SUGGESTED ITINERARY

The Azores is an archipelago of nine beautiful volcanic islands located in the north Atlantic ocean, north-west of Madeira. Administered by Portugal, these islands have a mild subtropical climate and are known for their geothermal activity, pretty fishing villages, hedgerows of blue hydrangeas and dramatic landscapes. The islands are wonderful for outdoor activities such as walking and diving. From April to October there is also excellent whale and dolphin watching, with many species congregating offshore. Sei, blue and fin whales pass by in the spring, whilst humpbacks are more visible in the late summer. Sperm whales can be spotted all year round.

As the seas can be rough, with big waves and strong currents, the Azores is not a traditional beach destination. There are however some wonderful volcanic black sand and shingle beaches that are very photogenic.

São Miguel (the ‘Green Island’) is the largest of the nine islands, with dormant lake-filled calderas lined by ferns, juniper bushes and conifers. The capital of Ponta Delgada has a well-preserved Old Town, with cobbled streets bordered by period manor houses and 15th century churches. But it is the volcanic crater lakes that are this island’s great attraction. In the west, spectacular Sete Cidades has two lakes - one bright blue and the other emerald green. In the centre of the island you will find the cloud-covered Lake of Fire, with its emerald green waters and lush Caldeira Velha waterfall and hot springs. The less discovered north-east is home to the endemic Azorean bullfinch, with spectacular cliffs and the highest peak on the island. For beautiful gardens head to the spa town of Furnas in the south-east, which has one of the largest thermal water sources in the world and a 30 acre Botanical Garden. At a nearby lake, locals still carry out an old tradition of slowly cooking food underground, using heat from the hot springs. This stew, known as ‘cozido’, consists of a variety of meats and vegetables cooked in one pot (pre-booking is recommended, if you wish to taste this dish in a local restaurant). To the south, Vila Franca do Campo was the first capital of the island and off its coast there is a small islet that is a nature reserve, popular with swimmers. You will also find pineapple and tea plantations on this island.

Pico (the ‘Grey Island’) used to be a whaling station, but today it is known for its vineyards, sheltered by large boulders and Mount Pico, which at 2,351m is Portugal’s highest mountain. You can spend a few days here, or visit the island as a day trip from Faial.

Faial (also known as Fayal) is a very volcanic island with spectacular scenery, especially the Faial and Capelinhos calderas. There is an interesting museum at Capelinhos that tells the volcanic history of the Azores islands chain. Horta is the main port town, with many beautiful churches.

Terceira is another large island and its historic town of Angra do Heroismo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island has several beautiful nature reserves that are ideal for walking and hiking, as well as many vineyards and an active wine industry. 

Small Graciosa (the ‘White Island’) because of its white stone and clay landscape. Undulating wheat fields, green and purple vineyards, and the vanes of revolving windmills add to the peace and quiet of the countryside. The islets along its coast add an extra dimension of beauty. This island is popular for water sports, especially scuba diving, kayaking and sailing.

Rugged São Jorge Island is much less visited. It has a central mountain range that runs along almost its entire length, forming a plateau that drops sharply down to the shore, with many small villages dotted along the base of these cliffs at sea level.

You can spend all your time on São Miguel island, or combine several on an Azores island hopping itinerary, as below. If you fly with TAP Air Portugal, via Lisbon, you can add on a few days in this vibrant capital city on the Portuguese mainland.

SAMPLE ITINERARY – Four Islands.

If you only want to visit two islands, we suggest combining São Miguel and Pico.

Day 1: Arrive in the Azores

Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Sete Cidades + Ponta Delgada - half day tours

In the morning depart for the Sete Cidades lakes, taking the mountain road. Stop at the ‘Vista do Rei’ viewpoint which, on a clear day, affords one of the finest views in the Azores. Return to Ponta Delgada, stopping at a pineapple plantation en route. Free time for lunch (not included).

In the afternoon enjoy a city tour of Ponta Delgada, starting at the City Garden and continuing on foot to see some of the highlights the city has to offer.

Day 3: Furnas - full day tour

Depart from Ponta Delgada to the village of Furnas, visiting the town of Vila Franca do Campo en route. Furnas is famed for its botanical garden, hot springs and calderas - 1m holes dug into the hot earth in which the traditional ‘cozido’ is cooked (lunch included). Return to Ponta Delgada by the north coast, visiting a tea plantation and Santa Iria viewpoint.

Day 4: At leisure

Today is free to explore the town of Ponta Delgada, indulge in some shopping and/or participate in whale watching or swimming with dolphins (pre-booking recommended).

Day 5: Fly to Terceira

Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for your 40 minute flight to Terceira. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 6: Terceira - full day tour

As we drive through trees and pastures, often overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you will discover places and landscapes of rare beauty. During the trip there will be several stops with time to enjoy the scenery, including a visit to Serra do Cume viewpoint, and vineyards in the village of Biscoitos. Discover the history and culture of Terceira, connect with nature and enjoy a traditional lunch (included). Taste the delicious ‘Alcatra’, a dish of rump cooked for 12 hours to intensify the flavours and textures, at a typical restaurant with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Please note that a picnic lunch is provided if the tour falls on a Sunday. Visit the ancient Algar do Carvão volcanic pit (open April to September only). This is a slow-paced full day tour.

Day 7: Fly to Faial

Transfer to Terceira airport for your 40 minute flight to Horta. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 8: Pico - full day tour

Transfer to Horta harbour for the 30 minute boat crossing to Pico Island. Travel along the north coast in the direction of Cachorro and Lajido, then on to São Roque to visit the whale factory and the natural swimming pools. From here you will take the mountain road towards Lake Capitao (900m) and then on to Lajes do Pico, where you will visit the whaler’s museum with its fascinating exhibition illustrating whaling in the Azores which, until its ban in 1987, was the main industry on the islands. There will be a short stop for lunch (included). Continue along the south coast to Mistérios de São Joao, and then on to Sao Mateus to visit the church. From here you will visit Criação Velha, which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, with its vineyards bordered by black volcanic rock and Mount Pico towering above. Afterwards return to Madalena for the boat crossing back to Faial.

Day 9: Faial - full day tour

Depart towards the village of Flamengos to visit the Botanical Garden of the island. Next, the tour heads up to the Natural Reserve of the Caldeira of Faial, surrounded by rows of blue hydrangeas. Then we drive towards Ribeira das Cabras viewpoint, and along Serra de Feteira with a stop for lunch (included). We then descend to the Fajã in Praia do Norte and visit Capelinhos, the eerie site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores (1957) and the fascinating Interpretation Centre (closed Mondays and bank holidays). On the way back to Horta, there is a quick stop at Varadouro to admire the Morro de Castelo Branco. We end the day at Monte da Guia, in Horta, to admire one of the best views over the city and bay of Porto Pim.

Day 10: At Leisure

At leisure to explore the island’s capital. You can walk along the harbour front, to admire the painted yacht emblems and numerous messages left by sailors.

Day 11: Depart

Transfer to Horta airport for your return flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Flights from London and Azores airport transfers are included..

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence, if you intend to hire a car. The FCO should also be consulted.