The Azores | São Miguel & Faial
Explore the volcanic landscapes of São Miguel and Faial Islands in the Azores!
What's Included?
Why we love this deal:
- The Azores Islands of São Miguel and Faial are the perfect place for an unforgettable travel adventure.
- São Miguel is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its lush landscapes, crystal clear waters and abundant wildlife. You can hike through the crater lake of Sete Cidades on the western coast, or even spot whales and dolphins off the shoreline of Ponta Delgada. For those who love culture and history, explore former whaling ports like Nordeste or take a tour of historic monuments from the Age of Discovery at Angra do Heroísmo.
- On Faial Island, you'll find more natural beauty with rugged cliffs that plunge into deep sapphire blue seas. With its mild climate year-round, Faial is ideal for activities like swimming and snorkeling in its sparkling bays or exploring volcanic caves along the coast. And if you're feeling daring, try your hand at para-gliding over Horta Harbor with views of surrounding islands and far out in the horizon.
- We love this deal because it offers incredible value for anyone looking to escape from everyday life and explore some stunning beauty in nature. Imagine feeling immersed in wild landscapes surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant local culture – it's hard not to fall in love.
- Customizable: Add more nights to your stay, a rental car or even local excursions.
Itinerary
It is recommended to get a rental car (available during the booking process).
Suggestion for the day:
- Take the afternoon to stroll around Horta’s quaint city streets.
Highlights:
- Marina da Horta
- Peter Café Sport
- Nossa Senhora da Conceição Viewpoint
- Monte da Guia
- São Salvador Church
- Porto Pim Bay
- Santa Cruz Fort
- The View Across the Bay to Pico Island
Suggestion for the day:
- Take the Day to Explore Faial’s Volcanic Landscapes
Highlights:
- Caldeira do Faial
- North Beach
- Capelinhos Volcano Site & Lighthouse
- Almoxarife Beach
- Windmills
- Ribeirinha Village (São Mateus Church)
Or book here your guided tour around the island.
It is recommended to get a rental car (available during the booking process).
Suggestion for the day:
- Take the afternoon to stroll around Ponta Delgada’s city streets. Ponta Delgada, the main city, is not only the hub of the island but the capital of the Azores. Ponta Delgada evokes all the charms of Europe with cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, and a thriving culinary scene. Or book here your Ponta Delgada City Tour.
Not to miss:
- Portas da Cidade
- Louvre Michaelense
- Pineapple Plantations
- Matriz Church
Suggestion for the day:
- Visit Sete Cidades (Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa do Canário and Boca do Inferno Viewpoint) and take this opportunity to visit the neighboring village of Mosteiros - ideal for sunset! Once you’re in the west part of the island you can also indulge in an ocean thermal bath at Ferraria.
- Book here a guided tour around the west part of the island that will have you discovering this and much more in the company of a local guide.
- Or Take the day for a hiking adventure.
Recommended hikes:
Suggestion for the day:
- Head to the north side of the island to visit the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo and take this chance to visit (and maybe bathe) in the thermal pools of Caldeira Velha. Once you’re here you can also visit the Salto do Cabrito waterfall! On your way to Furnas, we recommend that you stop at Porto Formoso and Gorreana Tea Plantations (the only ones in Europe). In Furnas there’s just so much to explore, such as the lake, the Pico do Ferro Viewpoint, the Grená Park, the caldeiras, the fumaroles, the Terra Nostra Park, the Dona Beija hot springs and so much more. Make sure to try out the local delicacies: the cozido das Furnas and the bolos lêvedos!
Book your Furnas guided tour here.
*itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless specifically stated.
About the Destination:
The Azores Islands are an unexpected pleasure and a stepping stone into Europe" says the New York Times. They are indeed a real pleasure and a pristine destination unspoiled by mass tourism. Discover two of the most prominent islands of the Azores archipelago, São Miguel and Faial, with this exclusive deal.
São Miguel Island
São Miguel is the largest and most populated island of the Azores. It is called the "ilha verde" (green island) for its lush landscape, green pastures and forests of laurel and cedar. Visit the only tea plantation in Europe, marvel at the beauty of the extinct volcanos and lakes, soak in hot springs surrounded by nature, and enjoy a thermally cooked meal in Furnas. Be dazzled by the awe-inspiring views of the island and its volcanic activity. As an eco-tourist's paradise São Miguel offers a variety of hiking trails, water sports and activities (whale-watching, diving, surfing). Have an exquisite meal in one of Ponta Delgada's fine restaurants and enjoy a nice walk on its seaside avenue.
Faial Island
An island aptly deemed “The Blue Island” of the nine Azorean islands for the rich blue hue of the robust hydrangeas dotting each roadway and farmland, Faial Island is teeming with Azorean heritage, unbounded botanical gardens and caldeiras, and access to the Atlantic’s best seawater activities. Anchored by the city and port of Horta on the southeast side of the island, Faial abounds with opportunity for both adventure and relaxation; hike the rim of the vast Calderia nature reserve located in the center of the island, venture out to the Capelinhos Volcano where the lush greenery gives way to a rough and intriguingly grey terrain that will have travelers feel as if they’ve been transported to an otherworldly locale; set sail with Noberto Diving to experience whale and dolphin watching just off the island’s coasts; and of course, raise a glass at Peter Café Sport, an iconic watering hole in the port of Horta welcoming transient travelers, weathered whalers, and visiting sailors for a century. And of course, no trip to Faial would be complete without one of its finest features, the striking view of Mount Pico across the Faial-Pico Channel, accessible at most every lookout.
Check out our Azores Travel Guide for more informations and tips.
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