On this week-long itinerary you'll hike, dine, swim and visit the historic whaling town of Sao Roque do Pico. Shutterstock
Sandra is an Azorean native who has researched and written the first . Here she shares a one-week itinerary for first-timers to S茫o Miguel, Terceira, and Pico.
I was born and raised on the Azores Islands, and these are the questions people ask me the most: Is it always raining? Which islands should I visit?
The first one is easy: it鈥檚 not. As for the second one, sometimes answering involves me printing out a map of the archipelago, marking spots with a pen, and asking lots of follow-up questions.
This one-week itinerary covers the three largest islands: S茫o Miguel, Terceira, and Pico. I鈥檓 sure you鈥檒l want to return to explore the other six.
When to arrive: The best time to visit the Azores is between June and August. The weather is warmer; it鈥檚 beach season; it鈥檚 the best time for whale watching; and you鈥檒l find more cultural events and festivals.
How to get to/from the airports: Driving is the best option to travel between the airports and the islands鈥 main cities 鈥 public transit on the islands is hit-and-miss, plus understanding each network is confusing and time-consuming.
What to pack: A light, waterproof jacket is your best friend in the Azores. Although it's not always raining, the weather can shift quickly throughout the day. In summer, pack swimwear 鈥 there's always a spot for an ocean dip somewhere.
Planning tip: To travel between islands, optimize your time by choosing the earliest flights possible and the ones with the least layovers. Research and book flights using the multi-city option on .
Day 1: Start your Azores experience in S茫o Miguel
Most international flights land in Aeroporto Jo茫o Paulo II (PDL) on the largest island, S茫o Miguel. I call it the 鈥済ateway island鈥, a great way to ease into the Azores experience 鈥 not too remote to feel isolated, but far enough from the mainland.
How to spend the day: Day one calls for a slow start. Explore the main city, Ponta Delgada, and get accustomed to urban life by the ocean. Shake any jet lag or long-flight drowsiness with a walk in the historic center. Take in black-and-white pavements, the deep blue Atlantic, and the aroma of sea air.
Dinner: is a great place for your first taste of traditional Azorean cuisine, with local fish served grilled.
Day 2: Soak up postcard-perfect views in Sete Cidades and Mosteiros
Morning: Hire a taxi or drive from Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades (30km/ 18 miles). Most travelers head straight to Miradouro da Vista do Rei for the views over the blue and green lakes 鈥 although stopping here is a must, after seeing S茫o Miguel鈥檚 most famous landscape, drive down the winding road that leads to the center of the quiet lakeside village.
Take a break: Head to for a light lunch. Weather permitting, ask to pack your meal and have an impromptu picnic by the lake.
Afternoon: One of the top beaches in S茫o Miguel, Praia dos Mosteiros, is a 10km-drive from Sete Cidades. A well-known spot for experienced surfers, it's also a family's favorite in the summers. Whether it's a good day for a swim or relaxing by the shore, stick around for the sunset.
Dinner: Ponta Delgada鈥檚 artistic district O Quarteir茫o has some of the best restaurants in town, including the local institution , one of the city鈥檚 first vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
In the evening: If you still have the energy, wrap up your day with a cocktail at R茅sv茅s Street Bar.
Day 3: Spend a relaxing day in Furnas
How to spend the day: Start early and take the scenic road EN1-1A towards Furnas. It鈥檚 a long and curvy trip (approx. 45km/27 miles), so I suggest a stop mid-way in Vila Franca do Campo to stretch your legs and see the islet from Miradouro Ilh茅u da Vila.
Take in the view, but hit the road soon, so you reach Furnas around mid-morning. You鈥檒l want to explore the walking paths of and soak in their pool of naturally heated water and visit the caldeiras (puddles of scalding water in the village center) before lunch. The shallow pools at are safer for non-swimmers.
Take a break: After lunch, whether you had the traditional cozido (meat-and-potatoes stew cooked underground in volcanic steam) or not, stop by Padaria Gl贸ria Moniz for coffee and get a few bolos l锚vedos (traditional Furnas sweet bread) for the road.
Dinner: Head to the fishing town Rabo de Peixe for an early dinner at .
Planning tip: For cozido das Furnas, make reservations at least one week in advance. is one of the best spots in town to try this local dish.
Day 4: Reach Terceira and walk around Angra do Hero铆smo
How to spend the day: After landing on Terceira Island, head straight to Angra do Hero铆smo (about 20km/12 miles from the airport). Drop everything at the hotel and set out to get lost in the streets of the city鈥檚 historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 where colorful buildings line narrow cobblestoned streets and picturesque squares. Depending on the weather, either hike to Monte Brasil to see the views from Miradouro do Pico das Cruzinhas or learn about Terceira鈥檚 rich history at .
Take a break: Grab a coffee or a glass of wine, and unwind at cozy, dog-friendly family-owned bookstore, cafe, and cultural venue . With a busy calendar, you'll likely stumble upon some event with local artists.
Dinner: You can鈥檛 leave Terceira without trying alcatra (stew in a clay pot). Boca Negra is one of the best places to have it.
Day 5: Take a road trip to some of the top sights of Terceira
How to spend the day: Drive from Angra do Hero铆smo to to learn about one of the volcanoes that formed Terceira Island. Take in the views from Miradouro de Santa B谩rbara and then head north to Biscoitos. One of the busiest beach destinations in the summer, this town is also known for its wine.
Dinner: Drive along the coast to Praia da Vit贸ria to grab dinner at , a traditional seaside restaurant known for fish dishes.
In the evening: A post-dinner walk along the promenade by the beach before driving back to Angra is a great way to start saying goodbye to Terceira.
Day 6: First day in Pico, explore the island鈥檚 vineyards
How to spend the day: On a short trip, you're unlikely to have time to climb Mount Pico (it's at least an 8-hour roundtrip). You won鈥檛 be able to miss the mountain, though. Upon arriving, and after a recognition walk in Madalena, get to know Pico鈥檚 wine industry history at . Afterwards, head to Porto da Areia Larga 鈥 the starting point of a hiking trail leading to the vineyards at Cria莽茫o Velha.
Take a break: When walking back to Madalena, stop by for petiscos (food to share) and local wine by the glass.
Dinner: Make reservations for one of the tasting menus paired with selected local wines served at Azores Wine Company 鈥 or choose one of the smaller menus with petiscos.
Day 7: Visit historic whalers鈥 towns
How to spend the day: The whaling industry was a crucial source of income in the Azores and is strongest in Pico. Head to one of the whalers鈥 towns, S茫o Roque, through the scenic road EN-3, to visit and see the view of S茫o Jorge Island. Then, drive south to Lajes do Pico, and if you鈥檙e visiting during peak season, book a half-day afternoon whale-watching tour with .
Dinner: Have a sushi dinner made with local products at the Japanese restaurant with a view , about 5km/ 3 miles from Lajes.
In the evening: A trip to Pico isn鈥檛 complete without a visit to . Order the Cella Wine Tasting to bid the Azores farewell.
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