Azores – São Miguel Island – 6 Amazing Days
The beautiful Islands of the Azores await your discovery, join us on this adventure!
Highlights
Tour Description
São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, is a haven of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the geothermal wonders of Furnas Valley, where bubbling mud pots and hot springs create a unique landscape, to the iconic Sete Cidades twin lakes surrounded by lush hills, the island captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking trails, like the scenic Sanguinho trail leading to the Salto do Prego waterfall, or embark on the challenging ascent of Pico da Vara, the highest point in São Miguel. The island’s capital, Ponta Delgada, with its historic charm and vibrant waterfront, serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the unique treasures that São Miguel has to offer, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in the Azores.
In addition to flying you to this paradise island, we are happy to give you some tips that will help you to get to know São Miguel. We prepared a 6-day itinerary that will allow you to know some of the most beautiful places on the island and, perhaps, leave an irresistible desire to return more often.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1:
1st Day – São Miguel
São Miguel Arrival in Ponta Delgada
Transfer from the airport to the hotel (Ponta Delgada) to leave the luggage
Half day Ponta Delgada Walking Tour
This day starts with a visit on foot to the center of Ponta Delgada, where you can see its center historical and all its buildings dating from the 16th century, in which the baroque style is predominant. After passing through the historic center, a stop at Jardim António Borges, a public botanical garden, built in the 17th century. XIX, where you can admire hundreds of exotic species introduced on the island. Continuing, we visit the Mercado da Graça, a local market where products produced on the island are displayed and sold. Return to the Hotel
Included: Transfers in an 8-seat minivan, assistance from a Portuguese/English guide, pick up and drop off at the hotel.
Not Included: lunch; other supplements not mentioned
Day 2:
2nd Day – São Miguel – Full Day Hiking Sete Cidades
This trail begins near the “Muro das Nove Janelas”, a stone aqueduct formerly used to supply water to public fountains in the city of Ponta Delgada. Along this route it is possible to observe both Lagoons (Green and Blue), the 1st Natural Wonder of Portugal, as well as wide panoramic views of the north and south coasts of São Miguel and several species of endemic flora. The trail ends in the center of the parish of Sete Cidades. Upon arrival at the center of the parish, the return to Ponta Delgada will then begin.
Category: Linear Difficulty: Medium Distance: 12 Km Duration: 5h00
Included: Transport in a 8-seater minivan, assistance from a Portuguese/English guide; pic nic, pick up and drop off at the hotel.
Not included: Other supplements not mentioned
Day 3:
3rd Day – São Miguel – Full day Furnas Hike
The day begins with a stop in Vila Franca do Campo, the first capital of the island, where you can not only admire the famous islet of Vila Franca, but also visit the “Queijada do Morgado” factory. , convent sweet, better known as Queijadas da Vila (optional). Continuing the route, we head to Furnas, where, on the banks of the romantic Lagoa das Furnas, the trail will begin. Halfway through the trail, you can not only admire the Lagoon, but also several endemic and exotic species introduced to the island. A visit is then made to the Parque dos Cozidos (visit not included), a place used to make the famous Furnas stew using only the heat coming from this volcano. After observing this phenomenon, the trail continues to the parish of Furnas where lunch will be served, the famous stew will be served in a local restaurant. After lunch, there is still time to visit Terra Nostra Park (entrance not included) with the possibility of bathing in its hot water pool. We then head towards the north coast of the island towards Gorreana with a stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory and plantations.
Category:Linear
Distance:9.5km
Difficulty:Easy l
Duration: 3h00m
Included: Transport in an 8-seater minivan, assistance from a Portuguese/English guide; lunch, pick up and drop off at the hotel.
