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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!