Comprised of 9 volcanic islands, the Azores is an autonomous area of Portugal, positioned roughly 1,500 kilometers west of mainland Europe.
I just lately explored these spectacular islands and I fell in love with their breathtaking landscapes, boasting lush greenery, volcanic craters, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque inexperienced lakes.
Though it will be greatest to finances at the very least 15 days to see all of the superb highlights of those islands, I do know that almost all of us don’t have the luxurious of such a protracted trip time. So on this publish, I’ll attempt to squeeze the very best of the Azores right into a one-week itinerary.
I hope it will likely be useful to plan your superb trip within the Azores.
Azores Itinerary at a Look: Issues to Know Earlier than Touring to the Azores
Earlier than we dive into the detailed itinerary, I want to share just a few essential ideas concerning the Azores islands, that can assist you have got an incredible time.
The Azores Islands are identified for his or her pure magnificence and various ecosystems, making them a paradise for out of doors fans and nature lovers.
The truth is, the archipelago provides a variety of actions, together with climbing by scenic trails, exploring volcanic caves, swimming in pure swimming pools, and whale watching within the surrounding waters.
Even in case you are touring on a finances, it is best to nonetheless contemplate renting a automotive, as a result of it’s essentially the most cost-effective option to discover the islands.
On this 7-day itinerary, I’ve included all of the highlights of Sao Miguel, the most important of the islands and the one with the very best variety of sights, a mixture of historic websites, and pure gems.
I’ve additionally added another choice, which is spending 2 days in Pico which you’ll add to your 7 days in Sao Miguel. Or you may break up your 7 days between the 2 islands.
Understand that all 9 islands are spectacular and price visiting. Nevertheless, if the time is restricted I’ve picked what I contemplate essentially the most spectacular websites.
One other factor to bear in mind is that Within the Azores the climate could be very unpredictable subsequently you have to be ready to modify your plans round accordingly.
The best way to get to the Azores
Attending to the Azores is less complicated than you suppose. Azores Airline flies from Toronto, Montreal Boston, and Newark.
From Europe you could find direct flights from the main European hubs, together with Lisbon, Paris, and London, to call just a few.
Should you love cruises, a number of the transatlantic cruises have a cease at Terceira Island and Sao Miguel, however on this case, it’s worthwhile to be pleased with spending simply a few days on this superb vacation spot.
There aren’t any ferries from Lisbon to the Azores.
The best way to transfer across the Azores
Transferring across the Azores could be very simple as nicely. Azores Airways (SATA) could be very inexpensive with a one-way flight that ranges from 60 to 90 USD per particular person.
Nevertheless, some islands, like Pico with Sao Jorge and Faial are interconnected by ferry in summer time and winter, whereas different islands are reachable by ferry solely in the summertime months, June, July, and August, which is definitely the excessive season within the Azores.
What’s the very best time to go to the Azores
In my, very private, opinion, the very best time to go to the Azores is Could, as a result of there are nonetheless fewer crowds earlier than the summer time insanity, and the climate is already heat. The water temperature should still be chilly however it is best to contemplate that you’re within the Atlantic Ocean, so the water won’t ever be as heat as within the Caribbean, not even in the summertime.
Additionally, in Could, you have got higher offers for resorts and flights.
Nevertheless if you’d like the very best climate you will need to journey in July and August however be sure to e-book your resort, automotive, and excursions approach upfront and be ready to seek out very crowded eating places and primary sights.
The winter may be very wet and windy however it’s not as chilly as common European climate. The coldest month is February with temperatures round 13ºC/57ºF.
The Azores: 7 days itinerary
Now that we now have clarified crucial subject about touring to the Azores let’s get to the day-by-day itinerary. After all, that is only a prompt itinerary and you may change round days and alter locations to your liking or based on the climate circumstances.
Day 1 Fly into Sao Miguel
On the primary day, you’ll be flying into Sao Miguel airport the place you may choose up your automotive that you’d have beforehand booked. I might suggest not staying in Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel capital, you probably have a automotive.
It’s a nightmare to discover a parking area and also you don’t really want a automotive to discover town.
There are lots of lovely and quiet areas to remain in Sao Miguel and with a automotive rental you may simply attain any vacation spot.
There are lots of VRBOs and resorts in Sao Miguel. Right here beneath I’m sharing a few choices.
Relying on what time you’ll be arriving, you may discover the encompassing areas of your villages or get to Ponta Delgada and stroll across the metropolis.
Or when you arrive within the morning you have got time to squeeze in one of many below-mentioned sights and make room for extra exploring.
Finest locations to remain in Sao Miguel
Sensi Azores Nature and Spa (candelaria)
An exquisite oasis of tranquillity alongside the coast between Ponta Delgada and Mosterios and close to many superb sights.
Terra Nostra (Furnas)
Among the best resorts in Sao Miguel because it’s positioned throughout the Terra Nostra Backyard the place the well-known Scorching Springs are positioned. If you’re staying within the resort you have got free entry to the swimming pools even when they’re closed to the general public. They’ve a terrific restaurant too.
