The Azores: Santa Maria & São Miguel

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Santa Maria Island

   

   Welcome to the Azores! Relax and unwind from the moment you arrive. We'll handle your airport transfers on arrival and departure, ensuring your adventure's seamless start and finish.

   *Want to maximize your time in paradise? Consider pre-booking an early check-in during the booking process. This way, you can hit the ground running and start exploring sooner! Don't hesitate to contact our booking agents if you have any questions or need assistance setting this up.

   Suggestion for the day: Stroll Through Vila do Porto City Streets

   Santa Maria Island, the closest to São Miguel and the oldest of the nine Azorean islands, is known as the "mother island" of the Azores. With around 5,000 inhabitants, it's unique for its white sand beaches, giving it a secret Caribbean-like appearance that sets it apart from the other islands. Santa Maria Island welcomes you with its charming capital, Vila do Porto. This itinerary guides you through a delightful exploration of the town on foot, perfect for your arrival day.

   Don’t Miss:

   • Praça da República: Admire the Town Hall (Paços do Concelho) with its distinctive clock tower and the 18th-century Igreja Matriz (Main Church) boasting beautiful Azorean architecture.
   • Fortaleza de São Brás: Head towards the imposing Fortaleza de São Brás (Fort of St. Blaise), a 16th-century military structure overlooking the harbor.
   • Harbor Promenade: Stroll along the picturesque harbor promenade, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. 
   • Santa Maria Museum: Delve into the island's history and culture at the Santa Maria Museum. 
   • Santo Espírito Church: Visit the beautiful 15th-century Igreja do Santo Espírito (Church of the Holy Spirit). 
   • Jardim Municipal (Municipal Garden): Seek a moment of relaxation in the peaceful Jardim Municipal (Municipal Garden). 
2. Day 2 Santa Maria Island

   

   Suggestion for the day: Santa Maria’s Landscapes

   Discover the beauty of this lesser-known paradise in the Azores, Portugal, known for its pristine natural beauty and unique charm. 

   Don’t Miss:

   • Praia Formosa: Start your day with a visit to Praia Formosa, one of the most beautiful and one of only two white sand beaches in the Azores.
   • São Lourenço Bay: Head to São Lourenço Bay, known for its breathtaking scenery and terraced vineyards. Explore the bay area, take a short hike to appreciate the panoramic views, and visit the beach for another swim if desired.
   • Pico Alto: Head to Pico Alto, Santa Maria's highest peak and enjoy the panoramic views of the island from the top. 
   • Barreiro da Faneca: Next, visit the Barreiro da Faneca, known as the "Red Desert" of the Azores.
   • Farol Gonçalo Velho: Visit the lighthouse, enjoy the scenic views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean, and learn about its historical significance
   • Explore Anjos. Visit the natural pools for a refreshing swim, see the statue of Christopher Columbus commemorating his stop here, and walk around the village.

    

3. Day 3 Flight to São Miguel Island

   

   Welcome to São Miguel! Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon your arrival and departure.

   Suggestion for the day: Explore Downtown Ponta Delgada

   It’s time to explore Ponta Delgada, the main city, that beckons not only with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere but also with its status as the economic heart of the archipelago. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene. 

   Don’t Miss:

   • Simply Stroll Through Ponta Delgada’s Cobblestone Streets: Start your São Miguel discovery with a stroll along Ponta Delgada's charming city streets. Admire the architecture, from historical buildings to colorful houses. Peek into local shops and soak in the atmosphere.
   • Portas da Cidade: Standing proudly at the entrance to Ponta Delgada, the Portas da Cidade (City Gates) serves as a symbolic gateway to the city's rich history and vibrant culture. 
   • Matriz Church: Visit the impressive Matriz Church, a beautiful example of Azorean religious architecture right in the city center.
   • Pineapple Paradise: Embark on a unique adventure to a nearby pineapple plantation. Learn about the island's pineapple production, witness these fascinating plants, and perhaps even enjoy a refreshing pineapple treat.

    

4. Day 4 São Miguel Island

   

   Suggestion for the day: Sete Cidades 

   São Miguel Island, the largest in the Azores archipelago, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo are two of its most captivating gems. Today, embark on a journey through volcanic landscapes, serene lakes, and charming villages, and discover the essence of this enchanting island.

