Circuits · Azores

Azores, São Miguel

Crater lakes, whale watching, hot springs and a stew cooked in volcanic ground.

5 days14 stopsPonta Delgada 3n · Furnas 2nFly in, then hire a car
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DAY 1

Ponta Delgada

Night: Ponta Delgada
1

Ponta Delgada Centre

The City Gates (Portas da Cidade), black-and-white cobbled pavements and basalt churches.

1h30FreeAll year
↓ a few minutes on foot
2

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Boat trips leave from the marina. The Azores are one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins.

3hPaidApril to October (whales); dolphins all year
DAY 2

Sete Cidades · Ginetes

Night: Ponta Delgada
3

Sete Cidades and Vista do Rei Viewpoint

The crater with the Blue and Green lakes side by side.

1hFreeAll year (check for fog)
↓ ≈ 5 min by road · 4 km
4

Boca do Inferno Viewpoint

A short walk from Lagoa do Canário to the most complete view over the craters.

45 minFreeAll year
↓ ≈ 15 min by road · 12 km
5

Ponta da Ferraria

A sea pool warmed by a volcanic hot spring.

1h30FreeAt low tide
DAY 3

Serra de Água de Pau · Ribeira Grande · Maia

Night: Ponta Delgada
6

Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire)

A crater lake surrounded by unspoilt nature. A nature reserve.

1hFreeAll year (clear days)
↓ ≈ 5 min by road · 4 km
7

Caldeira Velha

Bathing in thermal water among giant ferns, with a warm waterfall.

1h30PaidAll year
↓ ≈ 15 min by road · 12 km
8

Gorreana Tea Plantation

The oldest tea plantation in Europe still in production.

1hFreeAll year
DAY 4

Furnas

Night: Furnas
9

Furnas Lake and the Cozido

Watch the cozido pots being dug up from the hot springs in late morning, then have cozido for lunch.

2hAccess feeAll year
↓ ≈ 5 min by road · 3 km
10

Terra Nostra Park

A botanical garden with an iron-coloured thermal pool.

2hPaidAll year
↓ a few minutes on foot
11

Poça da Dona Beijaoptional

Small thermal pools, open until late at night.

1hPaidAll year (good at night)
DAY 5

Nordeste · Faial da Terra · Vila Franca do Campo

Night: Furnas
12

Ponta do Sossego Viewpoint

Flower gardens above the island's wildest coast.

45 minFreeSpring and summer (flowers)
↓ ≈ 10 min by road · 8 km
13

Salto do Prego Trail

A trail through an abandoned village to a waterfall deep in the forest.

2h30FreeAll year
↓ ≈ 30 min by road · 29 km
14

Vila Franca do Campo Islet (Ilhéu)optional

A crater in the sea with a round lagoon of crystal-clear water.

3hPaid boatSummer