São Miguel: Unwind & Discover (Premium)
Discover São Miguel in a premium-style adventure as you split your stay between two of the island's most iconic hotels.
What's Included?
Why we love this deal:
- São Miguel in Premium Style: Get ready for the best of São Miguel Island with a split stay between the charming thermal village of Furnas and the lively city of Ponta Delgada, the island's hub. The Octant hotels, beautifully situated, offer more than accommodation – they provide an enchanting gateway to the island's main attractions. Revel in their allure and enjoy top-notch facilities as you uncover the gems of this amazing destination-
- Unwind at Octant Furnas: Nestled in the volcanic marvels of Furnas, this oasis offers relaxation amidst bubbling caldeiras and hot springs. Unwind in our thermal indoor and outdoor pools, immersing yourself in the rejuvenating essence of Furnas' thermal waters. Octant Furnas is your perfect retreat for tranquility and relaxation. (3 nights with daily breakfast and free parking)
- Discover the Urban Chic at Octant Ponta Delgada: Positioned as a city chic retreat along the main avenue of Ponta Delgada, Octant invites you to experience the epitome of urban sophistication. Immerse yourself in the vibrant pulse of the city from this prime location, where modern elegance meets the lively hub of Ponta Delgada. Octant Ponta Delgada is your stylish sanctuary in the city. (4 nights with daily breakfast and free parking)
- Make This Trip Yours: Enhance your stay with additional nights or explore exciting local excursions.
Experience São Miguel to the fullest with our self-drive package and guide.
Book with the local experts and receive a complimentary self-drive guide, ensuring you don't miss a single heartbeat of this captivating island!
Itinerary
Welcome to São Miguel Island! Arrive at the airport, grab your car, and head to Furnas; consider booking an early check-in for a seamless start (available during the booking).
Suggestion for the day:
- Take the day to stroll around Furnas and indulge in a thermal bath.
Highlights:
- Furnas Lake
- Caldeiras & Geysers
- Food: Cozido das Furnas and Bolos Lêvedos
- Flowing Spring Water
- Queijaria Furnense (delicious cheese with local sour water)
- Terra Nostra Park
- Poça da Dona Beija
- Pico do Ferro Viewpoint
- Furnas Golf Course
- The Drive to Ribeira Quente (While in Ribeira Quente, enjoy this little seaside fisherman's village and visit the beautiful Praia do Fogo, or stop into one of the handful of restaurants serving up delicious, fresh seafood)
Suggestion for the day:
- Drive to Vila Franca do Campo
Highlights:
- Vila Franca do Campo Islet
- Whale Watching Experience
- Senhora da Paz Viewpoint
- Castelo Branco Viewpoint
- Lagoa do Congro
- Queijadas da Vila Factory
- Água D’Alto Beaches
In the afternoon:
- Visit Cerâmica Vieira Pottery Shop in Lagoa
- Visit Caloura (beach and harbor)
Suggestion for the day:
- Visit Nordeste
Highlights:
- Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint
- Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoint
- Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse
- Ponta dos Barcos Viewpoint
- Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park
- Poço Azul Hiking Trail
Check-in at Octant Ponta Delgada.
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. Tour.
Not to miss:
- Portas da Cidade
- Louvre Michaelense
- Pineapple Plantations
- Matriz Church
Suggestion for the day:
- Explore the wonders of Sete Cidades, including Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Santiago, Lagoa do Canário, and the captivating Boca do Inferno Viewpoint. Don't miss the chance to venture to the neighboring village of Mosteiros, a perfect spot for a picturesque sunset. While in the western part of the island, treat yourself to the rejuvenating experience of an ocean thermal bath at Ferraria.
Suggestion for the day:
- Visit Lagoa do Fogo & Furnas: Venture to the island's northern expanse, where you'll encounter the untouched charm of the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. Relax in the rejuvenating thermal pools of Caldeira Velha, then marvel at the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Journey to Furnas and immerse yourself in its myriad attractions, from the serene lake and Pico do Ferro Viewpoint to the unique caldeiras and Terra Nostra Park. Relish local flavors like cozido das Furnas and bolos lêvedos, and experience a fusion of nature and culture that's truly Azorean.
Suggestion for the day:
- Moinho do Félix Hiking Trail & Tea Plantations: This magical hiking trail leads to some magical waterfalls located deep in the forests of São Miguel Island. As you traverse through winding trails surrounded by lush vegetation, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls tumbling down into a serene pool below.
- Though tea has been grown here for almost 200 years, the Azores have quietly reigned as Europe's secret tea capital. In the middle of the Atlantic, roughly 900 miles from the coast of mainland Portugal, you'll find Europe's only two commercial tea plantations sprawling along the hillsides of São Miguel Island's north coast.
We hope you had a fantastic time in the Azores and look forward to traveling with you again in the future!
*itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless specifically stated.
About the Hotels:
Octant Ponta Delgada Hotel
With 123 spectacular sea-view rooms featuring sleek, modern amenities alongside creature comforts and world-class service - your experience is sure to be unforgettable. Try something new with the range of outdoor activities on offer or take in some live entertainment from the casino for fun nights out. Relax by taking advantage of their rooftop pool bar & spa before refueling at À Terra restaurant where you can find local delicacies like fresh cheese corner selections too. Don't miss this opportunity to explore all that nature has brought together.
Octant Furnas Hotel
Let the stress of everyday life melt away into natural beauty when you stay at Octant Furnas Hotel. Offering modern amenities and excellent service with indoor & outdoor thermal pools as well as a luxurious spa, this hotel is sure to recharge your soul! Dine at "À Terra" restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates local products from Mother Nature - each dish carefully prepared by passionate chefs using homemade recipes crafted with great love and expertise. Come indulge yourself in a warm atmosphere filled with delicious yet healthy cuisine!
About the Destination:
Often referred to as Europe's “Best Kept Secret”, the Azores have become an increasingly popular destination with year-round appeal for travelers. With stunning lush landscapes, sunny black sand beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, exotic plants, dormant volcanos, and hot springs, São Miguel is the perfect vacation destination for nature lovers, beach bums, or those looking for an off-the beaten path European destination.
Fans of adventure sports will enjoy kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding in the beautiful lakes or ocean, surfing the Atlantic waves or canyoning down the gorgeous waterfalls around the island. If this isn't tantalizing enough, think about seeing Earth breathing through fumaroles and mud pots, and then enjoying a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring gazing at the stars.
Enjoy the island's quaint fishing villages, seaside restaurants and delicious seafood. Taste a superb meal cooked under the ground, the cozido.
There are numerous vacation activities to be enjoyed on the island. Take advantage of this great vacation package and visit a truly magical place.
To make sure you have a great time, here are our staff's top suggestions in each location
- In Furnas make sure you:
- Discover how the famous cozido is cooked (underground with the heat from the active volcano) and taste it
- Visit the Geothermal steam holes (where the cozido is cooked!)
- Explore the beautiful Terra Nostra Garden
- Relax in the natural thermal pools at the Poça Dona Beja
- In downtown Ponta Delgada try to:
- Discover the historical city of Ponta Delgada with its cobbled streets and black and white mosaic pavements
- Check the local farmers' market (Mercado da Graça) and taste the local produce
- Visit the Pineapple Plantation in Fajã de Baixo
Check out our Azores Travel Guide for more informations and tips.
