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My Sao Miguel Azores itinerary; 3 days

Jaa wanted to visit 50 countries. And how could I argue with her as she waited for me to visit all 197! Last year we did a cool trip to Bahamas, Iceland, Austria and Slovakia to reach 50. This year, she said confessed that ultimately she wants to visit 100. I can see where this is going!

So I put together a cool trip for us, that would bring her to a few countries and to me to a few places I had never been. Namely Madeira and the Azores. 2 sets of islands in the middle of the Atlantic, easily accessible from Lisbon, Portugal. Perfect.

I planned a 4 night/ 3 day Sao Miguel Azores itinerary in the Azores, and here it is for you guys. After this, we head for 4 days in Madeira, and then on to Madrid, Brussels, Amsterdam and then to visit my mum. A brilliant month of travel 🙂 But first, our Azores itinerary…

Where is the Azores?

The Azores is set of islands, off the coast of Africa, on the way to the USA!

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) west of Lisbon, Portugal, and about 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) east of the East Coast of North America. The Azores is composed of nine volcanic islands and is an autonomous region of Portugal.

The capital city of the Azores is Ponta Delgada, located on São Miguel Island, which is also the largest island in the archipelago.

Or in an image, it’s here:

Is the Azores a Country?

No, the Azores is not a country. The Azores is an autonomous region of Portugal, consisting of nine volcanic islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean.

While the Azores has its own regional government and a degree of administrative autonomy, it remains part of the sovereign nation of Portugal.

Getting to the Azores

Getting to São Miguel Island is quite straightforward. Major airlines operate flights to Ponta Delgada, the main gateway to the Azores, from several European and North American cities.

We flew in from Lisbon, Portugal, which is a convenient hub with frequent flights. Flights were about $150 or so (I upgraded for $40!)

3 Day Sao Miguel Azores Itinerary

Day 1: Private Tour of Sete Cidades

Our first day was dedicated to exploring the island of Sao Miguel and the main attraction, Sete Cidades. I didn’t want to miss anything with that, so I signed up with a guided tour from GetYourGuide titled “Private Tour Sete Cidades Green & Blue Lakes. I’d recommend the same, it was much better than fumbling around on my own!

• Pico do Carvão: Our adventure began at Pico do Carvão, where we soaked in panoramic views of the island’s volcanic landscapes and the sea. The sight of verdant hills rolling into the blue ocean was a perfect start to our day.

• Vista do Rei Lookout: Next, we headed to the Vista do Rei lookout. The view here is simply breathtaking, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the twin lakes—Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, named for their distinct blue and green hues. This iconic spot is a photographer’s dream.

• Cerrado das Freiras: Our journey continued to Cerrado das Freiras, a serene area perfect for taking a moment to breathe in the fresh island air and marvel at the beauty surrounding us.

• Sete Cidades Village: We then explored the charming village of Sete Cidades. Nestled by the lakes, the village is quaint with friendly locals and picturesque views. It’s a great place to grab a coffee and just relax.

• Ponta do Escalvado Lookout: Moving on, the Ponta do Escalvado lookout offered stunning views of the western coast of São Miguel, with dramatic cliffs and the endless Atlantic stretching out before us.

• A Arruda Pineapple Plantation: Maybe my highlight! To cap off our tour, we visited the Arruda Pineapple Plantation. It’s interesting to see how pineapples are cultivated here, and the fresh pineapple we tasted was the sweetest ever. Even better was all the pineapple booze – pineapple beer, pineapple vodka etc, a great way to end the day!

On Day 1, not having to worry about organising everything was great. The tour I booked was HERE if you want to copy us.

Day 2: Relaxation and Exploration

Because I work online and also have to train, I don’t jam-pack all my days on holiday. So I spent the morning on my laptop and we dedicated our second day to relaxation and leisurely discoveries.

• Poça da Dona Beija: We started the day at the Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools. Nestled in the town of Furnas, these hot springs are one of the most famous spots. The water was nice, but I prefer it hotter. Also, it was quite busy, so go earlier if possible.

• Cha Correana Tea Plantations: The highlight of our day 2, we loved it here. In the afternoon, we visited the Cha Correana tea plantations, the FIRST (and only?) tea plantations in Europe. Walking through the lush fields, we learned about the tea-making process and enjoyed a delightful tea tasting.

• Walking Tour of Ponta Delgada: We finished up the day with a walking tour of Ponta Delgada, the capital city of São Miguel. The city’s cobblestone streets, historical architecture, and old markets offer a cool blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. We just did our own unofficial tour and that was enough. Key highlights include the Church of São Sebastião, the City Gates, and the lively Mercado da Graça. Also, check out the wine bar “Reserva” for dinner and drinks at the end of your tour. Lovely guy, with some great Portugese wines.

Day 3: Exploring More of São Miguel

For our final day, we planned a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences.

• Lagoa do Fogo: We started with a minor hike to Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire), one of the island’s most stunning natural wonders. The trail offers incredible views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. It’s a moderately challenging hike but absolutely worth it for the vistas.

• Caldeira Velha: Post-hike, we relaxed at the Caldeira Velha hot springs. The warm waterfalls and lush, jungle-like surroundings are incredibly soothing.

