Complete Azores

Description

4 Nights – São Miguel
2 Nights – Faial
2 Nights – Pico
2 Nights – Flores
3 Nights – Terceira
1 Night – São Miguel

✈ UK to São Miguel (4 nights): The largest of the nine islands, São Miguel is a lush, green paradise brimming with natural beauty and volcanic wonders. On the western side, you’ll find Sete Cidades, a breath-taking lake system with stunning lagoons and dramatic landscapes.  Its twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, offer scenic walks with incredible views along the way. The island is also home to the Furnas Valley, where geothermal springs bubble away, creating natural hot pools and cooking the famous cozido das Furnas, a stew slow-cooked underground by volcanic steam. In the central region, Lagoa do Fogo – one of São Miguel’s most stunning crater lakes – sits within a volcanic caldera, offering fantastic trails around its perimeter.  The island’s capital, Ponta Delgada, takes its name from the ‘delgada’ (slender) shape of its coastline and offers charming streets and colonial buildings.   Highlights include Igreja de São Sebastião, a fascinating church with distinctive Portuguese architecture, and Forte de São Brás, a 16th-century fortress housing the Museu Militar dos Açores. Along the marina, you’ll find a lively waterfront lined with cafés – perfect for sipping a drink while gazing out at the Atlantic.

The Azores are one of the world’s top destinations for whale and dolphin watching, with around a third of all known species spotted in their waters. Whether you’re in São Miguel or exploring another island, make sure you make the most of your chance to see these creatures in the wild during your holiday.

✈ São Miguel to Faial (2 nights):  After a short flight, you’ll arrive in Faial, often called the ‘Blue Island’ thanks to its hydrangeas that bloom between June and September.  This island is a living testament to the Azores’ volcanic history. One of its most unique sights is Capelinhos Volcano, where a 1950s eruption reshaped the island, creating an almost lunar landscape of ash and rock – almost like stepping into a Sci Fi movie. You can learn more about the story of the eruption in The Capelinhos Interpretation Centre, which is built underground.   Horta is Faial’s main city, which is full of galleries, markets and the Horta Marina, a legendary stop for sailors crossing the Atlantic.  As you stroll along the harbour, you’ll see the murals left behind by sailors from all over the world – each one telling its own story – and hopes for a safe crossing!

✈ Faial to Pico (2 nights):   Another short flight will take you to Pico, home to Mount Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal. For the ultra-ambitious looking for a challenge, climbing Pico is a bucket-list adventure, with incredible views above the clouds. However, if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, the island offers plenty to explore – from its lava fields and UNESCO World Heritage vineyards to its interesting whaling history, which you can learn more about at the Museu dos Baleeiros.  A visit to the vineyards will let you understand how the vines thrive in the black volcanic soil and create a wine (Verdelho) that’s as unique as the island itself.

✈ Pico to Flores (2 nights):   Flores feels like the best-kept secret in the Azores. From the wild beauty of Poço do Bacalhau’s waterfall to the pristine beach of Alagoa, it’s the type of place that’s meant for slowing down. Beyond the waterfalls and beaches, you can hike the island’s dramatic cliffs, explore hidden lagoons such as Lagoa Funda, and kayak along the coastline. The island is a haven for birdwatching, with rare species nesting on the cliffs, such as the Madeiran storm-petrel and Cory’s shearwater, and offers plenty of opportunities for whale and dolphin watching.

✈ Flores to Terceira (3 nights):   Terceira is a gateway to the central islands of the Azores. Its beautiful historic centre, Angra do Heroismo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the islands’ oldest city.  Here where you can wander through cobbled lanes lined with colourful buildings and historic churches.  Within it you’ll find the 16th century Sao Joao Baptista Castle, surrounded by three miles of walls along with the Angra do Heroismo Museum, which tells the story of the city and the island with a collection of arms, maps and art.  Overlooking it all is the Monte Brasil, a volcanic peninsula and a popular spot for hiking that offers incredible views.  You can also step inside an incredible ancient lava tube for a fascinating insight into the island’s geology.   Terceira is known for its coastal beauty with popular beaches including Vitoria Beach which is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, or for something secluded, head to Baía dos Moinhos with its calm, turquoise waters set against rugged cliffs.

Terceira to São Miguel (1 night):   To round off your unforgettable Azorean adventure, you’ll return to São Miguel for one final night. Relax in Ponta Delgada, where you can revisit the charming streets, enjoy a sunset drink by the marina, or indulge in some delicious local cuisine, making the perfect end to your journey.

São Miguel to UK:   You’ll fly home from Ponta Delgada after your unforgettable Azores trip.