Azores Bucketlist: 14-Day Round Trip incl. Accommodations, Flights & Car Rental from $1,499

You can tailor your journey to your wishes. Everything is taken care of: Flights, accommodations in São Miguel, Pico, Faial, and Ponta Delgada. Best of all: You have various rental cars to explore the destinations at your leisure.

Day 1 - It's Time for Adventure: Hello Azores!

Today your journey begins with the flight to São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores. At the airport, you pick up your rental car and drive into the lush landscape. The roads wind through gentle hills and meadows where curious cows graze, until you reach the north coast. Here lies your accommodation for the next few nights, surrounded by fresh Atlantic air and serene tranquility. You gaze at the deep blue sea and decide to spend the rest of the day relaxing with a drink in hand, listening to the waves.

Day 2 - Mystical Beauties: Twin Lakes & Coastal Dreams

Put on your hiking boots and get in the car: it's time to visit Lagoa do Canário! Here you get your first impression of the magic of the Azorean lakes: the scent of the mystical forest, frog concerts, and idyllic peace! Next up is one of the island's top highlights - the twin lakes Sete Cidades. Hike up the green slopes and walk along the crater edges, where breathtaking views await you. One lake shines bright blue, the other glimmers turquoise. Try to capture this scene with your camera. Now it's time to explore the island's rugged coastline. At Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, you stand on the cliffs and watch the surf crash below. Ready for a refreshment? Nearby lies the former fishing village Mosteiros, where at Piscinas Naturais Caneiros, small natural pools have formed in the volcanic rock.

Day 3 - Hot, Hotter, Caldeiras: Steaming in Full Bloom

Today it's off to the hot springs in Furnas! Drive into Vale das Furnas to marvel at the steam clouds from the Caldeiras and the bubbling springs. The sulfur smell, creaking ground, and swirling smoke almost make it feel like a sleepy dragon resides in this volcano. Explore the colorful plant diversity in the Terra Nostra Park and let yourself float in the thermal baths, up to 104°F - pure relaxation! Also awaiting you in Furnas is the island's second largest lake. The calm ambiance at Lagoa das Furnas invites a relaxing break before the journey continues. Passing fruit plantations, reach Vila Franca do Campo. Whether it's beach time, seeking out the best viewpoints, or a visit to the historic museum - the possibilities here are endless! If you still have time for another São Miguel highlight on your way back to the accommodation, visit the azure Lagoa do Fogo, visible from Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo.

Day 4 - Magical Photo Backdrops: Viewpoints & Waterfalls

Do you prefer tea over coffee in the morning? Today, be sure to stop by the Chá Gorreana tea factory. It's the only tea plantation in Europe - a true highlight (optional, entrance fee payments upon arrival). After stocking up on your favorite teas, head to Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. Twisting forest paths through evergreen vegetation invite a little adventure. Accompanied by colorful flowers, you eventually reach the babbling waterfalls, creating a paradise atmosphere especially when the water droplets reflect rainbow colors in the sunlight. Continue to Nordeste, where one viewpoint surpasses the next. Stop by Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego or Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada and let yourself be enchanted by the green cliffs and stunning flowers by the Atlantic.

Day 5 - Onwards: Pico Fantástico in Sight!

Today you head back to the airport, return your rental car, and board another flight. You're flying to the beautiful island of Pico. Another rental car is waiting here for you. You're greeted by the impressive panorama of Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal at 2350 meters, and your constant companion on the way to your accommodation. A small tip: Make a quick detour to the village of Cachorro and check out the Cabeça de Cachorro, a rock formation resembling a dog's head. Snap some quick photos and continue! Surrounded by rural peace, you finally reach your seaside accommodation. The best part: at sunset, you won't know where to look first. On one side, the sun sinks into the Atlantic, while on the other, Mount Pico is bathed in beautiful light.

Day 6 - Island of Contrasts: Volcanoes & Natural Diversity

The advantage of the Azores? The small islands can be quickly circled - so let's kick off with your road trip! The northwest of Pico is known for its Zona de Adegas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Drive through the landscape dotted with lava stone walls and spot ancient traces of ox carts in the rock. Off to the south now! Did you know Pico is one of the top places globally for whale watching? In the former whaling town of Lajes, you can book a boat tour to sail out to sea (optional, payments at the site) - unforgettable experiences guaranteed! Then head east to Manhenha. Here you'll find the small Ponta da Ilha Lighthouse watching over the barren landscape. Let your gaze wander - only the ocean and you as far as the eye can see. Getting hungry? Then drive to Madalena's 'Cella Bar'. This little architectural wonder right at the water's edge is the perfect place to wind down your day.

Day 7 - Peaks and Lakes: Adventurous in Height and Depth

You've seen a lot of Pico Island, but there's one thing you've only admired from afar so far: the majestic Pico volcano! Put on your best hiking gear and set off for the summit. With the car, you can get partway and park at Casa da Montanha. Narrow hiking paths, rugged rock formations, and growing awe accompany your ascent. Isn't scaling the summit your thing? No problem, Pico also offers much to see at lower altitudes. In the surrounding highlands, you'll find beautiful lakes lying in mystical quiet. The twin crater lakes Lagoa da Rosada and Lagoa do Peixinho are often veiled in mysterious mist. Equally impressive is the view at Lagoa Seca, surrounded by dense forest with views of São Jorge. How about a walk around the small lake? Stroll along the wooded shore and finally return to your car. After so much adventure in nature, sweet dreams are guaranteed!

