Back when I was looking for a place to go in the summer and hadn't even heard of the Azores yet, I bought a one-way ticket and headed to São Miguel, the main and largest island of the Azores🌴 I had never seen anything more beautiful in my life; everywhere was green, pristine nature, waterfalls, crystal-clear blue ocean, peace, and great people all around. I ended up spending almost a month there. The very next year, I went back again, spent another 2 months there, and traveled through 8 out of 9 islands in total. I'd love for as many people as possible to discover this paradise, which is just a short hop from Europe, because it can honestly be compared to Hawaii without a doubt, and anyone who hasn't been here is missing out on a lot. :) When you decide to set off on this trip, you'll discover the most beautiful spots on this island, like waterfalls, thermal springs, stunning viewpoints over the endless ocean, pristine nature, volcanic lakes, or even hot springs right in the ocean. I believe the Azores will blow you away just as much as they did me. 💚
You'll arrive in São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores. After landing, pick up your car and head to your accommodation in Ribeira Grande, which will be your base for the whole trip. If you arrive early and have some time, take a walk around the town, get into the island rhythm, and visit the local black sand surf beach. Today's plan depends on your arrival time.
- Feel free to adjust the order of places in the itinerary based on the weather or whatever you're in the mood for.
The island's second-largest city on the north coast and your base for the entire stay. Historical center, old bridges, and a beach just outside the city.
🅿️ Parking: There are several free parking lots in the city. The closest to the center is the parking lot by Largo 5 de Outubro square.
Head to the west of the island. Start at the most famous spot in the Azores, the two lakes of Sete Cidades; if the weather's on your side, you'll catch the absolute best view on the entire island from the abandoned hotel. Wrap up your day with a soak in the hot ocean and a sunset by the lighthouse.
A smaller lake hidden behind a magical forest just above Sete Cidades. It's usually quiet here, and there's a short trail leading from here to a viewpoint overlooking another hidden lake.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking right on the main road by Lagoa do Canário.
An iconic viewpoint translating to "Gates of Hell," where you can see several of the Sete Cidades crater lakes at once from the ridge. It's reached via a trail and a short, easy walk.
The best viewpoint on the island for the Lagoa Verde (green) and Lagoa Azul (blue) lakes. A short distance away is the abandoned Monte Palace hotel, which you can explore on your own; it offers an even better view and a huge underground area. You can set off from here on a circuit around the smaller lakes in the grassy hills, where there's usually no one else around.
A quiet coastal town with views of striking rock formations in the ocean. At low tide, you can swim in the natural pools (Poças dos Mosteiros) right in the rocks.
One of the best spots on the entire island. A bay where hot thermal water flows in, so you're bathing in a warm ocean. It works best at low tide; you can find the times when the water is warm in the Ferraria Hot Springs app.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking by the lighthouse and the thermal pools.
A lighthouse on the westernmost tip of the island, overlooking the thermal springs. Hardly anyone makes it out here, yet it offers one of the best sunsets on São Miguel.
Go to Furnas, the heart of the Azores' geothermal activity, where it bubbles and steams right out of the ground. You'll walk through a botanical park with a thermal pool, taste food cooked in the earth, and stop by a hidden crater lake on the way back.
A large crater lake, with fumaroles hissing on its banks where the locals cook traditional cozido (meat and vegetables) in the hot ground. You can then taste it at the restaurants in town.
For kidsA beautiful botanical park just a short distance from Furnas. Hundreds of plant species and a large thermal pool in the middle with orange-colored water. (Entrance fee required, bring your swimsuit.)
A quieter park by the lake with a moss-covered chapel. A nice walk away from the crowds.
One of the most beautiful yet least known waterfalls on the island. This roughly 40-meter-high waterfall, hidden between tunnels, is fed by thermal springs that color the surrounding rocks in shades of orange. A short but at times challenging trail leads to the waterfall.
🅿️ Parking: in front of the Liberdade tunnel
Nordeste is the greenest and least touristy corner of the island. The day is all about waterfalls, flower-filled viewpoints, and the island's oldest town.
