Adventures in the Azores

Elizabeth Martin
May 8
4 min read

You know how you hear everyone talking about this one location? They really are hyping it up and then somehow your phone hears the conversations and starts feeding your socials with the same intel? And between the people and influencers you're like, wow, this place couldn't possibly be THAT amazing? Right, so that's what I thought about the Azores Islands - that they couldn't possibly be THAT amazing, but right ... so they were.

We had 6 nights and 7 days to explore the main island of Sao Miguel. We chose not to island hop, because one base location with a kiddo is way easier. Plus, the more I researched, the more I realized one week might not even be enough to see the entire main island. I was correct.

Details:

We took a 2.5 hour direct flight from Lisbon to Sao Miguel. The price was $125 USD round trip per person with baggage. Great deal if you ask me. We stayed in a beautifully perfect Airbnb called The Pink House. There's currently 2 options to stay but many more being built. A 3 bedroom (that we loved) and a studio. The breakfast basket filled with homemade breads, jams and local fruits each morning was an absolute treat. The location and the grounds are ideal for exploring. 10/10 would recommend.

Transport:

We chose to rent a car during our week to allow for max flexibility and you know my feelings on group tours. We rented from Guerin, which I didn’t realize is a sub company of Enterprise so I could have used points but lesson learned. We got an SUV, which we needed for the steep hills, and the cost was $145 for the week. Important to note that most of the rental cars are manual. If you need an automatic the price was about $650 for the week - thank goodness for my hubby.

Itinerary: Since we were staying central right outside of Ponta Delgado we treated each day as a day trip. Each day was treated as a driving loop to minimize driving and maximize sights. Below is the itinerary with location names for google maps.

Day 1:
- arrive late to Ponta Delgado and check into airbnb

Day 2:
- Miradouro de Santa Iria: gorgeous free overlook - I cried
- Gorreana Tea Planation - perfect spot to learn about the tea making process (Free), load up in the gift shop, enjoy a coffee and treats and play an epic game of hide and seek on the plantation. Level 2: there’s a beautiful hike up the mountain here that we did not attempt.
- Ribeira do Caldeiros - A beautiful (free) natural park with terraces, waterfalls, rustic houses and incredible photo stops. Level 2: there are many companies that coordinate waterfall jumping here which we did not attempt
- Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos - another overlook with lunch spots, adorable kittens and a wall perfect for a nap.
- Furnas Caldeiras - hot springs right in the center of town (free). The smell of sulfur is rich but the neatest part is the many spots to feel the water. All are marked with the temperature but was a neat way to safely experience the different water temps. Level 2: there are hot springs in this location that were closed for renovation but are supposedly gorgeous.
- Mata jardim Jose do Canto - this beautiful lake could be a full day trip. There’s more hot springs, plenty of hikes, incredible historical spots and just a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
Day 3:
- Pineapple Plantation - learn about the 3 year pineapple process and walk through the greenhouses (free) and mind boggling to see how much love goes into one pineapple.
- Rocha da Relva Walking Trail - this trail leads you down the side of the cliffs to a picturesque town located right along the sea. The town is only accessible via the trail so you’ll be sharing space with motorbikes, horses and a multitude of people 30 years older than you who put your fitness levels to shame. This isn’t a walk for the faint of heart - you’ll sweat.
- Termas da Ferraria - a natural hot springs pool located along the ocean. It feels spectacular (especially after that “walk”). Make sure to cozy up to the vents blowing in the heated salt water. Price was 5USD for adults and 2.5 USD for kids for 2 hours.
- Ponta Delgada - treat yourself to a locals dinner and wander around the main town.
Day 4:
- Whale Watching Tour with Picos de Adventuras - 10/10 would recommend. I didn’t realize the option through this provider was speed boats and was horribly nervous with a kiddo but it was the best. He loved the speed and we could fly off to any potential sighting. We saw multiple species of both whale and dolphin and this tour was the highlight of our trip. ($60USD/adult and $40/child). Beware that the tour can be rescheduled due to weather and occasionally weather prevents kids from being allowed so book early in your trip to allow for ocean changes.
Day 5:
- Drive to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno - weather prevented us from doing this hike, but the drive there was spectacular. Multiple lookouts and the ancient aqueduct led to a wonderful homeschool lesson. Every couple kilometers we were stopping for pictures so even if hiking isn’t your thing, add the drive!
- Green Love Restaurant - on the opposite side of the mountain we stopped at the Green Love Restaurant along with every other single tour on the island. Whew, would not recommend but you can grab a coffee and rent a kayak to explore the lake.
- Piscina Natural - the most epic natural pools right on the ocean! Perfect for swimming, jumping, sunning, exploring and floating around. Crystal clear water that is continually refilled by the ocean waves.
Day 6:
- Salto do Cabrito - a stunning multi tiered waterfall thats great to check out on during the wait for your entry time to …
- Caldeira Velha - incredible hot springs located in what feels like a costa rican jungle. There’s multiple pools of different temperatures. Tickets are timed and there’s not ample changing facilities or lockers so be sure to go in bathing suits and crocs. Truly delightful for both kids and adults.
Day 7: Fly to Lisbon