Island Hopping in the Azores
Itinerary
Day 1 – Olá Azores!
Island hopping through the Azores typically starts on the largest island – São Miguel, and 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 accommodation.
Day 2 – Whale and dolphin watching on São Miguel
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!
Your afternoon is free to explore the west of São Miguel. We would recommend driving to Sete Cidades – around 40 minutes away. The town is surrounded by crater lakes, which you can walk or cycle around, or kayak across the waters. Let us know and we can include this in your itinerary. For one of the most beautiful views of the Azores be sure to stop at Miradouro da Vista do Rei.
Days 3-4 – Faial’s lunar landscape & maritime history
Time to explore another Azorean island: Faial. It’s just a short flight from Ponta Delgada and we have arranged for a rental car to be picked up at the airport when you arrive, so you can explore the island at your own pace over the next few days.
Faial is well-known for the blue hydrangeas that grow across the island – giving it the nickname of the ‘blue island’. It also boasts a rich maritime history and is a welcoming stopover for sailors before they make the crossing to America. During your stay make sure you pop into Peter Café Sport, a cosy pub where visiting sailors meet for a drink.
The west of Faial expanded by three square kilometres in 1957 following a volcano eruption and now this dramatic moonscape is a popular place to hike. Drive to the Capelinhos lighthouse and follow the paths to impressive viewpoints over the crashing ocean. If you still have energy left, drive to the enormous Caldeira, where you can walk around the deep volcanic crater in two hours.
Days 5-6 – Volcanoes and wine tasting on Pico
The third island on your Azores island hopping trip is Pico, which is just a 30-minute ferry journey from Faial. Pico’s dramatic volcanic landscape is dominated by Mount Pico – the highest mountain in Portugal.
It is possible to hike to the top of Mount Pico. It takes about five hours and you’re rewarded with views over the entire island and islands around it. We haven’t included the hike in this trip but you can discuss the option with our Azores experts.
The volcanic landscape of Pico is not only beautiful, it also produces wines with a unique taste and high alcohol content. Wine has been produced here since the 15th century and the vineyard landscape has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walls of volcanic stone divide the vineyards and protect them from the sea wind. During your stay we will arrange for a walking tour with a local guide who will explain more about the importance of wine to Pico as well as interesting stories about the island. You will, of course, get the opportunity to try the wine!
Optional: Day trip to São Jorge
The nearby island of São Jorge is quite different from Pico and well worth a day trip. It’s an island of rugged cliffs and unique coastal ‘fajãs’. It’s also well known for its cheese which is considered the best in the Azores. The boat crossing takes one to two hours, depending on weather conditions. After arriving on São Jorge, you pick up a rental car and easily drive around the island or to the starting point of a hike through green hills and dense forests. At the end of the day, take the ferry back to Pico.
Days 7-8 – Bubbling mud and hot springs at Furnas
From Pico fly back to São Miguel where you will pick up a rental car and drive 45 minutes to Furnas on the east of the island. What makes Furnas special? It’s located on top of 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 a comfortable hotel with its own hot pools for the next few nights. 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.
Furnas seems like one big tropical garden, created by the fertile volcanic soil and the humid climate. You will have plenty of time to explore. We can 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. Near your hotel there are many hot springs that have medicinal properties where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful view. Also an ideal activity for a rainy day.
One 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 9 – 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.
If you want to explore further we can easily extend your stay on any of these three islands, or add in a visit to a fourth island – Terceira – another diverse and surprising Azorean island with a rich history and beautiful landscape. The Azores are easily combinable with mainland Portugal and there are frequent flights connecting Ponta Delgada with Lisbon and Porto. Speak to our Travel Specialists about the options.
Accommodation