A park with several waterfalls and incredibly green surroundings, featuring old water mills as well. For the brave, there's the option of canyoning – jumping and swimming right in the river.
A beautiful, well-maintained lookout point with a garden and views of the cliffs and the ocean.
A viewpoint with a garden and gazebos on the east coast, famous mainly for sunrise. Far from the crowds — it's easy to head here early in the morning.
The oldest settlement on São Miguel and the former capital. A quiet little town where you can stop for lunch and soak up the island's history.
A day for those who love hidden gems. You'll hike to a waterfall through an abandoned village reclaimed by nature and end the day on a beach where the water and sand are unusually warm.
A quiet eastern town, where one of the island's nicest hikes starts. Almost no tourists.
An abandoned village accessible only on foot via a trail from Faial da Terra (you can't drive there). 🅿️ Parking: Park in Faial da Terra and head out on foot from there.
A waterfall with a swimming pool at the end of a circular route (about 5–6 km). A great reward for the hike and one of the best swimming spots on the island.
🅿️ Parking: The waterfall is accessible via a hiking trail – park in Faial da Terra, where the loop both starts and ends.
A beach by the fishing village of Ribeira Quente, sheltered by cliffs. Thanks to geothermal activity, the water and sand are often pleasantly warm. A great spot to relax after a hike.
Head to the center of the island to Lagoa do Fogo and the thermal waterfall, then down to the quiet south coast. You can wrap it up with a boat trip to the volcanic islet near Vila Franca.
A thermal waterfall and warm pools nestled in the lush jungle greenery on the hillside below Lagoa do Fogo. A magical spot, so make sure to book well in advance.
Boats sail from the town harbor to Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a small island in the middle of the ocean that is the peak of an ancient volcano with a natural lagoon in the center. The boat runs during the season and capacity is limited, so it's worth booking in advance.
Your last full day in the north of the island and the capital. You'll taste tea from local plantations, stop by a beach with old windmills and a waterfall near your accommodation, and finish the evening in Ponta Delgada. If you're up for it, you can spend the day surfing.
You'll explore the only tea plantations in Europe, check out the local production, and get to taste some tea too.
A lookout on the north coast with dramatic cliffs and greenery falling into the ocean. A quick, yet one of the most beautiful stops in the north.
A tall, narrow waterfall just above Ribeira Grande, near an old hydroelectric power plant with a narrow path through the trees. It's usually much quieter here than at the more famous waterfalls.
Plantations near Ponta Delgada where pineapples are grown in greenhouses. You can walk through the greenhouses, taste pineapple liqueur and jam for free, and buy all sorts of pineapple products here. A quick stop on the way to the city.
The island's capital with a historic center, black-and-white cobblestones, churches, and a harbor. Perfect for a final dinner and a stroll.
Pack your bags and head to the airport, drop off your car, and then it's just the journey home. If you have some time before your flight, take a walk along the coast, jump into the ocean, or just enjoy your last moments on this island however you like!
Flight home. Return the (refueled) car before departure.
Back when I was looking for a place to go in the summer and hadn't even heard of the Azores yet, I bought a one-way ticket and headed to São Miguel, the main and largest island of the Azores🌴 I had never seen anything more beautiful in my life; everywhere was green, pristine nature, waterfalls, crystal-clear blue ocean, peace, and great people all around. I ended up spending almost a month there. The very next year, I went back again, spent another 2 months there, and traveled through 8 out of 9 islands in total. I'd love for as many people as possible to discover this paradise, which is just a short hop from Europe, because it can honestly be compared to Hawaii without a doubt, and anyone who hasn't been here is missing out on a lot. :) When you decide to set off on this trip, you'll discover the most beautiful spots on this island, like waterfalls, thermal springs, stunning viewpoints over the endless ocean, pristine nature, volcanic lakes, or even hot springs right in the ocean. I believe the Azores will blow you away just as much as they did me. 💚
You'll arrive in São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores. After landing, pick up your car and head to your accommodation in Ribeira Grande, which will be your base for the whole trip. If you arrive early and have some time, take a walk around the town, get into the island rhythm, and visit the local black sand surf beach. Today's plan depends on your arrival time.
