Portugal's Azores in 8 Days: Terceira to São Miguel

Traverse volcanic trails, lush valleys, and whale-filled seas on this eight-day Azores journey through Terceira and São Miguel.

Country
Portugal
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
From
$2,260 /person
Book this trip

Your trip at a glance

Top Activities

Whale watching in the stunning seas of São Miguel, a world-renowned whale sanctuary

Hiking amid geologic and geothermal wonders, from the eastern to western sides of São Miguel

Road-tripping throughout Terceira, with stops at a volcanic chamber, natural pool, and hiking trail

Experiencing Ponta Delgada through its Gothic churches, historic architecture, and local cuisine

Swimming in natural hot springs and tasting a volcanic-made stew in the Furnas Valley

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Preview:

The Green Island of São Miguel

Acores Terceira Vale Achada1

Overview

Today, you’ll broaden your understanding of the Azores and head to the archipelago’s greenest area: the volcanic island of São Miguel. Depending on your flight time, you can use this morning to explore new parts of Terceira, whether you want a final stroll through your favorite neighborhood or another view of the coast. Then, you’ll drive to the airport and drop off your car before boarding your plane to São Miguel, which should take less than an hour. Upon arrival at this sprawling, subtropical island, you’ll pick up your next rental car at the airport. Once you check in to your hotel, you can unpack and enjoy its amenities, as you’ll be here for the next few nights. The rest of today is at your own pace, so you're free to explore the island however you see fit. If you're interested in getting the lay of the land, stretch your legs on a walk through Ponta Delgada. Among the city’s most impressive buildings, São Sebastião Church boasts a manueline portal, indicative of the Gothic period. Don't miss the Nossa Senhora da Esperança convent and chapel or the Carlos Machado museum, either. After this stroll, why not grab a dinner of local specialties, which pair best with a glass of Portuguese wine? There's no better fast track to the heart of a new destination than through your taste buds. (Breakfast)

Highlights

Historic Center of Ponta Delgada

Another capital city of the Azores, Ponta Delgada welcomes tourists with Gothic architecture, arched gates, and, of course, plenty of natural beauty. São Miguel lays claim to the title of Green Island, and its capital city merges the best of that greenery with a lively dose of cultural attractions, delicious restaurants, and one-of-a-kind museums.

São Miguel

Across the Azores, Mother Nature has created a land of natural beauty, where no two islands are exactly the same. The Azores consists of nine total volcanic islands, the largest and greenest of which you'll visit today. As you land in São Miguel, you'll encounter a seductive oasis of Sete Cidades and Fogo Lagoons. The power that emanates from the earth materializes in the island's geysers, hot thermal waters, and volcanic lakes — each of which you're soon to discover.

Accommodations

Senhora da Rosa (or similar)

Located in Ponta Delgada, less than two kilometers from São Roque Beach, this nature-based oasis maintains the greenery of Ponta Delgada's truest form. The property contains an outdoor swimming pool, free and private parking, a fitness center, and a lovely garden, while, for ultimate relaxation, there's also a sauna and hammam. All individual rooms, meanwhile, come with air conditioning, desks, and televisions. Some even contain balconies and pool views. Adding to the property's amenities, the on-site restaurant serves a buffet, continental, or vegetarian breakfast every morning, with flavors inspired by Portuguese and international cuisine alike.

Location:

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Phone:

+351296100900

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Transportation

Drive to the Terceira airport and drop off your car at the rental provider.

by car
Depart:
Terceira
Arrive:
Aerogare Civil das Lajes

When you land in São Miguel, pick up your new car from the rental service. You have a short drive of roughly 15 minutes before you reach your hotel.

by car
Depart:
Aeroporto João Paulo II
Arrive:
São Miguel

How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

Ready to Go?

Let our local experts plan your dream trip.

What's included

Included in the final price

  • Two nights of accommodation in Terceira, with daily breakfast included
  • Five nights of accommodation in São Miguel, with daily breakfast included
  • Car rental (manual model, can be upgraded to automatic) for the duration of the trip
  • Whale watching boat tour in São Miguel
  • Custom-made roadbook with daily itinerary and suggestions of places to visit and restaurants to eat
  • Personalized trip crafting
  • On-trip concierge service
  • 24/7 support
  • Entry and exit information and assistance
  • All activities, meals, tours, and experiences mentioned in the itinerary

Not included in the final price

  • International and domestic arrival and departure flights
  • Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
  • Fuel for the rental car
  • Repatriation assistance and insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything else not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go
Day 1:
Bem-vindo a Portugal!
Day 2:
Hiking, Swimming, and Adventuring Around Terceira
Day 3:
The Green Island of São Miguel
Day 4:
Warm Waters and Iconic Treks of São Miguel West
Day 5:
Whale Watching and the Splendid Seas of São Miguel South
Day 6:
Dramatic Landscapes in the Volcanic Furnas Valley
Day 7:
São Miguel’s Untouched Eastern Oasis
Day 8:
Até a Próxima!