• Ribeira Grande: We then headed to the town of Ribeira Grande. Known for its charming streets and the beautiful Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Estrela, it’s a perfect place to explore and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

TIP: Whale Watching:

We skipped this as we’ve done it so many times before and we wanted to chill in the hottub at the hotel instead! But the Azores are one of the best places in the world for spotting whales and dolphins. The sight of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience.

Accommodation Options

We didn’t want to stay in a branded resort for a place like Azores.

For our trip, we opted for the charming houses offered by Charming Houses Azores. Homely, friendly, right in the city, and ideal for a 3 or 4-night stay, offering comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. Amazing value for around €100 per night!

Nestled in beautiful settings, they provide a perfect home base for exploring São Miguel. And still they have a hot tub, a great breakfast and a pool. I’ll wrote a Charming House Azores review for them too, because we LOVED it there.

Getting Around the Azores

To truly explore the island at your own pace, I recommend renting a car. Having your own vehicle allows you the freedom to visit even the most remote and picturesque spots on the island. The roads are well-maintained, and driving around São Miguel is a pleasure with its scenic routes and breathtaking views.

How long do you need to stay in the Azores?

The main island, Sao Miguel, is the easiest to visit. You can fly there directly with international airlines. If you only stay on that island, 3 or 4 nights is enough. Up to a week if you’re the relaxing kind.

However, if you want to visit all the main islands, possibly all nine, then you need around 2 weeks to visit them all!

What is best time to visit the Azores?

The weather is pretty good all year around BUT also wildly unpredictable. I went in the shoulder season (as I always travel in this time), in May, and it was overcast some days, a sprinkling of rain, and then blue skies. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during different seasons:

Spring (March to May)

• Weather: Mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 20°C (55°F to 68°F).

• Activities: Ideal for hiking, exploring the lush landscapes, and seeing blooming flowers. Whale watching is also excellent during this time as many species migrate through the area.

• Pros: Fewer tourists, lower prices, beautiful scenery.

• Cons: Weather can still be unpredictable with occasional rain.

Summer (June to August)

• Weather: Warm and sunny with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).

Activities: Perfect for beach activities, swimming, diving, and exploring the islands. Many festivals and cultural events take place during the summer.

• Pros: Best weather, vibrant festivals, great for outdoor activities.

• Cons: Peak tourist season, higher prices, and more crowded.

Autumn (September to November)

Weather: Warm and gradually cooling with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F).

• Pros: Mild weather, fewer tourists, whale watching still good.

• Cons: Some attractions may start to close for the season.

Winter (December to February)

• Weather: Cooler and wetter with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 18°C (52°F to 64°F).

Activities: Great for enjoying the hot springs and indoor attractions.

• Pros: Lowest prices, very few tourists, good for a quiet retreat.

• Cons: Cooler weather, more rain, and some activities may be limited.

10 Things to see in the Azores:

Here are ten must-see attractions in the Azores:

1. Sete Cidades

This twin lake is the most iconic sites in the Azores, with Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde offering stunning views. I did this on a private GetYourGuide tour. Weather wasn’t great, but the tour was awesome.

2. Furnas Valley

Known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs and fumaroles. With the highlights being the Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools and Lagoa das Furnas.

3. Lagoa do Fogo

A beautiful crater lake located in the center of São Miguel Island. It offers great hiking trails with breathtaking views.

4. Hot Springs

Either Parque Terra Nostra, or Poça da Dona Beija thermal pools mentioned above. The Parque Terra Nostra is botanical garden with exotic plants and thermal pools. The warm iron-rich pool is perfect for relaxation.

5. Cha Gorreana Tea Plantations

The oldest tea plantation in Europe, still operational today. Jaa and I loved the tours of the plantation and tea tastings. Lunch or dinner there is cheap with gorgeous views too.

6. Whale Watching

The Azores is one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching. It’s the main thing to do in the Azores, and has various species including sperm whales, blue whales, and dolphins.

7. Ponta Delgada

The capital city of São Miguel Island, offering a mix of historical sites and modern amenities. The highlights are probably the City Gates, Church of São Sebastião, and the Carlos Machado Museum.

8. Pineapple plantation in Ponta Delgada

Don’t miss this. We had it included on our GYG tour. But it’s better than it sounds. And after the tour you can try pineapple beer, vodka etc in their restaurant. It’s fun.

9. Road trip

To get to know Sao Miguel you need to rent a car. Driving freely around the island, with the various view points is an activity itself. So go get lost!

10. Waterfalls

Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões features stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, traditional water mills, and scenic hiking trails. A must-visit in São Miguel.

Final thoughts on my Azores Itinerary

Pinning the Azores to your Portugal trip is well worthwhile. A different pace of life. The perfect trifecta is Lisbon, Azores, Madeira in that order. The fllights work well and it’s not too pricey.

São Miguel Island is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike. From its stunning lakes and hot springs to its charming towns and tea plantations, every moment here is filled with wonder. Whether you’re soaking in thermal pools, hiking volcanic craters, or simply enjoying the local culture, this island promises an unforgettable experience.

If you’re planning a trip to the Azores, I hope this itinerary inspires you to explore the magic of São Miguel. Until our next adventure, happy travels!