- Feel free to adjust the order of places in the itinerary based on the weather or whatever you're in the mood for.
The island's second-largest city on the north coast and your base for the entire stay. Historical center, old bridges, and a beach just outside the city.
🅿️ Parking: There are several free parking lots in the city. The closest to the center is the parking lot by Largo 5 de Outubro square.
Head to the west of the island. Start at the most famous spot in the Azores, the two lakes of Sete Cidades; if the weather's on your side, you'll catch the absolute best view on the entire island from the abandoned hotel. Wrap up your day with a soak in the hot ocean and a sunset by the lighthouse.
A smaller lake hidden behind a magical forest just above Sete Cidades. It's usually quiet here, and there's a short trail leading from here to a viewpoint overlooking another hidden lake.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking right on the main road by Lagoa do Canário.
An iconic viewpoint translating to "Gates of Hell," where you can see several of the Sete Cidades crater lakes at once from the ridge. It's reached via a trail and a short, easy walk.
The best viewpoint on the island for the Lagoa Verde (green) and Lagoa Azul (blue) lakes. A short distance away is the abandoned Monte Palace hotel, which you can explore on your own; it offers an even better view and a huge underground area. You can set off from here on a circuit around the smaller lakes in the grassy hills, where there's usually no one else around.
A quiet coastal town with views of striking rock formations in the ocean. At low tide, you can swim in the natural pools (Poças dos Mosteiros) right in the rocks.
One of the best spots on the entire island. A bay where hot thermal water flows in, so you're bathing in a warm ocean. It works best at low tide; you can find the times when the water is warm in the Ferraria Hot Springs app.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking by the lighthouse and the thermal pools.
A lighthouse on the westernmost tip of the island, overlooking the thermal springs. Hardly anyone makes it out here, yet it offers one of the best sunsets on São Miguel.
Go to Furnas, the heart of the Azores' geothermal activity, where it bubbles and steams right out of the ground. You'll walk through a botanical park with a thermal pool, taste food cooked in the earth, and stop by a hidden crater lake on the way back.
A large crater lake, with fumaroles hissing on its banks where the locals cook traditional cozido (meat and vegetables) in the hot ground. You can then taste it at the restaurants in town.
For kidsA beautiful botanical park just a short distance from Furnas. Hundreds of plant species and a large thermal pool in the middle with orange-colored water. (Entrance fee required, bring your swimsuit.)
A quieter park by the lake with a moss-covered chapel. A nice walk away from the crowds.
One of the most beautiful yet least known waterfalls on the island. This roughly 40-meter-high waterfall, hidden between tunnels, is fed by thermal springs that color the surrounding rocks in shades of orange. A short but at times challenging trail leads to the waterfall.
🅿️ Parking: in front of the Liberdade tunnel
Nordeste is the greenest and least touristy corner of the island. The day is all about waterfalls, flower-filled viewpoints, and the island's oldest town.
A park with several waterfalls and incredibly green surroundings, featuring old water mills as well. For the brave, there's the option of canyoning – jumping and swimming right in the river.
A beautiful, well-maintained lookout point with a garden and views of the cliffs and the ocean.
A viewpoint with a garden and gazebos on the east coast, famous mainly for sunrise. Far from the crowds — it's easy to head here early in the morning.
The oldest settlement on São Miguel and the former capital. A quiet little town where you can stop for lunch and soak up the island's history.
A day for those who love hidden gems. You'll hike to a waterfall through an abandoned village reclaimed by nature and end the day on a beach where the water and sand are unusually warm.
A quiet eastern town, where one of the island's nicest hikes starts. Almost no tourists.
An abandoned village accessible only on foot via a trail from Faial da Terra (you can't drive there). 🅿️ Parking: Park in Faial da Terra and head out on foot from there.
A waterfall with a swimming pool at the end of a circular route (about 5–6 km). A great reward for the hike and one of the best swimming spots on the island.