Day 8 - Volcanic Landscapes: Lava Caves and Rock Arches

You've admired the island's heights and vastness - now venture into the depths! Set out for the short trip to the Furna de Frei Matias lava cave. The cave entrance lies on Pico's west slope, hidden among ferns and mosses. Once found, it's time for: flashlight on and dive in! Prefer a guided tour? You can do so at Gruta das Torres (optional, payments upon arrival). After that, how about another lava artwork? Head north to the coast towards the Arcos Vulcânicos in Cabrito. Stand on the rocks extending into the ocean and listen to the crashing waves breaking on the cliffs. The spot looks like the perfect hiding place for an old treasure tossed into the rough sea centuries ago. Or maybe you've read too many adventure novels? Either way, your camera's photos certainly capture how much fun you had exploring!

Day 9 - Adventure on the Horizon: Island Hopping to Faial!

Time to change islands! Drive your rental car to the harbor in Madalena and bid farewell to your car. Then ferry over to Faial (tickets available at the terminal, payments upon arrival). A quick tip: keep your eyes and camera ready! You might see some dolphins jumping out of the water beside your ferry. After a short crossing, you reach Faial harbor and are impressed by the beauty of this bay. At the airport, pick up your new rental car and drive to your accommodations. The passing landscape ignites your excitement for the coming days, and you start planning. But first: stow your luggage and take a breather! Or is your stomach growling already? Then head to a restaurant and order fresh seafood - it always tastes best on islands!

Day 10 - Roadtrip Discovery: Beach Time & Lost Places

Today starts with a tour of Horta. On the walk through the historic city center to the harbor, you quickly notice the strong sailing culture here. The colorful murals by sailors are sure to find a spot in your camera gallery. Fancy viewing Horta from above? Drive up to Monte da Guia. It offers a short hike and a path leading to Porto Pim beach. Enjoy the sand between your toes and the sound of the waves. Further west, enjoy a quieter swim spot: Praia do Almoxarife welcomes you with a black sand beach, green fields, and a stunning view of Pico Volcano! Done swimming and dreaming? Follow your curiosity and explore the area with its gentle green hills. Not far lies the village of Ribeirinha, home to a unique highlight: a lighthouse ruin partially destroyed by an earthquake, creating a unique sight. In Horta, you'll find more such abandoned places - pure nostalgia!

Day 11 - Balancing Act: Watching Over the Caldera Rim

Today you venture to central Faial to see the impressive caldera of the Caldeira! At Miradouro da Caldeira, the view overwhelms you: deep below, a green marshland stretches across the crater floor while you admire neighboring Azorean islands Pico, São Jorge, and Graciosa on the horizon. On one side the sea, on the other the caldera - and you're standing in between! If fog clouds blur your photos, there's a great alternative: the Rocha da Fajã trail leads you through Fajã da Praia do Norte. Experience the island's north, starting on a small village street, through Laurissilva forests, to the coast, before heading back to the starting point via a dirt road. Haven't had enough today? Don't miss the view from Cabeço Verde! From there, you have an amazing view of all surrounding volcanoes and the Caldeira. On the way home, take a picnic break in the colorful Parque Florestal do Capelo. A day immersed in nature - just your style!

Day 12 - Strange Worlds: Over Volcanoes to Mars

So far, you've admired the island's volcanoes mostly from afar; today, you get up close! Your hike starts on the west side of the Caldeira and takes you over ten Faial volcanoes. The volcanic rock beneath your feet becomes a constant companion, as does the view of the whole island and the rugged coast. The tension is palpable - these volcanoes were once active and spewed hot lava! Your goal is the outermost volcano of the island, the Capelinhos. The landscape transforms into a desert-like crater landscape here. You get a real shiver - are you still on Earth or already on Mars? The black, barren landscape and the ash-darkened lighthouse echo a time when this part of Faial didn't belong to the island. The perfect crown for your hike? Watching the sunset over this unique scene!

Day 13 - Back to the Beginning: Welcome to Ponta Delgada!

The last leg of your island-hopping adventure is here! At the airport, return your rental car and board the plane for São Miguel - specifically for Ponta Delgada, your journey's final destination. Once landed, hop into a taxi or bus (optional, payments upon arrival) and head to your accommodation. Stow your luggage and head out: time to indulge in local specialties! Pick one of the many fish restaurants and order 'Polvo Guisado Em Vinho de Cheiro' - octopus in wine sauce. Enjoy this dish at sunset with a view of the Atlantic - the perfect end to your day!

Day 14 - Goodbye Portugal: It Was Wonderful with You!

Even the most beautiful journey must come to an end. Depending on your flight time, enjoy once more the special vibes of Portugal's capital, have one last coffee, or revisit some of your favorite spots. Then it's onto the plane and back home.

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