São Miguel: Essential Travel Package

Trip Code: #3065

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Itinerary

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São Miguel: Essential Travel Package

4 Nights

Trip Code: #3065

4 Nights: One Week in São Miguel with the Essentials Included

Trip Code: #3065

What's included?

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Hotel

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Trip Code: #3065

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Essential BundlesIsland & City

Trip Code: #3065

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Dates and Prices

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Why This Package Is Worth It

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João M.

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The easiest way to lock in São Miguel now and personalize the rest later.

It is designed for travelers who want to secure great value today while keeping complete freedom to shape their experience over time. Our local team takes care of the planning so your trip feels smooth and worry-free from the start.

Simple, flexible, and thoughtfully crafted by Azorean experts.

Trip Code: #3065

Extra nights, transfers, a rental car, and additional local experiences can be added at any time (additional costs apply).

Your Trip Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in São Miguel Island
Welcome to the Azores! Relax and unwind from the moment you arrive.

*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: 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.
Day 2São Miguel Island
Suggestion for the day: Sete Cidades Lake

São Miguel Island, the largest in the Azores archipelago, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and Sete Cidades is one of the 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.
Day 3São 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.
Day 4São 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.
Day 5Return Flight Home

Itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless clearly stated.

Available Experiences

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About the Destination

Important Information

Traveler Reviews From This Trip

"A very interesting holiday. Lots of various things to do whatever your tastes. A beautiful scenic island retaining its charm and history. Not too over touristy which is great. A unique landscape full of fantastic views and loads to do."

Peter Stoney

03 Jul 2018

"We loved everything about our trip. The location, the people, the island and the weather. We will return!"

Shaun Redman

12 Mar 2018

"Very impressed by the hotel, the scenery and all the places we visited on the island. Found the people very friendly and hospitable. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. "

Jacqueline Young

29 Jan 2018

"Excellent. We knew nothing about The Azores and were delighted by the people, the scenery, the activities and culture we discovered there."

Lucinda Zammit

29 Jan 2018

"Very interesting Island, visited the important sites using a chauffoured Minibus shared with two other couples, halving the Tourist Coach costs. Hotel Vila Nova excellent in all aspects. Food on the Island superb, especially seafood, and both food and alcohol very reasonably priced. The journey [ via Ryanair] was seamless, long at 4 hours in Leprocaun seats for those with long legs, but on time and fuss free. A very educational visit, warm compared to a UK January, no rain or wind but light cloud. Well worth visiting and an exotic location."

Michael Smith

22 Jan 2018

"Loved it. We had wanted to visit the Azores for a long time and when we saw this offer we thought it was too good to miss. After seeing pictures of Sao Miguel our expectations were high and we were not disappointed by what we saw. "

Ann Shaw

16 Jan 2018

"A very pleasant break on an interesting and friendly island."

Christopher Playford

15 Jan 2018

"Really enjoyed the break. The hotel was impressive, particularly good breakfast. Good location. "

Mary Wiseman

05 Dec 2017

"Brilliant. A very enjoyable holiday, with a good hotel which was conveniently situated, plenty to see and do locally and around the island. We would recommend getting a hire car. Ilha Verde rent a car were very good, the driving is fairly easy (if you're used to narrow roads), and it allows a lot more freedom. Excellent value holiday - although the weather in winter I assume can be variable."

Philip Pascoe

27 Nov 2017

"Enjoyed week away in November. Our week was warm with only a little bit of light rain, ideal for walking. You really need a car to get the most from the island."

Christine Hoyle

14 Nov 2017

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