Visiting the Azores in 12 days: tips and itinerary

Discovered by Lusitanian navigators in the 15th century, the Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal, an archipelago that emerged in the Atlantic between Europe and the United States, and whose cultural and architectural heritage is perceptible in the main cities. From Sao Miguel to Pico via Terceira and Faial, the black of the volcanic rock, the blue of the ocean and the green of the vegetation blend together to offer exceptional landscapes that one soaks up as one goes from island to island, by plane or ferry.

Majestic volcanoes, lush calderas, fertile vineyards and sparkling lakes can be discovered along the roads, while the open coast offers unforgettable encounters with the giants of the seas.

Map: from Sao Miguel to Pico, our route to discover the Azores

Step 1: Sao Miguel

3 days – Nature

After a 4-hour flight from Paris, the plane lands on the perilous runway of João Paulo II airport in Sao Miguel, the largest island in the archipelago. We pick up our rental car and head to Ponta Delgada, the capital, where we enjoy walking around before exploring the island to discover its wildly beautiful landscapes shaped by volcanoes.

• Stroll through the historic center of Ponta Delgada to admire the arches of the Portas da Cidade, dating from the 18th century, and the Manueline style of the Church of São Sebastião.
• Marvel at one of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago by going to the caldera of Sete Cidades, in the west of the island, and contemplate its blue and green lakes from the Vista do Rei and Boca do Inferno viewpoints;
• Venture along the trails overlooking Lagoa do Fogo, a volcanic lake located in the center of the island, and take a dip in the hot springs of Caldeaira Velha;
• Follow the north coast to discover one of the few tea plantations in Europe by visiting the Fábrica de Chá Gorreana, in operation since 1883.

PRIVATE TOUR IN SAO MIGUEL

Stage 2: Third

3 days – 40 min flight – Nature

Departure by plane to Terceira, the third island of the archipelago discovered by the Portuguese, hence its name. We take the time to discover the cultural heritage of Angra do Heroísmo, the historic capital of the Azores between the 18th and 19th centuries, before setting off on the roads of this island which contains many natural treasures.

• Get lost in the alleys of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its colonial architecture buildings, such as the Palácio Bettencourt and the Palácio dos Capitães-Generais;
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the capital and its region from the summit of Monte Brasil, an ancient volcano dominating the city;
• Delve into the bowels of the earth by venturing into the Algar do Carvão, a 90 m deep volcanic chimney formed more than 3,200 years ago;
• Stroll through the charming seaside town of Praia da Vitória, on the east coast, and admire the panoramas offered by the Serra do Cume viewpoint;
• Go to the village of Biscoitos, on the north coast, to bathe in its natural pools.

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS IN TERCEIRA

Step 3: Faial

2 days – 35 min flight – Nature

After a short plane ride, we arrive on the island of Faial, the westernmost of the Azores. Nicknamed the blue island Due to the hydrangeas that color its landscapes in summer, it is also renowned for being a sanctuary for many marine mammals that gather off its coasts.

• Stroll through the picturesque town of Horta and admire the volcanic cone of Monte da Guia from Porto Pim beach, one of the most beautiful in the archipelago;
• Board a boat to observe whales, sperm whales, dolphins and other species of cetaceans present in large numbers off the coast of the island;
• Go hiking around the Capelinhos volcano, witness to the last volcanic eruption in the Azores between 1957 and 1958;
• Venture into the lush vegetation of the Faial caldera and discover the endemic flora covering this 400 m deep crater.

SNORKELING IN FAIAL

Step 4: Pico

2 days – 30 min crossing – Trekking – Wine tourism

We board a ferry to cross the stretch of sea that connects Faial to Pico, where the highest peak in Portugal (2,351 m) stands majestically. The second largest island in the Azores is distinguished by its superb landscapes, where lava fields, natural pools and vineyards, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, coexist.

• Set off on the green trails of Mount Pico, whose heights offer breathtaking views of the islands of Faial, São Jorge and Graciosa
• Walking between the corralsthe vineyards framed by volcanic stone walls where the Arinto, Terrantez and Verdelho grape varieties are grown, used to produce a remarkable variety of wines;
• Visit the wine museum in Madalena and swim in the natural pools of the Lajes region.

VISIT TO THE VOLCANOES AND LAKES OF PICO

Step 5: Sao Miguel

2 days – 50 min flight – Thermalism – Gastronomy

Back in Sao Miguel, we take advantage of the last days of this trip to the Azores to relax in the island’s famous thermal springs and discover the local gastronomy before boarding the plane back to France.

• Treat yourself to a wellness break in the Furnas Valley, renowned for its hot springs, rich in minerals, feeding thermal pools where it is good to relax;
• Stroll among the sublime flowers and endemic plants of the Terra Nostra botanical park before stopping at the village of Furnas to enjoy an authentic bakeda stew cooked on the fumaroles.
• Stroll among the stalls of the Mercado de Graça in Ponte Delgada to discover local products, such as the emblematic pineapples grown on the island, thespiderof pepper of the landa and of theaçaforaa variety of saffron.
• Enjoy delicious local pastries at the charming Louvre Michaelense café, once a shop selling hats imported from France.

BAPTISM DIVING IN SAO MIGUEL