The Azores: São Miguel City Escape

Stay in a fabulous hotel in the heart of historic downtown Ponta Delgada!

What's Included?

Why we love this deal:

• Explore all that charming, historic Ponta Delgada has to offer just steps from your hotel: visit the bustling farmer's market, shop for unique pieces made by local artisans, and marvel at the beautiful European architecture around every corner;
• Rent a car or book a sightseeing tour and venture out to explore the island with ease from your centrally located hotel;
• You can customize your travel itinerary according to your preferences. Options include: adding additional nights to your stay, car rental, or some other experience to make your itinerary even more unique and special;
• You won't have to worry about anything, as we have taken care of everything for you.

Itinerary

1

Day 1

Arrival in São Miguel Island

Transfer to the hotel.

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. Or book here your Ponta Delgada City Tour. 

Not to miss:

• Portas da Cidade
• Louvre Michaelense
• Pineapple Plantations
• Matriz Church

Day 2

Free Day for Personal Activities

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. 

or

• Book here a guided tour around the west and central parts of the island that will have you discovering this and much more in the company of a local guide.

Day 3

Free Day For Personal Activities

Suggestion for the day:

• Head to the island's north side to visit the Protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo and take this chance to visit (and maybe bath) 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 stopping 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 calderas, 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! 

or

• Book a Furnas guided tour here.

Day 4

Free Day for Personal Activities

Suggestion for the day:

• Take the day to explore charming Nordeste.

Highlights:

• Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint
• Ponta da Madrugada Viewpoint
• Arnel Lighthouse
• Poço Azul Hiking Trail
• Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park

Or book a day tour to Nordeste (with hiking here).

Day 5

Free Day for Personal Activities

Suggestion for the day:

• Take the day for a hiking adventure

Recommended hikes:

• Lagoa do Fogo
• Moinhos do Félix
• Serra Devassa
• Sanguinho

Day 6

Free Day for Personal Activities

Suggestion for the day:

• Embark on a Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience
• The Azores Islands are known for their unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, adored by outdoor adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. But what people may not know is that the Azores is also one of the fastest-growing whale-watching destinations in the world. Located in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home and natural point of passage to more than 20 different types of whale and dolphin species, making the islands one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries.

Book here. 

Day 7

Return Flight Home

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. Just four hours from Boston, the Azores are now easier to access and explore than ever before. São Miguel Island is a beautiful green jewel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With stunning lush landscapes, exotic plants, dormant volcanos, hot springs, and surrounded by clean waters, São Miguel is the perfect vacation destination for adventure seekers and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path European destination.

Enjoy the island's quaint fishing villages, seaside restaurants, and delicious seafood. Taste a superb meal cooked under the ground, the cozido, and the locally grown sweet pineapple. There are numerous vacation activities to be enjoyed on the island. Take advantage of this great vacation package and have a great adventure!

In downtown Ponta Delgada try to:

• Discover the historical city of Ponta Delgada with its cobblestone streets and black-and-white mosaic pavements
• Check out the local farmers' market (Mercado da Graça) and taste the local produce
• Explore the burgeoning foodie scene at one of the city's many new restaurants
• Visit the Pineapple Plantation in Fajã de Baixo
• Head out in your rental car and easily explore some of the island's sights like Sete Cidades or the north coast's tea plantations

Check out our Azores Travel Guide for more informations and tips.