This resort is positioned within the small village of Furnas which is without doubt one of the greatest areas to discover, brimming with many pure sights, and lookout factors. (extra about it in a bit)
Pedras do Mar Resort (Calhetas)
An exquisite 5-star resort on the northern coast of Sao Miguel with spectacular seashores breathtaking views and the place you discover the well-known Praia de Santa Barbara, the very best seaside for browsing.
Day 2 Mirador da Grota do Inferno + Sete Cidades
Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina views
That is one in every of my favourite areas to discover within the Azores. I might begin early morning not later than 7.30 am and instantly head over to Miraduro Grota do Inferno, the place you’ll acknowledge the long-lasting shot of the Azores.
Being a very fashionable vacation spot it will get packed simply and by 9.30 you received’t discover any parking accessible, not to mention the unspoiled view. So the earlier you get there, the higher it’s.
Thoughts that you just received’t see something if it’s foggy and it is best to change your plans round. It’s quite common within the Azores particularly up within the mountains. So, be ready.
After the spectacular views at Grota do Infierno, you may drive in direction of the gorgeous city of Sete Cidades and cease alongside the best way on the Miraduro do Rey, for different beautiful views of the Sete Cidades Lakes, the Lagoa Verde, and Lagoa Azul.
Should you love climbing there’s a lovely hike that begins there and continues all the best way to the village however then you’ll have to get a taxi to get again to your automotive, except you are feeling like strolling again, for a complete of 14 KM hike (8.7 Miles).
If you’re up for a brief stroll, drive right down to the village of Sete Cidades park the automotive, and stroll alongside the lakes. Though you can’t stroll all the best way round, there are good trails on each side.
By the Inexperienced Love restaurant, you can even discover a tour firm that rents kayaks to make use of on the lake, in case you are feeling adventurous.
Additionally, try the Church of Sao Nicolau and don’t miss the scrumptious muffins served at Casa Do Cha the place you can even cease for a hearty lunch.
Day 3 Whale Watching + Swimming
Wildlife fans can’t miss this boat journey to search for whales and dolphins. There are lots of native corporations that supply this tour and they’re all fairly dependable.
You can too e-book the additional exercise to swim with the dolphins.
Mainly, you’ll board the zodiac carrying a wetsuit prepared to leap in when you spot dolphins. It’s quite common to seek out them. I took three whale-watching excursions and I noticed dolphins in all of them.
However even when you don’t really feel like leaping in, solely to identify them from the boat is an incredible expertise and regardless of once you go Sperm whales are resident whales so you can spot all of them yr spherical.
Day 4 Furnas
Furnas is a reasonably city in the course of the Sao Miguel Island. There may be a lot to see and do there, that you may spend one full day and even two, you probably have the time.
Within the Caldeira da Furnas you may try the steaming geothermal swimming pools and geysers, then drive to the Furnas Lake and go to the Capela Nossa Senhora das Vitórias included in a personal property the place you may take a small hike to a waterfall. 
Try the lookout level Miraduro da Pico do Ferro and the Cascata da Grenà and proceed your day with an early dinner at Terra Nostra resort (much more pleasing when you keep there) and finish it with a bang with a dip within the scorching springs Poça da Dona Beija.
Day 5 Drive across the island 
Some of the enjoyable issues to do within the Azores is driving round and absorbing the superb views within the varied lookout factors scattered across the island, and take a look at some waterfalls. Amongst a number of the greatest stops you may embrace:
- Miradouro da Ilha Sabrina
- Termas da ferraria
- Moisterios pure pool (even higher at sundown)
- Santa Barbara seaside
- Parque Pure da Ribeira dos Caldeirões
- Miradouro do Salto da Farinha
Day 6 Hike to Lagoa do Fogo + Ponta Delgada
If you’re into climbing the path to the Lagoa do Fogo is a really lovely one. I did it with an organized tour however it’s completely doable by yourself. Trails are very nicely marked within the Azores and it’s troublesome to get misplaced. Since I journey alone, I simply e-book a guided tour as I really feel prefer it’s safer to stroll in nature with different folks.
It’s fairly a protracted hike however very gentle apart from the primary 500 mt which is sort of steep. Additionally, be sure it hasn’t rained the times earlier than the hike as a result of that will make the trail very muddy and slippery.
On the best way again you may cease by Ponta Delgada and stroll across the historic buildings alongside the black and white cobble roads, go to the outdated church buildings, and have dinner in one of many fancy eating places.
Day 7 Fly Residence
At the moment is your final day within the Azores. In case your flight is within the night you can make time to pay a go to to the Villa Franca and take a tour of the volcanic island the place you may even snorkel and swim contained in the crater (in case you are touring in the summertime). Be sure you try the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz church and its spectacular lookout over the bay.
The Azores Various Itinerary Sao Miguel + Pico 
If you wish to squeeze in one other island as a substitute of spending your entire keep in Sao Miguel, I might recommend going to Pico.
The so-called gray island is well-liked for the everyday lava stones cottages that you just primarily see within the space of Cachorro, proper behind the airport.