🅿️ Parking: The waterfall is accessible via a hiking trail – park in Faial da Terra, where the loop both starts and ends.
A beach by the fishing village of Ribeira Quente, sheltered by cliffs. Thanks to geothermal activity, the water and sand are often pleasantly warm. A great spot to relax after a hike.
Head to the center of the island to Lagoa do Fogo and the thermal waterfall, then down to the quiet south coast. You can wrap it up with a boat trip to the volcanic islet near Vila Franca.
A thermal waterfall and warm pools nestled in the lush jungle greenery on the hillside below Lagoa do Fogo. A magical spot, so make sure to book well in advance.
Boats sail from the town harbor to Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a small island in the middle of the ocean that is the peak of an ancient volcano with a natural lagoon in the center. The boat runs during the season and capacity is limited, so it's worth booking in advance.
Your last full day in the north of the island and the capital. You'll taste tea from local plantations, stop by a beach with old windmills and a waterfall near your accommodation, and finish the evening in Ponta Delgada. If you're up for it, you can spend the day surfing.
You'll explore the only tea plantations in Europe, check out the local production, and get to taste some tea too.
A lookout on the north coast with dramatic cliffs and greenery falling into the ocean. A quick, yet one of the most beautiful stops in the north.
A tall, narrow waterfall just above Ribeira Grande, near an old hydroelectric power plant with a narrow path through the trees. It's usually much quieter here than at the more famous waterfalls.
Plantations near Ponta Delgada where pineapples are grown in greenhouses. You can walk through the greenhouses, taste pineapple liqueur and jam for free, and buy all sorts of pineapple products here. A quick stop on the way to the city.
The island's capital with a historic center, black-and-white cobblestones, churches, and a harbor. Perfect for a final dinner and a stroll.
Pack your bags and head to the airport, drop off your car, and then it's just the journey home. If you have some time before your flight, take a walk along the coast, jump into the ocean, or just enjoy your last moments on this island however you like!
Flight home. Return the (refueled) car before departure.
itinerary by Letenky od Kuby
Back when I was looking for a place to go in the summer and hadn't even heard of the Azores yet, I bought a one-way ticket and headed to São Miguel, the main and largest island of the Azores🌴 I had never seen anything more beautiful in my life; everywhere was green, pristine nature, waterfalls, crystal-clear blue ocean, peace, and great people all around. I ended up spending almost a month there. The very next year, I went back again, spent another 2 months there, and traveled through 8 out of 9 islands in total. I'd love for as many people as possible to discover this paradise, which is just a short hop from Europe, because it can honestly be compared to Hawaii without a doubt, and anyone who hasn't been here is missing out on a lot. :) When you decide to set off on this trip, you'll discover the most beautiful spots on this island, like waterfalls, thermal springs, stunning viewpoints over the endless ocean, pristine nature, volcanic lakes, or even hot springs right in the ocean. I believe the Azores will blow you away just as much as they did me. 💚
You'll arrive in São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores. After landing, pick up your car and head to your accommodation in Ribeira Grande, which will be your base for the whole trip. If you arrive early and have some time, take a walk around the town, get into the island rhythm, and visit the local black sand surf beach. Today's plan depends on your arrival time.
- Feel free to adjust the order of places in the itinerary based on the weather or whatever you're in the mood for.
The island's second-largest city on the north coast and your base for the entire stay. Historical center, old bridges, and a beach just outside the city.
🅿️ Parking: There are several free parking lots in the city. The closest to the center is the parking lot by Largo 5 de Outubro square.
Head to the west of the island. Start at the most famous spot in the Azores, the two lakes of Sete Cidades; if the weather's on your side, you'll catch the absolute best view on the entire island from the abandoned hotel. Wrap up your day with a soak in the hot ocean and a sunset by the lighthouse.
A smaller lake hidden behind a magical forest just above Sete Cidades. It's usually quiet here, and there's a short trail leading from here to a viewpoint overlooking another hidden lake.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking right on the main road by Lagoa do Canário.
