Ponta Delgada is the capital and largest city of the Azores. Start your trip by exploring its historic center, visiting attractions like the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião and the Museu Carlos Machado. Stroll through the Parque Atlântico for some beautiful views of the ocean and enjoy some fresh local seafood at one of the city's many restaurants.
Furnas is a small town that is famous for its hot springs and geysers. Visit the Terra Nostra Garden, where you can bathe in a mineral-rich hot spring pool surrounded by exotic plants. Explore the Parque Terra Nostra and have lunch at the nearby Furnas Lake Forest Living restaurant.
Ribeira Grande is a charming town that is full of history and culture. Visit the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Estrela and the historic city center, which is lined with beautiful Baroque buildings. Stop by the Azores Tea Plantation for a taste of the island's famous tea and enjoy dinner at Adega do Canto, a cozy restaurant with live music.
Nordeste is a region of the island that is known for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking ocean views. Take a scenic drive along the Nordeste coast and visit the Ponta da Madrugada lighthouse, the Miradouro do Farol viewpoint, and the Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau waterfall. Have lunch at the charming Casa de Chá de São Pedro tearoom.
Horta is the main town on Faial Island and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Azores. Visit the Porto Pim bay and the Peter's Café Sport, a historic bar that has become a landmark. Take a boat tour of the nearby Caldeirão or hike up to the Caldeira, a dormant volcano that offers panoramic views of the island.
Angra do Heroísmo is the oldest city in the Azores and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its picturesque streets and visit landmarks like the Sé Cathedral and the Monte Brasil peninsula. Take a tour of the Algar do Carvão, a stunning volcanic chimney, and enjoy dinner at the O Álvaro seafood restaurant.
Pico Island is known for its towering mountain and vineyards, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a tour of the Gruta das Torres lava tube and the Casa da Montanha visitor center. Take a hike up the 7,710-foot Pico Mountain and enjoy dinner at the Cella Bar, a chic restaurant with magnificent views of the ocean.
São Jorge Island is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Take a hike along the Fajãs da Caldeira de Santo Cristo trail, which leads to a beautiful lagoon. Visit the Fábrica da Baleia museum, which tells the story of the island's former whaling industry. Enjoy dinner at the Canto da Doca restaurant, which specializes in local seafood.
Flores Island is the westernmost island in the Azores and a paradise for nature lovers. Take a boat tour of the nearby Corvo Island, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Visit the Rocha dos Bordões, a monument that is believed to be linked to the legend of King Arthur. Enjoy dinner at the Sabores da Ilha restaurant, which specializes in traditional Azorean cuisine.
Santa Maria Island is known for its beaches and historic sites. Visit the Praia Formosa beach and the nearby Pico Alto viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the island. Explore the Anjos Chapel, which commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus on his return from America. Have dinner at the O Batel restaurant, which serves fresh local seafood.
Vila do Porto is the main town on Santa Maria Island and a great place to relax and unwind. Visit the Nossa Senhora dos Anjos church and enjoy the beaches at Praia Formosa and Praia de São Lourenço. Have lunch at the Armazém do Sal, a charming restaurant that specializes in local cuisine.
Sete Cidades is a breathtaking natural wonder that is home to a pair of gorgeous twin lakes. Take a drive along the Sete Cidades crater and stop at the various viewpoints, such as the Vista do Rei and the Miradouro da Lagoa do Canário. Have lunch at the Lagoa Azul restaurant and enjoy a peaceful walk along the shores of the lake.
Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a beautiful natural park that is home to a series of waterfalls and cascades. Take a hike along the trails to see the various waterfalls, including the Cascata do Aveiro and the Cascata do Poço do Bacalhau. Have lunch at the nearby A Tasca restaurant and enjoy the scenic drive back to Ponta Delgada.
Vila Franca do Campo is a charming town that is known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites. Visit the Ilhéu da Vila Franca, which is a volcanic islet that is home to a natural swimming pool. Explore the Forte de São Brás, which dates back to the 16th century, and have lunch at the nearby A Tasquinha restaurant.
Depart from Ponta Delgada and return home with unforgettable memories of your Azores trip.
Most of your transportation will be via planes and ferries between the different islands. Renting a car is recommended for exploring each island safely, with costs varying per island. Flights can range from $100 to $200 depending on the destination. Ferries can be taken for about $20 to $30 between islands, however, they are subject to schedule changes. Plan according to your itinerary to ensure that you make all necessary connections.
If you're short on time, consider visiting just a few islands or staying on one island for the whole trip. Also, be aware that the weather in the Azores can be unpredictable, and it's a good idea to plan activities accordingly. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket, as well as sunscreen and a hat for sunny days.
The main airport in the Azores is João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada (PDL). Other airports include Horta Airport (HOR), Lajes Air Base (TER) and Santa Maria Island Airport (SMA). These airports are located near their respective capitol cities with a short travel time to reach city center.