Pico can be identified for being the house to the very best mountain in Portugal, Pico Mountain after all. There are excursions that take you as much as the highest at 7,713 ft from sea degree. They are saying the hike is strenuous, not a lot for the steepness however for the uneven terrain and the sturdy winds. Nevertheless, the beautiful views make it price it.
If you wish to take the problem it is best to plan upfront and e-book your tour with a licensed information however understand that it may be canceled final minute if the climate circumstances aren’t favorable
Additionally, it’s worthwhile to pack heat mountain garments. In any other case, let’s see find out how to plan your Sao Miguel + Pico Itinerary.
You’ll be able to squeeze the Sao Miguel Itinerary in 4 days selecting the attraction that attraction to you essentially the most.
Then on the fifth day, you’ll be flying to Pico Island, with an early flight.
Additionally, I might e-book a VRBO within the Cachoro space, which is essentially the most spectacular, and near the airport. There you will get your self a cute black stone home with a crimson roof, proper in entrance of the rugged shoreline and close to the pure swimming pools and lava formations.
In that space, you can even try a volcano interpretation heart and a small wine museum.
Day 5 Fly to Pico Island early morning 
To benefit from your time I might suggest both reserving a full-day island tour or renting a automotive and exploring by yourself.
I did each which turned out to be a terrific alternative. I took a full-day jeep tour of the island with Philip from Terralta and I had a blast.
Within the remaining days, I rented a automotive and explored alone. Having a automotive in Pico can be a terrific concept as a result of you may attain superb lookout factors, pure swimming pools, and eating places which might be in the course of nowhere.
I cherished Magma, for my part, the very best restaurant in your entire Azores. I might return to Pico simply to eat there!
On this primary day, you may drive all the best way to Sao Roque and discover the shoreline and the lookout factors after which get to Magma for dinner. (They open at 7 pm)
Day 6 – Drive across the island all the best way to Lajes (whale museum)
In your final full day, you may both e-book the above-mentioned full-day Jeep tour or drive across the island by yourself.
Should you select the latter I might drive alongside the central highway and take a peak of the Pico Volcano, drive to the Lagoa da Rosada, and proceed all the best way to Lajes the place you may go to the Whale Museum and have a scrumptious however low cost lunch on the Comme si comme sa bar.
You’ll be able to both proceed the drive alongside the coast all the best way to the Calheta de Nesquim and cease by one of many balnearios that you’ll meet alongside the best way (often pure swimming pools) after which again to the Maddalena, the primary metropolis in Pico. Get to Madalena within the afternoon stroll round and have dinner at Ancoradouro, one other attention-grabbing restaurant.
Day 7 Departure
At the moment is your departure day. From Pico, you may solely fly to Lisbon, Terceira, or Sao Miguel. Relying in your last vacation spot it is best to choose the very best connecting flights.
Should you nonetheless have a while within the morning you may try the Gruta das Torres, an enormous spectacular lava tunnel the place you get an thrilling guided tour concerning the lava formations and volcanic exercise within the Azores.
A good way to finish your time within the Azores.
Azores Itinerary last ideas
I hope this Azores itinerary will encourage you to plan your subsequent journey. Everytime you determine to go be sure to examine the climate forecast and plan accordingly, however all the time embrace a raincoat, climbing footwear, and a heat jacket, but in addition a swimsuit and a towel to leap within the chilly waters of the Atlantic ocean. Most of all be ready for abrupt climate adjustments and don’t let it spoil your journey to the superb Azores Islands.
Visitor Writer: Isabella is an Italian everlasting expatriate and a nomad. After 7 years of dwelling and dealing in Cancun, Mexico, she left her fancy company life to begin her journey internationally with a digicam and a drone. She travels for the sake of touring and her vacation spot is the journey itself. You’ll be able to comply with her travels on Boundlessroads.com.
Learn Subsequent:
Uncover Portugal’s Hidden Gem: Costa Vicentina
Get Journey Insurance coverage
Sadly, there are plenty of issues that may go incorrect on any journey. Be ready for the worst with journey insurance coverage. We use Travelex.
E book Flights
I exploit Skyscanner to seek out flights. I exploit it a lot, I wrote a complete information to discovering low cost flights with Skyscanner! Momondo can be a terrific website for locating low cost flights.
E book a Place to Keep
I like to recommend utilizing Expedia.com or Accommodations.com for many resort bookings. I choose to e-book straight with Marriott after I keep there due to their glorious army low cost.
Should you choose staying in a trip rental as a substitute, I like to recommend VRBO.
Select Actions and Excursions
To seek out nice actions in any space I exploit Get Your Information and Viator. If we’re visiting a metropolis with a number of well-liked sights I all the time examine CityPass and GoCard to see if they’ve low cost playing cards accessible.
After I wish to e-book a full-on multi-day tour I exploit TourRadar. They’ve acquired improbable weekly offers.
Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks, which implies we could obtain a fee when you click on a hyperlink and buy one thing that we now have really helpful however doesn’t value you any additional. Please try our disclosure coverage for extra particulars. Thanks to your help!