An iconic viewpoint translating to "Gates of Hell," where you can see several of the Sete Cidades crater lakes at once from the ridge. It's reached via a trail and a short, easy walk.
The best viewpoint on the island for the Lagoa Verde (green) and Lagoa Azul (blue) lakes. A short distance away is the abandoned Monte Palace hotel, which you can explore on your own; it offers an even better view and a huge underground area. You can set off from here on a circuit around the smaller lakes in the grassy hills, where there's usually no one else around.
A quiet coastal town with views of striking rock formations in the ocean. At low tide, you can swim in the natural pools (Poças dos Mosteiros) right in the rocks.
One of the best spots on the entire island. A bay where hot thermal water flows in, so you're bathing in a warm ocean. It works best at low tide; you can find the times when the water is warm in the Ferraria Hot Springs app.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking by the lighthouse and the thermal pools.
A lighthouse on the westernmost tip of the island, overlooking the thermal springs. Hardly anyone makes it out here, yet it offers one of the best sunsets on São Miguel.
Go to Furnas, the heart of the Azores' geothermal activity, where it bubbles and steams right out of the ground. You'll walk through a botanical park with a thermal pool, taste food cooked in the earth, and stop by a hidden crater lake on the way back.
A large crater lake, with fumaroles hissing on its banks where the locals cook traditional cozido (meat and vegetables) in the hot ground. You can then taste it at the restaurants in town.
For kidsA beautiful botanical park just a short distance from Furnas. Hundreds of plant species and a large thermal pool in the middle with orange-colored water. (Entrance fee required, bring your swimsuit.)
A quieter park by the lake with a moss-covered chapel. A nice walk away from the crowds.
One of the most beautiful yet least known waterfalls on the island. This roughly 40-meter-high waterfall, hidden between tunnels, is fed by thermal springs that color the surrounding rocks in shades of orange. A short but at times challenging trail leads to the waterfall.
🅿️ Parking: in front of the Liberdade tunnel
Nordeste is the greenest and least touristy corner of the island. The day is all about waterfalls, flower-filled viewpoints, and the island's oldest town.
A park with several waterfalls and incredibly green surroundings, featuring old water mills as well. For the brave, there's the option of canyoning – jumping and swimming right in the river.
A beautiful, well-maintained lookout point with a garden and views of the cliffs and the ocean.
A viewpoint with a garden and gazebos on the east coast, famous mainly for sunrise. Far from the crowds — it's easy to head here early in the morning.
The oldest settlement on São Miguel and the former capital. A quiet little town where you can stop for lunch and soak up the island's history.
A day for those who love hidden gems. You'll hike to a waterfall through an abandoned village reclaimed by nature and end the day on a beach where the water and sand are unusually warm.
A quiet eastern town, where one of the island's nicest hikes starts. Almost no tourists.
An abandoned village accessible only on foot via a trail from Faial da Terra (you can't drive there). 🅿️ Parking: Park in Faial da Terra and head out on foot from there.
A waterfall with a swimming pool at the end of a circular route (about 5–6 km). A great reward for the hike and one of the best swimming spots on the island.
🅿️ Parking: The waterfall is accessible via a hiking trail – park in Faial da Terra, where the loop both starts and ends.
A beach by the fishing village of Ribeira Quente, sheltered by cliffs. Thanks to geothermal activity, the water and sand are often pleasantly warm. A great spot to relax after a hike.
Head to the center of the island to Lagoa do Fogo and the thermal waterfall, then down to the quiet south coast. You can wrap it up with a boat trip to the volcanic islet near Vila Franca.
A thermal waterfall and warm pools nestled in the lush jungle greenery on the hillside below Lagoa do Fogo. A magical spot, so make sure to book well in advance.
Boats sail from the town harbor to Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a small island in the middle of the ocean that is the peak of an ancient volcano with a natural lagoon in the center. The boat runs during the season and capacity is limited, so it's worth booking in advance.
Your last full day in the north of the island and the capital. You'll taste tea from local plantations, stop by a beach with old windmills and a waterfall near your accommodation, and finish the evening in Ponta Delgada. If you're up for it, you can spend the day surfing.
