São Miguel Intensive - discover the largest and most diverse Azores Island during the course of a week

International arrival on São Miguel. Pick up your rental car directly at the airport and drive to your accommodation. Here you can choose from three different options: A 4-star hotel in the heart of Ponta Delgada, a more rural and comfortable quinta or a holiday home in the countryside. Breakfast is included in the price of the hotel and quinta options, while the holiday home option is self-catering. Contact us and we will be happy to send you more information about the accommodation. As a general rule, the main island of the Azores offers a very wide range of accommodation and we can select it according to your wishes. It is also possible to split your stay into two different accommodations.

7 nights in a 4-star hotel in Ponta Delgada / a charming guesthouse / a holiday home

Explore the beauty of the island at your own pace and according to your mood with your rental car It’s recommendable to set out to the east, the central area and the west. In addition to the recommendations listed below, there are many beautiful small sandy beaches and natural bays on the island - ideal if you are travelling in summer!
Recommendations for your stay on São Miguel:
Discover the west of the island. The highlight is the legendary crater lakes near Sete Cidades. There are also beautiful hiking trails in the area, such as a hike on the crater rim. On the way back towards Ponta Delgada, you can visit a pineapple plantation where deliciously flavored delicacy pineapples are grown in greenhouses. The only ones in the world!
Get to know Ponta Delgada, the capital of the island of São Miguel, on your own. There are interesting buildings from over 500 years of history to see. It's worth taking a walk along the beautiful, black and white patterned pavements through the historic old town with its decorated balconies, colorful market, lively squares, winding alleyways, beautiful gardens and a multitude of churches.
Explore the valley and the town of Furnas. Enjoy the charm of the traditional spa town of Furnas, featuring over 20 hot springs. Try the "Cozido" stew, which is steam-cooked with geothermal heat, dug into the ground. Take a walk through the Terra Nostra Park, which many consider to be Europe's most beautiful botanical garden, and enjoy a dip into the park’s natural thermal pool which provides a constant temperature of 38 degrees Celsius. The close by Lake of Furnas invites you to leisurely walks; right at the lake there is the place where the Cozido stew is cooked in the ground.
The lake Lagoa do Fogo. The secluded "lake of fire" is situated in about 600 m height in a crater, in the uninhabited interior of the island. From several viewpoints on the mountain road, you can marvel at the impressive lake and the beautiful colors of nature. The crater lake is considered to be one the most beautiful ones of the entire Azores.
The north-east of the island – Nordeste. Head north-east and make a detour to the "Chá Gorreana" tea factory. There are a total of two tea plantations in the Azores (the only ones in Europe), but only "Chá Gorreana" can look back on a 125-year tradition It is worth visiting the factory and also taking the easy circular walk through the tea fields. Along the north coast you reach Nordeste, the end of the island of São Miguel.
Guided hikes: Book an English-speaking guide to explore the island’s hiking-trails amidst wonderful nature. Hiking guides not only know the trails very well, but also provide interesting information on the island. Please contact us for more information.
Other exciting activities: On the island of São Miguel there are a variety of exciting activities to choose from. Be it a canyoning tour for beginners, a sailing trip in a catamaran at sunset, snorkeling with dolphins or a mix of kayaking and cycling. If you are interested, please contact us and we will be happy to send you more information.

A holiday in the Azores is, in some ways, “incomplete” without a trip to the world of giant marine mammals. They pass the Azores on their migration routes and they like to take a (long) break in the Azores, due to the abundance of fish. The most common whale is the sperm whale. Like other whale and dolphin species, the sperm whale is native to the area and lives all year round in the waters around the Azores. A male sperm whale grows up to 20 meters long. It’s very likely to get to see dolphins, who like to accompany the excursion boats and play with the waves those create. Commercial whaling on the islands came to an end at the beginning of the 1980s. Today, fortunately everything "only" revolves around observing the giants of the oceans. The half-day excursion takes place from/to Ponta Delgada in a larger catamaran/excursion boat, which is also suitable for small children.

It's time to say goodbye. Drive to the airport, return your rental car and flight back home.