Not Included: Entrance tickets to the cooked stew (€3.00); Terra Nostra (12.50€); Other supplements not mentioned
Day 4:
4th Day – São Miguel – Full day Hike Faial da Terra – Sanguinho – Salto do Prego
This small circular route in Faial da Terra starts next to the bus stop. The trail continues along a dirt path, always bearing in mind the Faial da Terra stream, on the right. After 2.5 km, head towards Salto do Prego, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island where you can also bathe in the cold waters of Ribeira do Faial da Terra. Along the trail the vegetation becomes more dense, with Frankincense (Pittosporum undulatum) and Acacia (Acacia melanoxylon) as the predominant species. After bathing, follow the path towards Sanguinho, a picturesque village located in the middle of the vegetation. Afterwards, the return to the parish of Faial da Terra takes place.
Category: Circular
Difficulty: Medium Distance – 4.5 km
Duration: 2h30
Included: Transport in a 8-seat minivan, assistance from a Portuguese/English guide; pic nic, pick up and drop off at the hotel.
Not Included: Other supplements not mentioned
Day 5:
Day 5 – São Miguel – Half day Quinta da Jardinete or Half day Lagoa do Fogo
*Option A – 2pm -Half day Quinta da Jardinete
Quinta da Jardinete is a small boutique family property of around 5 ha, which was originally planted in 1989 , producing classic-style wines that express the qualities of our terroir, that is, our volcanic soil type, microclimate and vineyard management. All the wine is made on site from fruit grown on the estate and the family does most of the vineyard and all the cellar work. There is no mixing of grapes from other areas or regions and no manipulation to increase or decrease color, flavor or alcohol. On this visit we will talk about the vine growing season and show you around the winery as well. We’ll explain how the grapes are turned into wine – and of course, a glass of wine is included! All wines are available to purchase by the glass or bottle.
Included: Transportation in a 8-seat minivan; transfers; Portuguese/English guide assistance, 1 wine tasting and entrance to the farm, pick up and drop off at the hotel
Not Included: Lunch; extra tasting (€3.50 per glass), Other supplements not mentioned
**Option B – 09h00 – Half day Lagoa do Fogo with hike
The tour begins with the ascent to Pico da Barrosa (one of the highest peaks on the Island), along the south coast, on a road with a panoramic view over the central part of the island. Island. The first stop is intended to provide one of the most extraordinary views over Lagoa do Fogo. Here we will walk down to Lagoa. The descent to Lagoa do Fogo is not an easy journey. The route starts at the lagoon viewpoint and it is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and pay attention to wet areas. We will go down to the edge of the lake, along wild and exciting trails. On the way back, while going up, it is inevitable to look back several times, to discover the part of our spirit that was forever hostage to the games of light and shadow, covering the landscape. The journey continues towards the city of Ribeira Grande with a stop at the historic center of the city of Ribeira Grande where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the famous liqueurs produced with fruits of the island. Return to Ponta Delgada.
Category: Circular
Difficulty: Easy Distance – 3.5 km
Duration: 2 h30
Included: Transport in an 8-seat minivan, assistance from a Portuguese/English guide; entrance to the liquor factory and liquor tasting, pick up and drop off at the hotel.
Not Included: Lunch; other supplements not mentioned;
Day 6:
Day 6 – São Miguel
Lisbon Departure transfer from the Hotel to the Airport Flight to Lisbon.
Included: Transport in a minivan with 8 seats, transfers; Portuguese/English guide assistance
Not included: Flights or any other item not mentioned in the program
Tour Info
What's included:
5 Nights stay at 4* AZORIS ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL or similar in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel island)
Daily breakfast
4 dinners at the Hotel, no drinks (Dinners have been pre-selected for Day 2, 3, 4 and 5. To change days when dinner is taken, please advise at time of booking)
Private walking/hiking guided tours with inclusions as mentioned in the program
Private transfers: Ponta Delgada airport - Hotel – Hiking tours start & end points as mentioned in the program
Not included
– Flights
– Entrances to natural parks and museums
– Shared Services
– Any other item not mentioned in the program
Dates
Check Calendar or Call to book
Duration
6 Days
Group Size
2-8 persons
Price Info
Check Calendar or Call to book