Best of the Azores: São Miguel & Terceira - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive on São Miguel Island, Kayak at Sete Cidades, Tour Western São Miguel

Bem-vindho! Welcome to the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel. You'll touch down at the Ponta Delgada Airport, where your driver is awaiting your arrival. After a quick check-in at your accommodation for the next two nights, it's time for your very first adventure of the trip—kayaking the Sete Cidades. If you've seen those quintessential photographs of the Azores from a clifftop overlooking a chain of turquoise lakes, you'll recognize this iconic natural wonder. Spend the morning gliding along these peaceful lagoons and soaking in the sweeping scenery.

Hop in a car and put your feet up this afternoon for a private tour of the western end of the island. São Miguel might be the largest island in this volcanic archipelago, but it only takes 1.5 hours to drive across it. A stroll through the quaint town of Ribeira Grande is up first, followed by a deep dive into the island's lush interior at Salto do Cabrito waterfall and a well-deserved meal to fuel your adventures. You'll get a birds-eye view of Sete Cidades before ending with a grand finale at the island's westernmost point in the seaside village of Mosteiros, known for its lava rock tide pools. 

Day 2: Tour Eastern São Miguel, Whale Watching Excursion

Set out toward the opposite side of São Miguel today with your private driver. You'll head east after a quick breakfast, picking your way through the rolling landscape. This tour highlights the island's volcanic activity, with your first stop dedicated to sweeping ocean views at Miradouro de Santa Iría. Speed your way toward the town of Furnas next for a glimpse of the geothermal features the Azores are known for. Tucked inside a volcanic caldera, this area is dotted with thermal baths and burbling mud pits. Make sure to try the local delicacy cozido das Furnas (a stew cooked underground using geothermal heat).

This afternoon, you're off to see the largest mammals on Earth (and more) on a whale watching tour. Twenty different dolphin and whale species are present in the ocean off the Azores at any given time. Keep your eyes peeled for sperm whales, bottle-nosed dolphins, and even orcas. There's no better way to experience this astonishing biodiversity than by boat, and that's just what you'll do on this group whale watching excursion.

Day 3: Fly to Terceira Island, Local Farm Visit

Get ready for a change of scene as you hop over to an entirely new Azorean island today. Your driver will escort you to the airport in Ponta Delgada, where you'll board your flight to Terceira. Nicknamed "Lilac Island," Terceira is the third-largest island in the archipelago but has the second-largest population. You'll spend the next two days uncovering its dedication to traditional farming practices, admiring the colorful homes and church facades, and digging into local gastronomy.

After settling in at your accommodation, you'll dive right into life on a local dairy farm. The Azores are known for their cows, both beef and dairy, and you'll have the chance to be fully immersed in traditional agricultural practices. Get to work alongside the local farmers who will teach you not only how to milk a cow but also share stories of why keeping this tradition alive is so important. Of course, you'll also get to reap the benefits of your hard work in the form of a local cheese and wine tasting alongside your bovine companions. 

Day 4: Gastronomic Tour of Terceira

Yesterday, you witnessed Terceira's sustainably raised cows who spend their lives happily grazing among the rolling hills. Today, you'll take off on a full-day gastronomic tour that reveals both the island's striking landscapes and its traditional dishes, many of which focus on beef. 

One of Terceira's most famous meals is alcatra, a slow-roasted pot roast seasoned with peppercorns, garlic, onion, cloves, and red wine. Try it alongside massa sovada, sweet breads that are used to sop up the savory meat drippings. Terceira is also known for its white wines. Although you might traditionally pair red wine with beef, go out on a limb for the local varietal. Don't pass up dessert, which can't be anything other than queijadas (Portuguese cheesecake). Similar to the classic pastéis de nata (custard tarts) on the mainland, these sweet treats resemble mini cheesecakes. 

Day 5: Depart Terceira Island

Wave goodbye and say adeus to Terceira and the Azores. When the time comes, your driver will be ready and waiting to take you to Lajes International Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Great Azores Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Azores? Check out these other Azores itineraries, explore different ways to spend five days in the Azores, or discover the best time to visit the Azores.