You'll explore the only tea plantations in Europe, check out the local production, and get to taste some tea too.
A lookout on the north coast with dramatic cliffs and greenery falling into the ocean. A quick, yet one of the most beautiful stops in the north.
A tall, narrow waterfall just above Ribeira Grande, near an old hydroelectric power plant with a narrow path through the trees. It's usually much quieter here than at the more famous waterfalls.
Plantations near Ponta Delgada where pineapples are grown in greenhouses. You can walk through the greenhouses, taste pineapple liqueur and jam for free, and buy all sorts of pineapple products here. A quick stop on the way to the city.
The island's capital with a historic center, black-and-white cobblestones, churches, and a harbor. Perfect for a final dinner and a stroll.
Pack your bags and head to the airport, drop off your car, and then it's just the journey home. If you have some time before your flight, take a walk along the coast, jump into the ocean, or just enjoy your last moments on this island however you like!
Flight home. Return the (refueled) car before departure.
Back when I was looking for a place to go in the summer and hadn't even heard of the Azores yet, I bought a one-way ticket and headed to São Miguel, the main and largest island of the Azores🌴 I had never seen anything more beautiful in my life; everywhere was green, pristine nature, waterfalls, crystal-clear blue ocean, peace, and great people all around. I ended up spending almost a month there. The very next year, I went back again, spent another 2 months there, and traveled through 8 out of 9 islands in total. I'd love for as many people as possible to discover this paradise, which is just a short hop from Europe, because it can honestly be compared to Hawaii without a doubt, and anyone who hasn't been here is missing out on a lot. :) When you decide to set off on this trip, you'll discover the most beautiful spots on this island, like waterfalls, thermal springs, stunning viewpoints over the endless ocean, pristine nature, volcanic lakes, or even hot springs right in the ocean. I believe the Azores will blow you away just as much as they did me. 💚
You'll arrive in São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores. After landing, pick up your car and head to your accommodation in Ribeira Grande, which will be your base for the whole trip. If you arrive early and have some time, take a walk around the town, get into the island rhythm, and visit the local black sand surf beach. Today's plan depends on your arrival time.
- Feel free to adjust the order of places in the itinerary based on the weather or whatever you're in the mood for.
The island's second-largest city on the north coast and your base for the entire stay. Historical center, old bridges, and a beach just outside the city.
🅿️ Parking: There are several free parking lots in the city. The closest to the center is the parking lot by Largo 5 de Outubro square.
Head to the west of the island. Start at the most famous spot in the Azores, the two lakes of Sete Cidades; if the weather's on your side, you'll catch the absolute best view on the entire island from the abandoned hotel. Wrap up your day with a soak in the hot ocean and a sunset by the lighthouse.
A smaller lake hidden behind a magical forest just above Sete Cidades. It's usually quiet here, and there's a short trail leading from here to a viewpoint overlooking another hidden lake.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking right on the main road by Lagoa do Canário.
An iconic viewpoint translating to "Gates of Hell," where you can see several of the Sete Cidades crater lakes at once from the ridge. It's reached via a trail and a short, easy walk.
The best viewpoint on the island for the Lagoa Verde (green) and Lagoa Azul (blue) lakes. A short distance away is the abandoned Monte Palace hotel, which you can explore on your own; it offers an even better view and a huge underground area. You can set off from here on a circuit around the smaller lakes in the grassy hills, where there's usually no one else around.
A quiet coastal town with views of striking rock formations in the ocean. At low tide, you can swim in the natural pools (Poças dos Mosteiros) right in the rocks.
One of the best spots on the entire island. A bay where hot thermal water flows in, so you're bathing in a warm ocean. It works best at low tide; you can find the times when the water is warm in the Ferraria Hot Springs app.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking by the lighthouse and the thermal pools.
A lighthouse on the westernmost tip of the island, overlooking the thermal springs. Hardly anyone makes it out here, yet it offers one of the best sunsets on São Miguel.
