Experience the Azores: Nature & Adventure on São Miguel Island - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive on São Miguel Island 

Welcome to the Azores! These nine volcanic islands lie roughly 1,000 miles (1,600 km) west of mainland Portugal in the North Atlantic, and today you're headed for São Miguel, the largest and central island of the archipelago. With an enviable terrain of forest-wrapped volcanic peaks, azure lakes, and improbably perfect calderas, this is the perfect base to discover this remote and remarkable corner of Europe. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by a private driver who'll transfer you to your hotel in the capital of Ponta Delgada. The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring the charming town at your leisure.

Take a stroll to the striking Convento de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, a 16th-century convent with an opulent Baroque altar. Wander to the port and explore the Forte de São Bras, an imposing fortress erected in 1552 to guard the city, then stop for a bite and sink your teeth into the island's famous pineapples. If natural history's your thing, consider a self-guided tour of Museu Carlos Machado. It's the oldest museum in the Azores, dedicated to the 19th-century naturalist Carlos Machado and offers exhibits on geology, mineralogy, and an array of local flora and fauna. 

Day 2: Go Whale Watching in the Azores

The Azores are among the best whale watching destinations in the world— their location in the middle of a key migratory route means that over 25 species of cetaceans are found in the archipelago's cool, deep waters. Since there is no continental shelf around the islands, several deep-sea species swim next to the coastline, including sperm whales, beaked whales, and dolphins.

After breakfast, meet your guide as you board a boat to spot these fantastic creatures with the help of biologists and naturalist guides. Search for whales, dolphins, turtles, and more while discovering the islands' scenic coastline and sandy beaches. Then take a tour around the islet of Vila Franca do Campo for a closer look at this volcanic marvel and its resident wildlife.

Day 3: Discover the Geothermal Wonders of Furnas Valley

Today's guided tour takes you into the Furnas Valley, a volcanic caldera that has lain dormant since 1630. It's one of São Miguel's most intriguing geothermal spots, where mud pots bubble and fumaroles steam amid the verdant landscape. Your first stop will be a walking trail of Pico do Ferro, which offers some of the best views of nearby Furnas Lake. The route is circular in muddy flat terrain and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. From there, it's on to the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden―the oldest botanical garden in the Azores―where you can enjoy a dip in the thermal pools and natural Jacuzzis surrounded by the greenest scenery.

Your experience at Furnas won't be complete until you sit down to lunch to try the traditional dish of cozido, a stew famous for being cooked underground using geothermal heat, and the ananás (pineapple) for dessert. You can also opt to join a cooking workshop to learn how to whip up a traditional cozido yourself. After lunch, you'll get to explore more of the valley's volcanic activity, like steam vents, fumaroles, and mineral water fountains that gush from the lava walls, before making a final stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory to enjoy a cup of delicious tea at the only tea plantation in Europe. 

Day 4: Morning Snorkeling Excursion, Free Afternoon

This morning you'll discover the Azores' remarkable aquatic landscapes with a guided snorkeling excursion. Head to the dock in Ponte Delgada to board your boat and set off for some of the island's best snorkeling spots. After gearing up, you'll dive into a panorama of lava formations and sheltered underwater caves home to diverse and rare marine life. While the archipelago's waters are renowned for its plentiful whales, dolphins, and sharks, you might also spot rays,  moray eels, and schools of flounder and tuna.

The afternoon is yours to spend as you please, but you'll probably want to pay a visit to some of the island's best beaches. Head to Praia de Santa Bárbara for over half a mile of soft sand and a great lunch spot at nearby Tuka Tulá Bar. During the summer you can also attend nighttime concerts here. At Praia de Água D'Alto, you'll find a wide stretch of volcanic sand, clear water, and dramatic cliffs—a combination that makes it one of the most popular beaches on the island.

Day 5: Hiking Adventure to Lagoa do Fogo

Today you'll experience an invigorating hike to Lagoa do Fogo, one of the largest and most pristine of São Miguel's spectacular crater lakes. Reachable only on foot, your trip to the lake starts with a drive to Água D'Alto, a stunning area on the south coast, where you'll set out on a hiking trail heading north.

An early uphill climb takes you to an altitude of nearly 1,968 feet (6,000 m) before leveling out onto a levada—an ancient drainage system that crosses the island and creates a perfect walking path for hikers. Catch your breath on this flat portion and enjoy the surrounding vegetation, including many rare and endemic species. As you reach the lake's edge, settle on the scenic south bank and enjoy a picnic lunch and a swim. On your return journey, you can also stop at Caloura for some beach time before heading back to Ponta Delgada for the evening.

Day 6: Hike the "Seven Cities" of Sete Ciudades

Celebrate your penultimate day in the Azores with a hike into the otherworldly landscapes of the Sete Cidades (Seven Cities). Located on the west side of São Miguel Island, this remarkable area of natural beauty is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Lushly forested hillsides surround shimmering blue-green crater lakes like Empadadas, Santiago, and Twin Lakes, with a series of walking trails circling the crater's rims. There are several viewpoints along the way, such as Carvão and Vista da Princesa, where you can contemplate the landscape accessible only by foot.

Go for a hike along the iconic Cumeeiras Trail, which follows the volcano's rim and offers stunning views from both sides. Continue to the charming local church and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the village located inside the crater. On the way back to Ponta Delgada, a trail around the lake's edge passes through a small peninsula shrouded in trees and flowers—giving you one last chance to capture the wilderness of this pristine landscape with your camera.