Azores Last Minute Holiday
Itinerary
Day 1 – Olá Azores!
Your last minute trip to the Azores will focus on the largest island – São Miguel, and you’ll start in the largest city of the islands – Ponta Delgada. After arriving at the small airport, pick up your rental car and drive 10 minutes to the city centre. Once you have settled into your centrally located hotel, take a stroll. The historic centre features 16th century architecture, cobbled streets and white-washed buildings. Look for maritime icons of the islands’ seafaring history on facades in the city. There are plenty of places to eat within walking distance of your hotel.
Day 2 – Bubbling mud & hot springs at Furnas
São Miguel, like all the other islands of the Azores, is of volcanic origin. The best place to experience this up close is in the village of Furnas – a 45 minute drive from Ponta Delgada. What makes Furnas unique is that it is located on top of an active volcano. Don’t panic, the last eruption took place in 1630. As you enter the crater, the sulphur smell hits you and you’ll see bubbling mud pools, steaming springs and geysers everywhere. Today you have all the time to explore the area. We can give you tips for a nice walk in the area. A popular destination is the green-blue crater lake Lagoa das Furnas, where you can walk between ferns, colourful flowers and dense forests. Along the way you can cool off with a dip in ponds or relax in natural mud baths. There are various hiking trails to explore around and near the lake.
Day 3 – Whale and dolphin watching
The seas around the Azores are home to various species of dolphins and whales, as well as an abundance of marine life. So, in the morning head out on a whale and dolphin watching tour. Walk to the harbour to board the boat that will take you along the coast of São Miguel. Onboard, the marine biologist guide will explain everything about the marine life around the Azores. The sperm whale lives in these waters year-round and if you’re lucky you may even see the largest animal in the world: the blue whale!
Day 4 – Mini road trip along the west coast
After a busy start to your week, it’s nice to have a leisurely day. We recommend exploring some of the beautiful viewpoints and natural pools on the west coast. This mini road trip takes about two hours without stops. Start at Miradouro da Vista do Rei, where you’ll not only have stunning views of the lakes but can also explore an abandoned hotel—a unique opportunity for urban exploring! Then, continue to the picturesquely situated Igreja de São Nicolau in the village of Sete Cidades. End the day with a refreshing dip in the natural pools of Caneiros. From here, you can drive back to Ponta Delgada along the southwest coast.
Day 5 – Kayaking & biking in Sete Cidades
Today, an adventurous activity is planned: kayaking and biking at Sete Cidades. Lagoa das Sete Cidades is an striking twin lake set in the crater of a dormant volcano. It’s one of the most picturesque, natural wonders of the Azores. It’s possible to hike around the lake, but we have arranged for a more active approach. You will bike around the lake on an easy trail beside the water, and then paddle across the blue-green waters with a kayak or SUP.
Day 6 – Mini road trip along the east coast
Today you will discover the east coast of São Miguel, a less visited part of the island. In less than two hours you can make a beautiful road trip along steep cliffs, rolling landscapes, lighthouses and waterfalls. Along the way you will pass several villages with the typical Azorean architecture. Make sure to stop at the Farol do Arnel lighthouse, the Ponta do Sossego viewpoint and the charming village of Povoaçao.
If you are feeling active, park by the river in Faial da Terra. Here starts a hiking trail to the abandoned village of Sanguinho and the waterfall Salto do Prego, which is hidden deep in a lush green forest. After the walk you can cool off in the lake at the waterfall, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit.
Day 8 – Adeus Azores!
It is already your last day in the Azores. Drive back to the airport at Ponta Delgada where you return your rental car in time for your flight home.
Accommodation
