Planning a trip to the Azores means first drawing a rhythm. The archipelago stretches over 600 kilometres and counts nine islands with very different identities — the temptation to see as much as possible is strong, at the risk of racing from one transfer to the next without really settling in. We have designed three sample itineraries, tested by our travellers, each offering a different balance between immersion and coverage. All are adaptable to measure by our local team.
Itinerary 1 — 7 days on São Miguel in depth
For whom? First trip to the Azores, couples and families, travellers wanting to avoid the fatigue of inter-island flights. The best introduction to the archipelago, one island in depth.
Indicative budget: €900 to €1,700 per person (excluding international flight).
Day 1 — Arrival in Ponta Delgada
Arrival at João Paulo II airport. Transfer and check-in at the hotel in Ponta Delgada. Stroll through the historic centre: Portas da Cidade, António Borges garden, seafood dinner by the marina. Gentle acclimatisation.
Day 2 — Sete Cidades and west coast
Early start for Sete Cidades: Vista do Rei and Boca do Inferno, optional descent to the village. Afternoon in Mosteiros, possible swim in the natural pools, sunset facing the basalt islets.
Day 3 — Whale and dolphin watching
Sea outing from Ponta Delgada (3-4 h). Free afternoon to explore the city, the Carlos Machado museum or the Faja de Baixo pineapple plantations.
Day 4 — Furnas and hot springs
Drive to Furnas. Visit the Caldeiras, cozido extraction, traditional lunch. Afternoon at Terra Nostra: bath in the iron-rich pool and botanical park. Overnight on site.
Day 5 — Nordeste and north coast
Exploration of Nordeste: Ponta do Sossego, picturesque gardens, belvederes. Return via the north coast through Ribeira Grande, natural pool at Poça da Dona Beija in the evening.
Day 6 — Lagoa do Fogo and tea plantations
Hike to the Lagoa do Fogo (9 km, 3 h). Lunch in Ribeira Grande. Afternoon at the Gorreana tea plantations, with tasting. Return to Ponta Delgada.
Day 7 — Departure
Last free morning (São Pedro market on Saturdays, liqueur tasting in Maia). Airport transfer.
Itinerary 2 — 10-day central triangle (São Jorge, Pico, Faial)
For whom? Travellers who have already done São Miguel, or who seek a more authentic, nature-driven immersion. Balanced format avoiding multiple air transfers (fast ferries between the three islands).
Indicative budget: €1,500 to €2,500 per person (excluding international flight).
Days 1-2 — Arrival in Horta (Faial)
Direct flight from Lisbon or via Ponta Delgada. Discover the Horta Marina and Peter Café Sport. Day 2: Faial tour (Cabeço Gordo caldera, Capelinhos, hydrangeas).
Days 3-5 — Pico: vineyards, volcano, whales
Ferry crossing (30 min). Check-in at Madalena or Lajes. Day 3: UNESCO Lajido vineyards, tasting. Day 4: whale watching from Lajes, afternoon at the Cachorro pools. Day 5: Pico volcano ascent (8-10 h with guide) for athletic travellers, softer hike alternative otherwise.
Days 6-8 — São Jorge and the fajãs
Ferry to Velas. Check-in at a casa rural. Day 6: discovery of Fajã dos Cubres by car. Day 7: hike to the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo (3-4 h round trip). Day 8: PDO São Jorge cheese tasting and producer visits.
Days 9-10 — Return
Ferry back to Faial or direct flight to Lisbon depending on international flight.
Itinerary 3 — 14-day grand tour (5 islands)
For whom? Experienced travellers seeking a representative panorama of the archipelago, alternating landscapes and atmospheres. Requires three inter-island flights and several luggage transfers.
Indicative budget: €2,200 to €3,800 per person (excluding international flight).
Days 1-4 — São Miguel (Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, Furnas)
Arrival in Ponta Delgada. Sete Cidades, whale watching, Furnas (2 nights). A condensed week on the main island.
Days 5-6 — Terceira (Angra do Heroísmo, Algar do Carvão)
Inter-island flight to Lajes. Stroll in Angra do Heroísmo, Algar do Carvão visit, Serra do Cume panorama, tasting in Biscoitos.
Days 7-9 — Faial and Pico (vineyards and whales)
Inter-island flight to Horta. Discover the marina and Capelinhos. Ferry to Pico, UNESCO vineyards and whale watching. Return to Horta for next flight.
Days 10-13 — São Jorge (fajãs and cheeses)
Ferry to Velas. Fajã dos Cubres, Santo Cristo hike, queijo producers. Slower pace to offset the intensity of the first days.
Day 14 — Return
São Jorge → Ponta Delgada (or Terceira) → Lisbon flights.
Tips to personalise your itinerary
- Add Flores + Corvo: for travellers with 3 weeks seeking the ultimate escape. Mind the unpredictable weather that can delay flights.
- Replace Faial with Santa Maria: to prioritise beaches and the driest climate.
- Integrate a corporate retreat: our teams can organise corporate events with local partners.
- Plan a floating day per week: essential to absorb weather cancellations and fatigue.
Build your trip with us
These itineraries are starting points, not fixed routes. Our local team in Lisbon personalises every trip to your rhythm, wishes, budget and season. We select every stay, every guide, every activity — with the care for a deeply human and sustainable experience.
Discover our tailor-made offers or contact us for a personalised quote.