Family adventure in the Azores
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Terceira
Your family adventure begins on the island of Terceira. Pick up a hire car on arrival and drive to the largest town on the island – Angra do Heroismo, or Angra as the locals call it. Over the years, Angra has been the most important place in the Azores for culture, religion, economics and politics. It was an important stop on the trade route between America and India. Today it’s a charming picturesque city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll stay in a modern, spacious apartment with a kitchenette, perfect for preparing meals and spending time together as a family.
Day 2 – Whale & dolphin watching
The waters surrounding the Azores are home to various species of dolphins and whales, as well as an abundance of marine life. And today you’ll jump on board a boat in search of the local marine life in its natural habitat. The sperm whale and various species of dolphin live in these waters year-round. Between the months of April and October you may also spot migratory species including blue whales, fin whales and sei whales. If you’re extremely unlucky and don’t see anything on this tour, or it’s cancelled due to unpredictable weather, we will reschedule for another day.
Day 3 – Terceira food tour
We recommend a light breakfast today as you’ll be heading into town to meet a local guide for a food tour. Terceira’s cuisine is extremely diverse, due mainly to its trade route history and, accompanied by a local guide, you will walk through the city in search of the many culinary influences. You’ll be sampling sweet snacks such as queijadas da dona Amélia (sweet pastries), local cheese, sausage and wines, but you will also learn about the island of Terceira and the city of Angra. The food tour is a memorable experience for the whole family, blending fun with cultural adventure.
Day 4 – Free time in Terceira
Today is free for you to spend as you wish. You’ll have your hire car, so jump in the car and explore. There are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. You could visit the ancient volcanic vent of Algar do Carvão, where you can descend into a lava tube to see stalactites and stalagmites; take a dip in the Biscoitos natural pools with stunning ocean views or visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo, known for its colourful architecture and historical significance.
Day 5 – Domestic flight to São Miguel
It’s time to explore another Azorean island. Drive to Terceira airport and drop off your hire car, before catching your flight to São Miguel. On arrival in São Miguel, you’ll collect another rental car and head to your accommodation located in the centre of Ponta Delgada. You’ll be staying in a modern apartment with spacious living areas and fully equipped kitchens, providing lots of room for relaxing after a day of exploring. There is a large swimming pool to enjoy as a family, and the marina is just a short stroll away with many choices of restaurants and local markets.
Day 6 – Kayaking on Lagoa das Sete Cidades
This morning make your way to Sete Cidades, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the Azores. Get kitted out with your lifejacket, as you’ll soon be making a splash in a kayak. Along with a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll paddle across the blue and green lagoons, formed in the crater of a volcano, learning about the history and geology of the crater and how the twin lakes (one blue and one green) were created. If you’ve still got some energy left after kayaking, you can peddle around the lake on a mountain bike to experience panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding lush landscapes.
Day 7 – Free time in Ponta Delgada
Your final day in Ponta Delgada is free for you and the family to explore as you wish. Visit the pineapple plantations at Plantação de Ananás dos Açores and learn about how these delicious fruits are grown and sample some fresh pineapples. There are several beaches with calm waters nearby, perfect for a family afternoon strolling and playing on the volcanic sands.
Day 8 – Bubbling mud pools of Furnas
Like all other islands in the Azores, São Miguel is of volcanic origin. There is no better place to experience and feel this than in the town of Furnas in the east of the island, where you will be driving today. The special thing about Furnas is that the place is located on an active volcano. Don’t worry, the last time there was an eruption was in 1630! As you enter the crater, the sulphur smell hits you and you’ll see bubbling mud pools, steaming springs and geysers everywhere. You will stay in an iconic hotel situated in the beautiful botanical gardens with thermal pools, in the heart of Furnas. Because you will be staying at an altitude of over 800 metres, it can cool down considerably in the evening, especially in winter, so don’t forget to bring warmer clothing.
Day 9 – Free time in Furnas
Furnas seems like one big tropical garden, created by the fertile volcanic soil and the humid climate. Today you will have plenty of time to explore. We can happily give you tips on walking routes in the area. In less than two hours you can drive around deep cliffs, rolling landscapes, lighthouses and waterfalls. We would recommend a walk along the green-blue crater lake of Lagoa das Furnas where you can alternate walking among ferns, colourful flowers and dense forests with swimming in ponds or bathing in mud pools.
Near your hotel, many hot springs have medicinal properties where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful view. Also an ideal activity for a rainy day. Although the Furnas area already has many special swimming and bathing spots, there is also a beautiful beach nearby. At the quietly located Praia Moinhos, you can combine a dip in the sea with a walk to waterfalls and beautiful viewpoints. This evening we suggest trying the speciality of the region – ‘Cozido das Furnas’ – a traditional stew that is simmered for hours in the volcanic ground. Most local restaurants have it on the menu.
Day 10 – Departure from the Azores
After breakfast, it’s time to return to Ponta Delgada and drop off your hire car, before catching your flight back to the UK. If you’d like to spend more time in any of these wonderful locations, just let your travel specialist know and we can arrange this for you.
Accommodation
