The Azores: Santa Maria & São Miguel
![Maia's coastline and Gonçalo Velho lighthouse, Santa Maria](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1640790095-azores-getaways-0108.jpg)
![São Lourenço Bay, Santa Maria Island](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/744623-azores-getaways-0589.jpg)
![São Lourenço Bay, Santa Maria Island](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/65ce5a-azores-getaways-0448.jpg)
![Gonçalo Velho lighthouse, Santa Maria](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617030313-farol-goncalo-velho-santa-maria-acores-portugal.jpg)
![Barreiro da Faneca, Santa Maria](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617030365-barreiro-da-faneca-santa-maria-acores-portugal.jpg)
![São Lourenço Bay, Santa Maria](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617030454-praia-de-sao-lourenco-santa-maria-acores-portugal.jpg)
![São Lourenço Bay, Santa Maria](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617030484-baia-e-vinhas-de-sao-lourenco-santa-maria-acores-portugal.jpg)
![Formosa Beach, Santa Maria](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617030760-praia-formosa-santa-maria-acores-portugal.jpg)
![São Lourenço Islets, Santa Maria](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617030844-ilheus-de-sao-lourenco-santa-maria-acores-portugal.jpg)
![Gorreana Tea Plantations, São Miguel](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617031522-plantacao-de-cha-da-gorreana-sao-miguel-acores-portugal.jpg)
![Lagoa do Fogo, São Miguel](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617031569-lagoa-do-fogo-sao-miguel-acores-portugal.jpg)
![Salto do Cabrito waterfall, São Miguel](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617031603-cascata-do-salto-do-cabrito-sao-miguel-acores-portugal.jpg)
![Caldeira Velha thermal pool, São Miguel](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617031683-piscina-termal-da-caldeira-velha-sao-miguel-.jpg)
![Vila Franca do Campo Islet, São Miguel](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617031758-ilheu-de-vila-franca-do-campo-sao-miguel-acores-portugal.jpg)
![Boca do Inferno viewpoint, São Miguel](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617031788-miradouro-da-boca-do-inferno-sao-miguel-acores-portugal.jpg)
![Cozido das Furnas](https://images.resosys.com/deals/azo-sma-pdl-fh/1617031819-confecao-do-cozido-das-furnas-sao-miguel-acores-portugal.jpg)
Explore both the Green Island and the Sunny Island of the Azores in one trip!
What's Included?
Why we love this deal:
- The Azorean Oriental Group: Santa Maria and São Miguel are two enchanting islands full of captivating beauty, culture, and adventure. Santa Maria is known for its gorgeous beaches, while São Miguel is a must-see for its stunning volcanic landscapes.
- Golden Paradise: The beaches in Santa Maria are simply incredible, with their crystal clear water and soft white sand, they are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
- Explore all the hidden gems, from the stunning Praia Formosa to the serene São Lourenço Bay and the charming Barreiro da Faneca, immersing yourself in the tranquil lifestyle of one of the Azores' smallest islands.
- Santa Maria, a World of Wonders Beneath the Waves: Santa Maria is renowned globally for its exceptional opportunities to swim with majestic manta rays, making it a must-visit destination for marine enthusiasts.
- The Green Island: São Miguel is home to an array of stunning hot springs, breathtaking lakes, and lush green forests which attract tourists from far and wide.
- Unwind in the natural hot springs pools of Furnas or Caldeira Velha, savor the unique flavors of cozido das Furnas, and let the immense beauty of the island's crater lakes truly amaze you.
- Local Insights: Embrace a seamless journey with our exclusive insights, ensuring you savor hidden gems, dodge crowds, and create memories that will last forever.
- Tailored to Your Dreams: You can personalize your experience by adding more nights to your stay, some exciting excursions, or even a rental car!
Itinerary
Welcome to Santa Maria! Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon your arrival and departure, and for a seamless start to your journey, we recommend booking an early check-in.
Suggestion for the day:
- Take the afternoon to stroll around Vila do Porto and discover all its charm.
Not to miss:
- Forte de São Brás
- Misericórdia Church
Suggestion for the day:
- Full-Day Tour Around the Island: Santa Maria Island is the closest island to São Miguel, and it is also considered to be the ‘’mother island’’ of the Azores because it is the oldest of the nine islands! As the saying goes: Great things come with age, and this is the case in Santa Maria! The island is quite different from any other island in the Azores. Around 5,000 inhabitants call this Azores island home, and they’re proud to live in the only Azores island with white sand beaches. Imagine that! The Azores have a secret Caribbean look-alike island in Santa Maria.
Key Highlights:
- Anjos Bathing Area: Relax in a natural pool with a Christopher Columbus statue.
- S. Lourenço: Traverse picturesque parishes, enjoy stunning viewpoints.
- St. Espirito: Visit a 17th-century church, island museum, and handicraft cooperative.
- Baía de Maia: Explore a summer and vineyard haven with a top-tier waterfall.
- Praia Formosa: Conclude your day at the pristine beach for a refreshing swim or rest.
Welcome to São Miguel! Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon your arrival and departure, and for a seamless start to your journey, we recommend booking an early hotel check-in.
Suggestion for the day:
- Take the day 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.
- 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:
- Visit charming Nordeste: Discover the enchanting scenery of cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and coastal cliffs. Traverse the iconic viewpoints like Ponta do Sossego and Ponta da Madrugada, offering breathtaking panoramas of lush green hills and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Wander through the charming town center, surrounded by traditional Azorean architecture, and delight in the serene atmosphere of the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park.
- Say Goodbye to the Azores with a Fado Dinner: A captivating and deeply emotional experience that combines the soulful melodies of Fado music with delicious Azorean cuisine. As you enter a cozy, dimly lit restaurant, you'll be enveloped in an atmosphere of nostalgia and tradition. The hauntingly beautiful strains of Fado, performed by local musicians, fill the air, evoking a profound sense of saudade—the Portuguese longing for something lost.
Thank you for choosing us! 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 clearly stated.
About the Destination:
São Miguel
São Miguel is the largest and most populated island of the Azores and it offers a myriad of attractions and exciting things to do. Embrace the warmth of the hot springs abounding in Furnas, the awe-inspiring nature of the island's massive volcanic craters, and the strikingly vibrant floral and fauna. Explore the historical city center of Ponta Delgada and the island's many charming villages. Marvel at the hydrangeas that paint the whole island in hues of purple, white, and pink. Go whale-watching and hike around the beautiful lakes. São Miguel is a fantastic vacation destination and you will wish to stay longer.
Santa Maria
Close to São Miguel is the small island of Santa Maria. Take a break from the excitement of São Miguel and enjoy a slower pace of life on its neighboring island. Santa Maria is a small but beautiful island with warm weather, picturesque villages and unusually white sandy beaches.
Check out our Azores Travel Guide for more information and tips.
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