famous Miradouro da Grota do Inferno viewpoint. Finish the trip with a candlelit dinner, enjoying local cuisine at A Tasca restaurant.
Time and Costs Estimates
Terra Nostra Garden (2 hours, $15)
Sete Cidades (4 hours, free)
Hot springs in Furnas (3 hours, $10)
Whale watching (4 hours, $70)
Salto do Prego waterfall (3 hours, free)
Pico Island Vineyard Culture (6 hours, $50)
Fajã dos Vimes hike and cheese factory (6 hours, $20)
Caldeira boat tour (2 hours, $30)
Praia Formosa (3 hours, free)
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno (1 hour, free)
Total Estimated Costs: $215
Transportation
While the Azores consist of nine islands, getting around by car is recommended as many attractions require a car. Public transportation is available, but limited to bus and ferry services. Car rentals are affordable, with prices starting at around $30 per day. Some activities and tours may require specific forms of transportation, such as boat tours or hikes. Be sure to check times and availability in advance.
Useful Tips
If you have extra time, consider a trip to the islands of Flores and Corvo, known for their stunning natural beauty. If you have less time, consider limiting your visit to the larger islands of São Miguel and Terceira. Be sure to check for cultural events or festivals during your stay, as the Azores host many throughout the year. Additionally, always pack for varying weather conditions, as the islands have unpredictable weather patterns.
Airports
The main airport in the Azores is located on the island of São Miguel, officially known as João Paulo II Airport (PDL). The airport is approximately 3 miles from the city center of Ponta Delgada, making it very accessible. Other airports in the Azores include Terceira Airport (TER), located on the island of Terceira, and Horta Airport (HOR), located on the island of Faial.