The Azores❤️. What a beautiful spot on earth! Have you visited these Portuguese islands in Europe yet? If your answer is "No, but I'd love to go" or "No, but Sonja and Jerry, I just bought the flight ticket, aaaaaa!", then we might have something that will help you plan your trip: ta-ta it's your Sao Miguel 7-day itinerary.
Sao Miguel 7-Day Itinerary
Before starting with the itinerary, we suggest renting a car via rentalcars.com prior to arrival. We did it and got a great price. Now let's have a look what you can squeeze into a 7-day itinerary on Sao Miguel island:
Day 1 - Ponta Delgada
Fly into the airport of Ponta Delgada, the capital city of the Sao Miguel island. The city is not so big, so if you go for a stroll around the city, you will most likely see the majority of the sights. But if you are a sightseer than these are the top things to do in Ponta Delgada: Portas de Cidade, Igreja do Santo Cristo, Igreja do Sao Pedro, Nucleo de Santa Barbara, Forte de S. Bras, Palacio de Presidencia. Don't forget to try some delicious local food and wine at one of the restaurants - a very good one is called A Tasca. Sleep over in Ponta Delgada.
Where to Stay in Ponta Delgada
Luxury accommodation: Grand Hotel Acores Atlantico
Budget accommodation: Out of the Blue
Day 2 - Furnas
Furnas shouldn't be missed on your Sao Miguel 7-day itinerary! Pack your swim suit, take a bus and go straight to a place called Terra Nostra. Enjoy a bath in this warm iron lake. Afterwards go for a walk through this beautiful garden full of different plants! Once out, walk to the Furnas lake and stroll around the lake. On the way you will see a natural wonder - the Furnas geyser. That's it. Day 2 is over. Go back to Ponta Delgada by bus or sleep over in Furnas.
Where to Stay in Furnas
Luxury accommodation: Terra Nostra Garden Hotel
Budget accommodation: Hotel Vale Verde
Day 3 - Dolphin and Whale Watching
Prepare your stomach. On day 3, you can do a 5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour. We recommend to do this tour with Moby Dick Tours in Ponta Delgada, as they do their best to spot as many sea animals as possible. Despite the fact, that we only saw different types of dolphins and no whales, it was an unforgettable experience. In order to have higher chances to see whales too, consider visiting the island early summer (June). Oh and, don't to this tour if you tend to get sea sick ;) If you have some energy left, be courageous and hitchhike (we did it - so much fun!) to the cute neighbour village called Vila Franca do Campo. Once back, sleep over in Ponta Delgada.
Day 4 - Sete Cidades & Mosteiros
Day 4 will be a pure adventure and there will be lots of "wauu, wooow, boaahhh"! Get up early, it will be a long day. It's time to see the most famous spot on this island. Sete Cidades. But first, organize a car for the rest of the week. Once done, drive from Ponta Delgada to Ponta da Ferreira. Observe the volcanic scenery and plunge into the hot thermal water. After some cool hours at the seaside, head to the village Sete Cidades and check out the nature around Lake Azul. Then park your car at the bridge that devides Lake Azul and Lake Verde. Start hiking to this beautiful viewpoint - Vista do Rei. Once there, check out the abandoned hotel and climb to the roof to enjoy the views (yes, it's allowed). Now, hitchhike to the BEST PLACE EVER on this island - Lagoa of Canario viewpoint!! (you can also hike back to the car and then drive to this point). Aren't these views spectacular? Finished? Now it's up to you. If you have some energy left, you can end the day with a romantic sunset. Drive to Mosteiros, a small village on the Northwestern part of the island and have a glass of wine ready. Sleep over in Ponta Delgada, Ribeiria Grande or wherever you like :)
Wondering what camera we use to make these photos? Here's the link.
Where to Stay in Sete Cidades
Mid-budget accommodation: Lagoon's House
We can absolutely recommend to book a tour with GetYourGuide:
Day 5 - Lake Fogo
It might be that day 5 will be another highlight of your trip. Well, we don't know. But it's quite possible :) Lake Fogo will do its magic, that's for sure! Plan a whole day for this trip. There are two ways to spend the day - one option is to park the car and descend to the lake and then walk along it until you find a place you feel most comfortable to spend your day at - a place where you'll be lying on the beach and take a swim in the water. Another option is to go on a 7-hour hike around the lake.
Sleep over in Ribeira Grande or wherever you are staying.
Where to Stay in Ribeira Grande
Luxury accommodation: Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort
Budget accommodation: We stayed at Vila Laura!
Day 6 - Northern Coast
A region that surprised us the most was the Northern coast. The views over the cliffs are spectacular. Don't forget to include it on your Sao Miguel 7-day itinerary! Start your day by visiting the viewpoint Ponta do Cintrao, then head to the next one called Miradouro de Santa Iria. If you're interested to see tea plantations and buy some local tea, go to the Gorreana factory. After that drive all the way to the park named "Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões" and chill out. Now go for a lunch break in the cute village with white houses - Nordeste. When your stomach is full, drive to Ponta da Marquesa to enjoy the views and last but not least finish your day at Ponta do Sossego. Drive back and sleep over in Ribeira Grande or wherever you are staying.
