4-Day Adventure in the Azores

Check into your hotel and have a traditional Portuguese lunch. I would recommend Louvre Michaelense, a cute cafe in the town of Ponta Delgada where you can have a traditional Portuguese meal.

For a relaxing afternoon, drive to Cha Goreana a family run tea farm and the only tea farm in Europe. Wander around the plantation which has gorgeous views and overlooks a view of the sea. Entering the tea factory is free and they have the ancient machinery that is still used. There is also a tasting room and gift shop.

Dinner at Otaka: A unique Japanese fusion dining experience with a tasting menu.

Head to one of the seven wonders of Portugal: Sete Cidades Lake.
Note: Make sure the weather is nice this day! If not, swap for a different day.

Head to the viewpoints by car.
1. Start at Vista Do Rei for your first viewpoint.
2. Across the street is Monte Palaca Abandoned Hotel. Explore at your own risk.
3. Drive 5 minutes to Lagoa do Fogo.
4. Walk 15 minutes to Boca do Inferno or drive.

OR Hike around Sete Cidades Lake Vista Do Rei: 4.6 miles, 2-2.5 hours, views of lake, coast and Sao Miguel city.

Lunch

In town of Sete Cidades you can dine at O Poejo: Casual lunch spot with tea and pastries from Cha Gorreana or Lagoa Azul: “Live like a local” with a buffet lunch featuring meat, fish and vegetables.

Exploring the Natural Pools

Drive 15 minutes to Mosteiros to explore the natural pools (Piscina Naturais.) Drive another 15 minutes to another natural pool Piscina Naturale di Ferreira (this is naturally heated by hot spring water.)
Note: It is best to explore the pools at low tide.

Dinner

Michel in Ponta Delgada: Mediterranean and Portuguese, top-rated restaurant in Ponta Delgada on trip advisor!

Enjoy a beach day at Praia de Santa Barbara (black sand beach with surrounding cliffs.) Praia de Santa Barbara is a gorgeous, wide sandy beach. Praia de Santa Barbara is an amazing stop for anyone who loves to surf or wants to learn how to surf. It is often called a surfers paradise! There is a surf school there where you can take a lesson with a surf instructor and lifeguard.

For an elevated dining experience, have lunch at Santa Barbara Beach Restaurant located in the Santa Barbara Eco Resort. Come here for gorgeous water and cliff views with an amazing atmosphere. Be sure to have sushi here, it's the best sushi in Sao Miguel!

Caldeira Velha

When you visit the Azores, one of the must do activities is to visit a local thermal pool. Caldeira Velha also known as the Caldeira Velha Environmental Intepretation Centre is located on the perimeter of the Fogo Volcano. Here you can visit the hot springs and explore a short trail. Caldeira Velha offers three warm, man-made, thermal pools and one more natural waterfall pool.

Dinner

A Tasca: Traditional Portuguese food, no reservations, walk ins only!

Whale and dolphin watching in the Azores Islands is one of the most exciting adventures in Portugal! Sign up for a Whale and Dolphin Watching tour leaving from Ponta Delgada. You will go on a whale-watching boat to spot some of the Atlantic Ocean's most magnificent mammals. Some animals that you may see include mink whales, dolphins, turtles and more. There will also be a marine biologist to provide more information about the animals.

Dinner

A Terra: Great Portuguese seafood with beautiful views.