Family-Friendly Azores Adventure: Volcanoes, Wildlife & Beach Time - 7 Days

Highlights

• Take a dip in the refreshing thermal pools of Terra Nostra Botanical Garden
• See breaching whales and friendly dolphins on a whale watching tour
• Drive to the rim of a volcano on a thrilling 4WD Jeep tour
• Cruise the shoreline of São Miguel via kayak for a different view of the island

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ponta Delgada, Explore São Miguel Island

Welcome to the Azores! Your flight lands in Ponta Delgada, the most populous metropolis in Portugal's Atlantic Azores archipelago. Despite its size, the city retains all the charm of a small village, with quaint cobbled streets, historic churches, and family-friendly parks. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel, then you're free to explore. Start with a stroll through town, where the kids can burn some energy after the long flight, and the adults can take in sights such as the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, a 16th-century convent with an opulent Baroque altar.

Head to the port to see the Forte de São Bras, an imposing fortress erected in 1552 to guard the city, or if you've got budding naturalists in the family, visit the Museu Carlos Machado, dedicated to the 19th-century naturalist and the oldest museum in the Azores. Here, you'll find exhibits on geology, mineralogy, and local flora and fauna classified and tagged by Machado himself.

See the open-air Grace Market and watch vendors hawk their wares as locals shop for daily goods. Check out the many shops and stalls and perhaps grab a bite to eat—be sure to sample some of the island's pineapples, which are grown using smoke fertilization methods and are quite unique! Tonight, visit the City Gates, an 18th-century landmark with ornate archways that once acted as the island's first line of defense. The gates light up at night, a definite hit for the little ones.

Day 2: Discover Furnas Valley: Volcanoes & Botanical Gardens

Visit Furnas Valley today, an otherworldly landscape of secret gardens, thermal pools, and volcanic steam vents and fumaroles. Depart with your guide in the morning, making your way to the Pico do Ferro walking trail. The trail is a circular one and takes about 1.5 hours to complete, with a flat, fairly easy terrain that is manageable for most families. The path can be muddy, however, so make sure everyone has sturdy shoes that won't slip! The incredible views of Furnas Lake make the somewhat messy trek well worth the effort.

Next up is Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in the Azores. Walk through the lush greenery, let the kids take a dip in the refreshing thermal pools dotted around the gardens, and have a traditional lunch of cozido (stew), which is cooked underground, followed by local pineapple for dessert. 

After lunch, explore more of the valley's volcanic activity. See steam vents, fumaroles, and mineral fountains gushing from lava walls as your guide shares information on the history of volcanoes in the region. On your way back to Ponta Delgada, make a stop at the Gorreana Tea Factory, where you can see their factory and production process, roam the tea fields with the family, and sip some delicious tea. 

Day 3: Whale Watching Tour, Evening Foodie Fun

This morning, head to the port and embark on an epic whale and wildlife-watching excursion. The Azores are among the best whale watching destinations in the world, with over 20 different species found in the archipelago's waters. Accompanied by biologists and naturalist guides, your family will have the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, turtles, and more, cruising along the island's coastline and beaches. Before returning to port, you'll also stop for a tour around the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, part of a protected reserve that serves as a breeding ground for various marine birds. 

Later, step out with the kids on a fun-filled foodie tour through downtown Ponta Delgada. Together with your guide, you'll enjoy a progressive menu of fruit, honey, bread, pastries, seafood, artisanal meats, and homemade desserts. Sample foods such as queijo de São Jorge, a cheese original to the Azores, bolo lêvedo (Portuguese-style muffins), or traditional desserts such as queijadas (cupcakes with custard). Along the way, you'll visit some of the sights around the city and get local recommendations from your guide on additional family-friendly things to do. 

Day 4: Beach Day in São Miguel, Epic Canyoning Adventure

Make it a beach day with a self-guided exploration of São Miguel's parks and beaches. Start at Areal de Santa Bárbara, which runs just over half a mile (1 km) along the shoreline and has amenities such as restrooms, bars, and restaurants. Nicknamed "surfers' beach," this is a great spot for bodyboarding or surfing. If you've got smaller kids, you can also visit Milícias Beach, considered one of the best beaches for children and one of the most popular in São Miguel. Here you'll find a nice pedestrian promenade, changing rooms, and a solarium area. 

Check out Pedreira Beach if you're feeling adventurous—the beach sits close to cliffs, and it can be somewhat difficult to access, so this is best for older kids or teens—or head to Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lagoon of the Seven Cities) for gorgeous landscapes that will please the whole family. Other beach options include Lagoa das Empadadas, Lagoa do Fogo (the second largest lagoon on the island), Lagoa das Furnas, or the rugged and beautiful Caldeira Velha.

If you've got kids who want something a bit more exciting, consider a canyoning excursion. You'll meet your guides, and after a safety and equipment briefing, make your way to what is considered one of the island's best natural playgrounds, a canyon area with rappels, jumps, and waterslides. The canyon isn't overly technical, which makes it perfect for beginners but will still please the adrenaline junkies in your group. Parents should keep in mind that the tour is intended for children aged 10 and older, although private tours can accommodate kids as young as 8 years old.

Day 5: Jeep Tour & Hiking in Sete Ciudades

Discover more of São Miguel via Jeep tour, departing in the morning for an off-road tour of Sete Cidades. Located on the west side of the island, this more than 1,600-foot (500 m) volcanic caldera is estimated to have formed 22,000 years ago and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The region consists of lush hillsides rising between numerous tranquil lakes, each with its own distinctive character, hiking trails, and stunning panoramic views. 

Your first stop is Ponta da Ferraria, a natural thermal pool on the ocean. Take a dip in the warm waters, but keep in mind that accessing the pool requires climbing over basalt rocks and down a ladder. Families seeking a more low-key experience will also have the option of visiting Termas da Ferraria, an upscale resort with multiple pools, spa services, and a restaurant. 

Continue to Sete Cidades, where your driver will take you to the rim of the volcano, driving on dirt roads and across rugged terrain. Visit a village that sits inside one of the biggest craters in the Azores, and have a traditional Azorean lunch, or walk around town, stopping to see the two caldera lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. End with a hike at Serra Devassa, a loop trail that passes by six different lakes, offering sweeping views of the countryside. The walk takes about two hours to complete and does include some muddy terrain, so make sure kids and adults have proper gear!

Day 6: Sea Kayaking Tour, Volcano Cooking Class

Make the most of your family's last day in the Azores with a sea kayaking adventure. São Miguel has more than 100 miles (200 km) of gorgeous coastline, offering a view of the island from an entirely different perspective. Your guide will let your family choose from seven different routes, two of which are actually on inland volcanic lakes, and your itinerary will be based on your skills and preferences. Route difficulty can vary based on weather and time of year, and the minimum age for the tour is 10 years old. 

This afternoon, try a new cooking experience that's sure to delight kids of all ages. Visit a local chef and learn the art of slow cooking in a volcano! The most celebrated dish on the island, cozido das Furnas is a stew of meat (pork, beef, chicken, sausage) and vegetables (cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions) that is literally buried and cooked in the steaming hot volcanic soil of Furnas Valley. You'll meet your chef and shop for ingredients, then prepare the stew—the kids can try their hand at helping chop meats and vegetables! Put the meal in it's thermal "stove," and after it's done, enjoy a delicious picnic dinner. 

Day 7: Depart Ponta Delgada

Your family adventure in the Azores ends today. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your driver for your transfer to the airport, where you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels! 

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