Where to Stay in Ribeira Grande
Luxury accommodation: Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort
Budget accommodation: We stayed at Vila Laura!
Day 7 - Beach Time
Oh, finally. Beach time! Much needed after an adventurous 7-day trip on Sao Miguel island. Choose the legendary and marvellous beach called Praia dos Moinhos in the northern part of the island. Don't look any further. It's one of the best beaches on the island and it is recommended by many locals. Have a coffee, enjoy the sun, take a swim or just have a nap on the beach. Watch out the time though as you need to catch your plane :)
Where to Stay near Praia dos Moinhos
We recommend to stay at Maia Guest House!
Travel Insurance
Do you need a travel insurance for your trip to the Azores? When we go travelling, we usually use World Nomads.
That's it. 7 days are over. What a pity! But hey, don't be sad... You can already start planning your next adventure. Isn't that a cool thing too? So, what's next after the Azores, huh? Tell us, tell us!! ;)
Did you like this blog post? If yes, feel free to share it with your friends and family!
Have you been to the Sao Miguel island? Did you visit any other places? Let us know in the comments below!
PS: Here is a short video of our 7-day itinerary on Sao Miguel Island!
Although blogging is fun, it takes a lot of time to write quality articles. If you found this information useful, please consider donating and supporting us. Many thanks! Sonja & Jerry
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Write a comment
Reni (Sunday, 05 November 2017 08:47)
Wow! Your pictures are amazing. I wish we could say: "Hey Sonja and Jerry, we just bought flights.." but we definitely know that we would love to visit the Azorens. The landscape looks so beautiful and it's so green. Absolutely stunning.
Best wishes from the rainforost in Australia
Sonja (Sunday, 05 November 2017 10:53)
Thank you Reni! We're glad you like it! Yes, the Azores are such a beautiful spot on earth, full of lush vegetation. Really recommendable! You should put it on your bucket list ;)
Enjoy Australia :)
Nigel William (Thursday, 09 November 2017 20:04)
Hi, Sonja! Yet another great story and magical place to discover! Speaking of magic, these photos are amazing. It really looks like you had a great time. I hope more people find them inspirational like I do and go on this adventure themselves. You did a great job with details, there is a little something to anyone. I was wondering, is this anything you wish you knew before going on this trip?
Sonja (Saturday, 11 November 2017 23:17)
Hi Nigel, thanks again for your comment! Yes, the Azores are a cool place on earth too! :) Especially the North of the Sao Miguel island is fantastic. Hmmm... to answer your question - it is recommendable to hire a car, definitely. It is also great to choose 2 different locations to stay when on the island..
Dune (Friday, 11 May 2018 15:53)
Its like you get me! I am leaving short notice to go next Saturday and this is exactly the kind of itinerary I would have pulled together if I had the time. Thank you!
TheTraveller (Wednesday, 04 July 2018 12:51)
Hello! Is there any way to get in touch with you in order to get more information about booking tours? Thanks!
Sonja (Wednesday, 04 July 2018 13:02)
Hi The Traveller :)
Yes, of course - contact us via the e-mail: myhammocktime14@gmail.com or fill out the contact form.
Sonia (Friday, 17 August 2018 13:52)
Hi we are planning to go to Sao Miguel in 2019 in the summer 3 adults and 2 kids , how much would it cost for a 5 day tour in canadien funds?
Cristina (Monday, 01 October 2018 13:48)
What is the activity you are doing at 11 seconds in your video?
Katy (Tuesday, 07 May 2019 05:08)
Wow, Thank you Sonja. We were looking for an itinerary as we are spending a full week in Sao Miguel next month and you laid it all all out for us!! I'd like to get more information on hikes you would recommend that we can do on our own and any authentic local restaurants you would recommend. I will email you if that is okay. Thanks again!
BryoBry (Monday, 20 May 2019 16:02)
Well, that's where we're off to 1st week in June. Perfect for whale watching. Thanks guys!
Dunja (Thursday, 30 May 2019 18:11)
Thank you so much for this itinerary. I'm going there in two weeks for 10 days and I've been agonising about what to do, where to go, what to see. Your itinerary alines with my interests, plus I will add some hiking and paragliding (hopefully) since I have more time.
Thanks again, guys!
Visit Albania (Monday, 21 October 2019 17:20)
Another place with incredible things to do and visit is Albania. There are a lot of beautiful cities that have a lot to offer from their history and culture to their amazing nature and traditions. It's a must visit.
http://albania.al/
ros (Wednesday, 15 January 2020 21:10)
Many thanks for the time saving 7 day itinerary for Sao Miguel. Your Day 4 drive to Sete Cidades & Mosteiros itnerary seems packed for one day. Is it better to do this in 2 days, seem rush to cover scenery, swim in thermal water and hike all in one day ? Also Lake Fogo trip which is better option as we are able bodied, reasonable but not avid hikers. And Day 6-Northern coast do it in 1 or 2 days. I am staying PDL for 7 days from May 25 to June 1st inclusive and skipping the whale watching and beach time itinerary.. Appreciate hearing your helpful advice so I can determine how many days to rent a car. Thanks much, ros
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