1-Week Adventure in the Azores: Nature, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Explore Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores on June 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Associação Agrícola

Enjoy traditional Azorean breakfast including fresh cheese and local bread in this popular local bakery starting from early morning. It's a great introduction to Azorean flavors.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Portas da Cidade (City Gates)

Begin at Ponta Delgada's iconic 18th-century city gates, a must-see historic landmark situated right in the city center.
Free, 0h30m

10:15am

Explore Forte de São Brás

Explore this 16th-century fortress that now hosts a small military museum explaining the island's defense history.
EUR3, 1h0m

11:30am

Stroll Jardim António Borges

Take a relaxing walk through enchanting botanical gardens with exotic plants and greenhouses.
Free, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Tasca

Sample authentic Azorean tapas featuring seafood and local cheeses in a cozy restaurant with lunch service until 3:00pm.
EUR15, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Carlos Machado Museum

Discover Azorean natural history, art, and culture in this well-curated museum located in the city center.
EUR4, 1h15m

3:30pm

Relax at Praia das Milícias Beach

Spend late afternoon soaking in views and relaxing on this nearby black sand beach accessible by a short drive or bus ride.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at A Tasca

Dine on creative Azorean dishes with fresh fish and unique local ingredients in this well-reviewed eatery open until 10:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 2: Sete Cidades Adventure

Sete Cidades, São Miguel, Azores on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Central Ponta Delgada

Grab a quick coffee and pastry to fuel your day before heading out to the west side of the island.
EUR5, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Sete Cidades Viewpoint

Head to the Vista do Rei viewpoint to witness breathtaking panoramic views over the twin lakes that form inside the volcanic caldera.
Free, 0h45m

9:30am

Hike around the Lakes

Spend 3 hours hiking the trails around Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, enjoying stunning landscapes and native flora and fauna.
Free, 3h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Green Love

Have a healthy lunch featuring local organic ingredients, salads, and fresh juices in one of the Sete Cidades village's best spots.
EUR12, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Miradouro de Santa Iria

On the drive back along the north coast, stop for dramatic ocean and cliff views from this stunning viewpoint.
Free, 0h30m

3:00pm

Explore Mosteiros

Visit the quaint village of Mosteiros and explore its natural lava pools ideal for a late afternoon swim.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Casa das Bocas

Enjoy local cuisine specializing in seafood dishes with fresh catches from the Atlantic in Ponta Delgada's vibrant atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 3: Furnas Hot Springs

Furnas, São Miguel, Azores on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local café

Start early with a hearty breakfast to prepare for a full day of exploration in Furnas.
EUR7, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Furnas

Travel to Furnas village, known for its volcanic activity and hot springs, approximately 45 minutes east of Ponta Delgada.
Free, 0h45m

9:15am

Walk around Furnas Lake

Enjoy peaceful lakeside views and spot fumaroles steaming nearby; great for photography and nature lovers.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Terra Nostra Park

Relax in the famous thermal iron-rich pool and wander through extensive botanical gardens filled with exotic plants. The park is open from 9am to 7pm.
EUR8, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Tony’s Restaurant

Try the traditional Cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic heat, a unique culinary experience available here.
EUR18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Caldeiras das Furnas

Explore the geothermal cooking areas where locals boil eggs and vegetables in hot springs—fascinating natural spectacle.
Free, 0h45m

3:00pm

Tea tasting at Chá Gorreana

Drive 20 minutes to the Chá Gorreana tea plantation and sample Azores-grown green and black teas, open daily until 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Ponta Delgada

Drive back to Ponta Delgada, allowing time to rest before dinner.
Free, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Cais 20

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and local wine in a relaxed harbor-side setting, open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Nordeste Nature Walks

Nordeste, São Miguel, Azores on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or local bakery

Have a fulfilling breakfast to fuel your day exploring the eastern part of São Miguel.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Nordeste

Travel to the scenic Nordeste region, about one-hour drive east of Ponta Delgada.
Free, 1h0m