   • Sete Cidades (A Realm of Twin Lakes): Begin your adventure in Sete Cidades, a village nestled within a vast volcanic crater. As you descend into the caldera, prepare to be awestruck by the sight of Lagoa das Sete Cidades a mesmerizing twin-lake complex. One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, this show-stopping crater full of lakes has become one of the signature and most famous images of the Azores. 
   • Mosteiros & Ferraria: Venture to the neighboring village of Mosteiros, a photographer's paradise known for its breathtaking sunsets. As you explore the western region, don't miss the chance to rejuvenate at Ferraria's unique ocean thermal baths. Remember, these thermal pools are best enjoyed during low tide when warm spring water mixes with the ocean for a truly luxurious experience. 
5. Day 5 São Miguel Island

   

   Suggestion for the day: Lagoa do Fogo Lake

   Explore the stunning Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most breathtaking lakes in the Azores. For the best experience, visit on a clear day, as the views are most spectacular when the skies are cloud-free. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading up the mountain.

   • Lagoa do Fogo (A Crater Lake of Tranquility): Lagoa do Fogo, which translates roughly into "Lagoon of Fire", is a crater lake at the center of São Miguel Island. This Protected Natural Reserve sits tucked away atop the impressive Pico da Barrosa, far from the whir, hum, and hurry of civilization below. 
   • Caldeira Velha Hot Springs: Caldeira Velha is an official natural monument, and the best thing about this lovely locale is not even the thermal pools (although they are divine), but rather the verdant vegetation. Visitors will find that Caldeira Velha is so lush and tropical, that you’ll almost find it hard to believe you are even in Portugal.
   • Ribeira Grande: Discover the charm of Ribeira Grande, a vibrant town nestled on the north part of São Miguel Island. Explore its historic center, relax on the stunning Santa Bárbara Beach, known for its black sand and impressive waves, or embark on a hiking adventure through the lush countryside. Immerse yourself in the local culture, savor fresh seafood, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this coastal paradise.

    

6. Day 6 São Miguel Island

   

   Suggestion for the day: Furnas & Tea Plantations

   The thermal hot spot of the Azores! Furnas Valley is the center of São Miguel's unique geothermal activity. Here you can visit two active volcanic sites to see the boiling calderas in action, as well as the gorgeous Terra Nostra Park and so much more.

   Don’t Miss:

   • Lagoa das Furnas: Visitors can enjoy several hiking trails around the lake, as well as several beautiful parks and the iconic Neo-Gothic Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias.
   • Cozido das Furnas Lunch: A longstanding tradition among the locals, this beloved popular dish is a Portuguese stew (cozido) cooked in holes known as fumaroles that are dug in the hot volcanic soil in Furnas. 
   • Caldeiras das Furnas: In the center of town, Furnas boasts close to 30 bubbling, steaming calderas and fumaroles of different temperatures and biological compositions, the strong smell of sulfur wafting through the air at every turn. 
   • Terra Nostra Park: Terra Nostra Park is one of the Azores’ main attractions and with good reason. From its super cool thermal pools to its lavish and rich botanical gardens, Terra Nostra is at the top of every tourist’s itinerary. 
   • Poça da Dona Beija: Also located in Furnas is the lovely Poça da Dona Beija, which offers visitors an exotic and unique array of six natural thermal pools. Each of Poça da Dona Beija’s pools rests at different temperatures, making it possible for every single person to find their perfect fit. 
   • Gorreana Tea Plantations: Immerse yourself in history and nature at Gorreana Tea Plantations, Europe's oldest still-operating tea farm (established in 1883). Explore verdant fields, breathe in the fresh scent of tea leaves, and learn the secrets behind Azores' world-renowned tea.

    

7. Day 7 São Miguel Island

   Suggestion for the day: Whale Watching & Farewell Dinner

   For the first part of your day, embark on a Whale & Dolphin Watching experience

   • The Azores Islands are not just known for their volcanic landscapes and charming towns. They are also rapidly becoming a premier destination for whale watching. Imagine setting sail on crystal-clear waters, surrounded by volcanic peaks. Suddenly, a pod of playful dolphins leaps from the waves, followed by the majestic spout of a sperm whale! The Azores' unique combination of factors creates a perfect habitat for over 20 species of whales and dolphins, making it one of the world's largest whale sanctuaries. Throughout the year, keep your eyes peeled for resident species like Sperm Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, and Risso's Dolphins. These fascinating creatures call the Azores home year-round. Depending on the time of year, you might encounter migrating giants like Blue Whales, the largest creatures on Earth. Witness humpback whales breaching or orcas hunting in coordinated packs. Spring brings Pilot Whales and Striped Dolphins, while summer welcomes Minke Whales, Fin Whales, and Sei Whales on their migratory journeys.

   Then, take some time for some souvenirs shopping & Say goodbye to the Azores with a delicious farewell dinner

   • Don't leave the Azores empty-handed! From gourmet delights to handcrafted treasures, there's a perfect souvenir for everyone on your list.

    

8. Day 8 Return Flight Home

   

   Thank you for choosing us! We hope you had a fantastic time in the Azores and look forward to traveling with you again in the future.