With 5 days in Azores, you'll have time to experience the city's highlights. Most visitors start on São Miguel, the largest island, whose capital, Ponta Delgada, has black-and-white basalt architecture, churches and a lively harbour. From there, it is a short drive to the twin blue and green lakes of Sete Cidades, the wild crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas, where locals cook a stew called cozido in volcanic holes in the ground.
Why Visit Azores
Hike green crater rims, coastal cliffs and waterfalls with few crowds.
Visit Europe's only commercial tea plantations at Gorreana and Porto Formoso.
See the twin lakes of Sete Cidades and the wild crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo.
Find cheap transport to Azores
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Azores
Enter your departure city to see prices
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
Start your Azores adventure by getting your bearings and exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and discover why this destination captures the hearts of millions.
Sete Cidades Lakes
Experience Sete Cidades Lakes, one of Azores's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Portugal's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Lagoa do Fogo
Experience Lagoa do Fogo, one of Azores's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Portugal's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 2: Local Life & Neighborhoods
Experience Azores like a local today. Wander through authentic neighborhoods, discover hidden cafes, and get a taste of everyday life in Portugal.
Furnas Hot Springs
Experience Furnas Hot Springs, one of Azores's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Portugal's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Whale Watching from Ponta Delgada
Experience Whale Watching from Ponta Delgada, one of Azores's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Portugal's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 3: Art, History & Discovery
Uncover layers of history that shaped Azores. From ancient remains to modern marvels, today reveals the stories behind the city's evolution.
Gorreana Tea Plantation
Experience Gorreana Tea Plantation, one of Azores's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Portugal's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Terra Nostra Park
Experience Terra Nostra Park, one of Azores's beloved attractions that offers a unique glimpse into Portugal's culture and heritage.
💡 Tip: Check opening hours online and consider booking in advance during peak season.
Day 4: Day Trip to Vila Franca do Campo and its Islet
Leave Azores behind for a day and head to Vila Franca do Campo and its Islet (About 30 minutes by car from Ponta Delgada).
Vila Franca do Campo and its Islet
The island's first capital, with a volcanic islet offshore that forms a natural circular swimming pool.
💡 Tip: Highlights: Ilhéu de Vila Franca, Queijadas da Vila, Historic centre, Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz.
Day 5: Ribeira Grande and the North Coast & Hidden Gems
Spend your last day away from the main sights: slow down in Ribeira Grande and the North Coast and seek out a few places most visitors to Azores never find.
Ribeira Grande and the North Coast
The north coast of São Miguel, with surf beaches, tea plantations and the thermal river at Caldeira Velha.
💡 Tip: Don't miss: Santa Bárbara Beach, Caldeira Velha, Gorreana Tea Plantation.
Ponta da Ferraria
A natural ocean pool on the west coast heated by a volcanic hot spring, where you can swim in warm seawater at low tide.
💡 Tip: Bathing in the Atlantic warmed by a volcano is a unique experience.
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno
A viewpoint above Sete Cidades showing several crater lakes at once, reached by a short trail.
💡 Tip: It offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Azores.
Ready to explore Azores?
Travel Tips
- 1Book accommodation in the city center for easy access to attractions. Azores is best explored by combining walking with public transport.
- 2The best time to visit Azores is May to September. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
- 3The local currency is Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted.
- 4A few words in Portuguese go a long way with locals. Even "please" and "thank you" will earn smiles.
- 5Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. WiFi can be spotty in historic areas.
- 65 days gives you time to see the highlights and discover some hidden gems.
Must-Try Food in Azores
💡 Check webcams and weather before visiting viewpoints like Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, which are often covered in cloud.
Book Activities in Azores
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Neighborhoods to Explore in Azores
Ponta Delgada
São Miguel's capital, with a waterfront promenade, the iconic city gates, basalt churches, restaurants and most hotels.
Furnas
A village in a volcanic valley known for hot springs, steaming fumaroles, thermal pools and cozido cooked in the ground.
Sete Cidades
A village inside a huge volcanic crater surrounded by the famous blue and green lakes, with hiking trails around the rim.
Day Trip Ideas
With 5 days in Azores, you have time for a memorable day trip. Here are some great options nearby:
Nordeste
The remote eastern corner of São Miguel, with manicured viewpoints, waterfalls and the Ponta do Arnel lighthouse.
Pico Island
Home to Portugal's highest mountain and UNESCO-listed vineyards on lava, Pico is best visited for at least one night.
Plan your Azores adventure
Let AI create the perfect itinerary for your trip to Azores. Just describe what you want to experience.
Plan Azores trip
