Overview
The Azores, often dubbed Europe's Hawaii, certainly live up to their name with their stunning beauty. Active and dormant volcanoes, sheer sea cliffs, black sand beaches, and breathtaking viewpoints make this archipelago a must-visit.
Below, you'll find my day-by-day experience, tips, what to see, and what to skip. Let's dive in!
Itinerary and Tips
A trip to this marvelous archipelago usually starts from Lisbon and Porto, but those two cities deserve their own in-depth article.
To make the most of your Azorean adventure, two essentials are:
- Renting a car.
- Booking your accommodation in advance.
The best time to visit is definitely from mid-May to mid-September, with June's blooming flowers being a showstopper!
DAY -1
I flew with TAP, landing at Ponta Delgada, the main airport on São Miguel Island. After clearing customs, I picked up my rental car from Hertz right outside the arrivals area—super easy!
Since I arrived early in the morning and the weather was clear (a rarity in the Azores), I drove straight to my first viewpoint of many.
A scenic drive through lush meadows and vibrant flowers led me to Miradouro do Pico da Barrosa in 30 minutes. A short walk takes you to a viewpoint overlooking a blue lake that fills an old crater—breathtaking!
The excitement is palpable, as is the wind. Be prepared for rapid weather changes: in just minutes, the sun can turn into clouds and rain!
I continued driving to Caldeira Velha, just 6 km away. It's a thermal park with several small hot springs and waterfalls—absolutely unmissable!
A few kilometers further, and still by car, you can reach the parking area for Salto do Cabrito. A brief walk will get you underneath it, but personally, I didn’t find it essential; however, it was on the way.
Most points of interest on this island are no more than 20 km apart, like Miradouro de Santa Iria, which is worth a photo, and Gorreana Tea Factory, where you can taste Europe’s only tea and snap some pictures of the plantations!
From here, it's a short drive to Ribeira Grande, one of São Miguel's larger towns. After a brief stroll and a visit to its church, i head back to Ponta Delgada via Pico da Barrosa. i hoped to catch the sunset there, but the clouds had other plans for me.
The evening wraps up in the charming historic center of Ponta Delgada, enjoying some Bacalhau.
DAY -2
In the morning, I had an exciting tour planned: swimming with dolphins!
You might picture a serene swim with these creatures in calm waters, but it's quite the opposite. The tour starts at 8:00 am on a Zodiac. After receiving a wetsuit and fins, we head a few kilometers off the coast. Not recommended for those prone to seasickness or afraid of deep water.
The activity is dynamic: the Zodiac driver uses binoculars to spot dolphin pods. Once nearby, everyone jumps in with masks in seconds.
At first, I didn’t understand why, but underwater, it becomes clear—dolphins dart around us at an incredible speed, making their typical sounds! The adrenaline and excitement are off the charts! We repeat these dives 2-3 times, and on our way back, we’re even lucky enough to see a whale waving its tail at us!
It’s late morning, and i've already had so many thrills. After a hot shower, I get back on the road.
Given the mostly clear sky, I drive for 30 minutes to Miradouro Pico do Carvão, where you can take a short walk with a view of the caldeira.
In 3 km, I reached Miradouro Lagoa das Éguas, just a quick stop for a photo.
Shortly after, I park near Lagoa do Canário and take a panoramic walk to the famous Boca do Inferno, the most Instagrammed spot in the Azores. It’s crowded, but worth it!
Continuing by car, I make a brief stop at Miradouro Vista do Rei, then drive for about half an hour to Mosteiros and its pools.
The water in the rock pools is quite warm, but be careful not to slip.
Dinner in Mosteiros features grilled limpets, and then I head back to Ponta Delgada for the night.
DAY -3
Today’s goal is a recommended hike: the Salto do Prego trek, passing through Sanguinho.
Starting from Faial da Terra, about an hour from Ponta Delgada, the trail takes 2.5 hours and is of medium difficulty, offering stunning views and waterfalls.
The day continues with a 20 km drive to Ponta da Madrugada and Ponta do Sossego on the island’s east side. I make a short stop in Nordeste for a delicious Pastéis de Nata!
Before heading back to Ponta Delgada, consider extending the trip to Praia da Viola, a sandy beach that’s not a must-see.
DAY -4
Early in the morning, I embark on another trek, 11 km long and taking just under 3.5 hours, starting from Lagoa da Fogo.
After the hike, I relax at the hot springs at Parque Terra Nostra, near the visitable Caldeiras das Furnas.
Lunch at Tony’s features the famous cocido, meat cooked underground due to the high temperatures of this geologically hot area!
Then I drive to Pico do Ferro and Ermida Nossa Senhora da Paz, which is beautiful at sunset!
In the evening I returned the car.
My first impressions
São Miguel is more than I could have expected. The landscapes and sunsets are memorable.
Tourism is growing in this remote corner of the world, but the small towns still retain the Portuguese charm of seaside cities.
Here, you feel truly connected to nature.
...to be continued..
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