Go to Furnas, the heart of the Azores' geothermal activity, where it bubbles and steams right out of the ground. You'll walk through a botanical park with a thermal pool, taste food cooked in the earth, and stop by a hidden crater lake on the way back.
A large crater lake, with fumaroles hissing on its banks where the locals cook traditional cozido (meat and vegetables) in the hot ground. You can then taste it at the restaurants in town.
For kidsA beautiful botanical park just a short distance from Furnas. Hundreds of plant species and a large thermal pool in the middle with orange-colored water. (Entrance fee required, bring your swimsuit.)
A quieter park by the lake with a moss-covered chapel. A nice walk away from the crowds.
One of the most beautiful yet least known waterfalls on the island. This roughly 40-meter-high waterfall, hidden between tunnels, is fed by thermal springs that color the surrounding rocks in shades of orange. A short but at times challenging trail leads to the waterfall.
🅿️ Parking: in front of the Liberdade tunnel
Nordeste is the greenest and least touristy corner of the island. The day is all about waterfalls, flower-filled viewpoints, and the island's oldest town.
A park with several waterfalls and incredibly green surroundings, featuring old water mills as well. For the brave, there's the option of canyoning – jumping and swimming right in the river.
A beautiful, well-maintained lookout point with a garden and views of the cliffs and the ocean.
A viewpoint with a garden and gazebos on the east coast, famous mainly for sunrise. Far from the crowds — it's easy to head here early in the morning.
The oldest settlement on São Miguel and the former capital. A quiet little town where you can stop for lunch and soak up the island's history.
A day for those who love hidden gems. You'll hike to a waterfall through an abandoned village reclaimed by nature and end the day on a beach where the water and sand are unusually warm.
A quiet eastern town, where one of the island's nicest hikes starts. Almost no tourists.
An abandoned village accessible only on foot via a trail from Faial da Terra (you can't drive there). 🅿️ Parking: Park in Faial da Terra and head out on foot from there.
A waterfall with a swimming pool at the end of a circular route (about 5–6 km). A great reward for the hike and one of the best swimming spots on the island.
🅿️ Parking: The waterfall is accessible via a hiking trail – park in Faial da Terra, where the loop both starts and ends.
A beach by the fishing village of Ribeira Quente, sheltered by cliffs. Thanks to geothermal activity, the water and sand are often pleasantly warm. A great spot to relax after a hike.
Head to the center of the island to Lagoa do Fogo and the thermal waterfall, then down to the quiet south coast. You can wrap it up with a boat trip to the volcanic islet near Vila Franca.
A thermal waterfall and warm pools nestled in the lush jungle greenery on the hillside below Lagoa do Fogo. A magical spot, so make sure to book well in advance.
Boats sail from the town harbor to Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a small island in the middle of the ocean that is the peak of an ancient volcano with a natural lagoon in the center. The boat runs during the season and capacity is limited, so it's worth booking in advance.
Your last full day in the north of the island and the capital. You'll taste tea from local plantations, stop by a beach with old windmills and a waterfall near your accommodation, and finish the evening in Ponta Delgada. If you're up for it, you can spend the day surfing.
You'll explore the only tea plantations in Europe, check out the local production, and get to taste some tea too.
A lookout on the north coast with dramatic cliffs and greenery falling into the ocean. A quick, yet one of the most beautiful stops in the north.
A tall, narrow waterfall just above Ribeira Grande, near an old hydroelectric power plant with a narrow path through the trees. It's usually much quieter here than at the more famous waterfalls.
Plantations near Ponta Delgada where pineapples are grown in greenhouses. You can walk through the greenhouses, taste pineapple liqueur and jam for free, and buy all sorts of pineapple products here. A quick stop on the way to the city.
The island's capital with a historic center, black-and-white cobblestones, churches, and a harbor. Perfect for a final dinner and a stroll.
Pack your bags and head to the airport, drop off your car, and then it's just the journey home. If you have some time before your flight, take a walk along the coast, jump into the ocean, or just enjoy your last moments on this island however you like!
Flight home. Return the (refueled) car before departure.