9:30am

Hiking at Salto do Cavalo

Take this moderate hike to admire views over the north coast and rolling hills, a highlight for nature lovers.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Visit Farol do Arnel Lighthouse

See the oldest lighthouse in the Azores with spectacular coastal views, perfect photo opportunity.
Free, 0h45m

12:45pm

Lunch at Snack Bar Nordeste

Casual stop with local dishes including seafood and hearty meat specialties, open for lunch until 3pm.
EUR12, 1h15m

2:15pm

Visit Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões

Explore this protected park famous for waterfalls, old mills, and lush greenery, open until dusk.
EUR3, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Ponta Delgada

Drive back and have some rest in the early evening.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at O Giro

Enjoy a mix of traditional and modern Azorean dishes in Ponta Delgada, known for quality and ambiance, open until 10pm.
EUR22, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Pico Island

Pico Island, Azores on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast in Ponta Delgada

Simple early breakfast before transferring to the airport or harbor for travel to Pico Island.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:30am

Flight or Ferry to Pico Island

Travel from São Miguel to Pico Island by plane (approx 45 mins) or ferry (approx 2.5 hours) – flights recommended for time efficiency.
EUR40, 0h45m

10:30am

Check-in and rest

Check into accommodation and prepare for local exploration on Pico.
Varies, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Museu do Vinho (Wine Museum) in Madalena

Learn about Pico’s unique UNESCO-listed vineyards and wine production heritage.
EUR3, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Cella Bar

Sample local cuisine focusing on fresh seafood and regional specialties in Madalena, open until 3pm.
EUR18, 1h15m

2:00pm

Explore the Vila da Madalena

Wander the charming main town with dramatic views at the waterfront and unique black stone architecture.
Free, 1h0m

3:15pm

Visit Lagoa do Capitão

Short hike around this volcanic crater lake for peaceful nature immersion and stunning views of Mount Pico from a distance.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Ancoradouro

Enjoy delicious locally caught fish dishes and regional flavors in a seaside setting, open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 6: Faial Island Day Trip

Faial Island, Azores on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Pico hotel

Start the day early with a filling breakfast to prepare for a day trip to Faial Island.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:30am

Ferry to Horta, Faial Island

Take the 30-minute ferry crossing from Madalena to Horta to explore Faial Island.
EUR10, 0h30m

9:15am

Visit Peter Café Sport

Famous sailors’ bar and social hub, great for a morning coffee and atmosphere filled with nautical history.
EUR5, 0h30m

10:00am

Explore Caldeira do Faial

Hike in the massive volcanic crater with rich vegetation and stunning panoramic views, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Genuíno

Enjoy a meal featuring fresh local seafood and traditional Algarvian dishes in Horta, open until 3pm.
EUR20, 1h15m

2:00pm

Walk along Horta’s Marina

See the colorful painted murals and boats; an iconic spot in the Azores for sailors worldwide.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Center

Learn about the 1957-58 volcanic eruption that reshaped the western part of Faial with interactive exhibits, open until 6pm.
EUR4, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return ferry to Pico

Catch the ferry back to Pico Island, enjoying views of the ocean at sunset.
EUR10, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner in Pico at Cave Winery Restaurant

Dine surrounded by vineyards inside a unique wine cellar restaurant featuring local produce and wines, open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 7: Return and Reflect

Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Pico Hotel

Enjoy one final leisurely breakfast before your journey back.
EUR7, 0h45m

8:00am

Flight back to Ponta Delgada

Take the morning flight from Pico back to São Miguel for your departure or further explorations.
EUR40, 0h45m

9:00am

Leisurely morning in Ponta Delgada

Stroll through the local markets or visit any last-minute shops or cafés you missed on day 1; relaxing before departure.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Associação Agrícola

Revisit this iconic eatery for one last taste of Azorean culinary delights, featuring regional cheeses and charcuterie.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Head to the airport or harbor as per your departure schedule to conclude your one-week Azores adventure.
Varies, N/A