DESTINATIONS:
Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal
,
Furnas, Portugal
,
Laguna de Furnas, Portugal
,
Vila Franca do Campo, Portugal
,
Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal
,
São Vicente Ferreira, Portugal
,
Ribeira Grande, Portugal
,
Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal
,
Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal
RECOMMENDED ITINERARY
DAY 1 – PONTA DELGADA
Arrival and pick-up from the airport. Discover the capital of the main island of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada. Founded in the 15th century, from the moment you set foot in the city you can see the Brazilian influence in its buildings. Among its main attractions are the seafront promenade, its historic center and two gardens not to be missed: the University Garden and the José do Canto Botanical Garden. Accommodation.
DAY 2 – PONTA DELGADA / FURNAS / LAGOA DAS FURNAS / MIRADOURO DO SALTO DO CAVALO / PONTA GARÇA / VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO / PONTA DELGADA
Get ready for one of the longest journeys of the entire route. You'll go as far as Furnas and Povoação, in the east of the island. On the way, you'll stop in the parish of Furnas and at the Furnas Lagoon. On the way back to Ponta Delgada, you will cross the south coast towards Ponta Garça, and from there to Vila Franca de Campo, from where you can admire one of the great attractions of the Azores: the island of Vila Franca, a true jewel in the form of a permanently flooded marine crater, with an almost perfect circular outline. Lodging.
DAY 3 – PONTA DELGADA / CAPELAS / SÃO VICENTE FERREIRA / RIBEIRA GRANDE / CALDEIRA VELHA / PONTA DELGADA
Head north towards Capelas, to enjoy its natural pools with calm waters, while a few meters away the waves of the Atlantic break on the rocks. Head towards São Vicente Ferreira, a small, quiet village that gives access to one of the island's greatest assets: its cliffs. You will pass through Fenais da Luz, Calhetas and Rabo de Peixe and arrive - at the end of the route through the cliffs and their viewpoints - in Ribeira Grande, the second largest town on the island. Located on a volcanic plateau that opens onto the sea, its historic center has excellent examples of colonial architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. On the way back, we recommend a detour to Caldeira Velha da Ribeira Grande, a beautiful natural park full of vegetation and with one or two waterfalls. Return to Ponta Delgada. Accommodation.
DAY 4 – PONTA DELGADA / FETEIRAS / CANDELÁRIA / MOSTEIROS / LAGOA DAS SETE CIDADES / LAGOA DE SANTIAGO / LAGOA DO CANÁRIO / PONTA DELGADA
This day, explore the western part of the island. Along the way, you can bathe in the sea, but in warm water. Feteiras has a natural pool where the water gushes hot and mixes with the cold ocean water. Continue on to Candelária, one of the most authentic villages on the island, surrounded by cliffs, and be amazed by its colorful facades. We recommend a visit to Mosteiros, to take a dip in its natural pools, or go to the volcanic sand beach from where you can contemplate the islands of Mosteiros. We recommend a visit to Lagoa de Santiago, located inside a crater, and Lagoa do Canário, the last stop for a walk along its shore before returning to Ponta Delgada. Accommodation.
DAY 5 – PONTA DELGADA
Departure for the airport to return the rental car.
