I took this trip so you can hit the ground running on your Azores adventure, armed with all the right tips. The Azores archipelago is as diverse as it is breathtaking, with each island offering a unique flavor – from volcanic landscapes to lush pastures that look like Switzerland somehow drifted to the middle of the Atlantic.
So, if you’re ready to explore, here’s the breakdown of my journey: our family spent three days on São Miguel, followed by five days on Pico, and capped it all with a quick stop on Faial. Let’s get into the highlights, the quirks, and the can’t-miss spots of each island, with a little backstory and a lot of heart.
São Miguel: The Swiss Vibe of the Azores
1. Sete Cidades
If there’s one place on São Miguel that had me speechless, it’s Sete Cidades.
Picture this: twin lakes, one a brilliant blue and the other a deep emerald, surrounded by a lush green caldera.
Standing at the edge of the viewpoint, it felt like looking down at a fairy tale. This spot genuinely rivals the scenery of Switzerland – cows grazing lazily, rolling meadows, and even that fresh, mountain air.
If you have a drone, this is the place to take it out. Those aerial shots will make you feel like you’ve discovered a slice of heaven. Trust me, it’s not overhyped – it’s breathtaking.
2. Furnas Hot Springs
Furnas, near Lago das Furnas, is a must for hot spring lovers.
This area is famous for its natural geothermal pools, where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by lush greenery. The springs are wonderfully soothing, with a rich earthy smell and steam rising from the pools – it feels like nature’s own spa. We found a perfect spot tucked away from the crowds, letting us fully enjoy the peace and warmth that Furnas is known for.
It’s the ideal place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring São Miguel’s rugged landscapes.
3. The Town of Furnas
The town of Furnas itself is just as charming as its famous hot springs.
It has this cozy, authentic vibe, with narrow streets, quaint houses, and that warm, welcoming energy you find in smaller towns. Wandering through Furnas feels like stepping back in time, especially with the steam rising from the ground around you – a constant reminder of the geothermal magic below.
We were lucky enough to stumble upon a gem of a restaurant, Queijaria Furnese, where they showcase the best local products from the island’s cows.
Think rich, creamy cheeses, fresh milk, and tender, flavorful meats – all locally sourced and prepared with care. The atmosphere was friendly and inviting, like they were sharing the heart of Furnas with us. If you’re into authentic flavors and cozy spots, this place is an absolute must!
4. Ribeira dos Caldeirões
If there’s one spot that feels like you’ve stumbled straight into a hobbit village, it’s Ribeira dos Caldeirões.
Nestled in São Miguel’s Nordeste region, Ribeira dos Caldeirões is a natural park filled with lush vegetation, moss-covered stone paths, charming water mills, and cascading waterfalls that give it a fairy-tale vibe. Wandering here, I half-expected to see hobbits popping out from behind the trees, ready to join the adventure.
The waterfalls here are stunning, especially the main cascade that flows down into a crystal-clear pool, perfect for a refreshing dip if you’re up for it. And the air! It’s cool and earthy, with that fresh, rain-soaked forest smell that makes you want to just stand there and breathe it all in.
Between the trickling streams and the old water mills, Ribeira dos Caldeirões has this timeless quality that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into an untouched world.
5. Rabo de Peixe
This is not your average tourist spot. If you watched that wild Netflix series on the town’s cocaine saga, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
Rabo de Peixe might not be the wealthiest village in Europe, but it’s got stories. I even spent a solid 15 minutes with a local guy, who, in between laughs and a heavy accent, shared some gritty tales about life here. He didn’t sugarcoat it – life’s tough in Rabo de Peixe – but it’s real, and that’s what makes this place stand out.
It’s not polished or pretty, but it’s an authentic slice of Azorean history.
6. Random Meadows and Fields
São Miguel is practically one endless field stretching across the entire island.
Everywhere you look, lush green meadows and pastures roll out like a natural carpet, making it easy to find that perfect Instagram shot with grass, misty forests, mountains, and the iconic Azorean cows.
You can simply pull over on the side of the road, step down onto the grass, and lose track of time soaking in the serene beauty. It’s the kind of place where a quick stop turns into hours of calm, surrounded by nothing but nature and the gentle rhythm of island life.
7. Lagoa do Congro
Lagoa do Congro feels like stepping into a hidden, magical forest.
The path winds through thick, vibrant greenery, leading you down to a peaceful emerald lake shrouded in a gentle mist. The atmosphere here is pure enchantment – the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve entered a fairytale.
Our son was absolutely thrilled, running between the towering trees and marveling at the mystical fog hovering over the water. It’s one of those spots that feels untouched, where nature’s beauty truly captivates you.
8. Getting Around São Miguel
São Miguel is pretty accessible, but as with the rest of the Azores, “no car, no chance” definitely applies.
Renting a car is the only way to fully explore, and luckily, rental prices here are more reasonable compared to other islands like Pico.
Pico: Volcanoes, Whales, and…Pricey Rentals
1. Mount Pico
Pico is famous for its towering volcano, Mount Pico – the highest peak in Portugal.
While hiking up the volcano with a toddler wasn’t on our list, we did enjoy the incredible views from the base.
Watching the sunset here felt surreal, as the colors changed over the rugged volcanic landscape. If you’re up for it, the hike is challenging but worth every step for those panoramic views at the top.
2. Red Windmills
All over Pico, you’ll spot these charming red windmills, adding a pop of color to the island’s rugged landscape.
They stand out beautifully against the dark volcanic fields and green vineyards, giving the scenery a unique character.
The history behind these windmills dates back to the 19th century when they were essential for grinding corn and wheat, supporting the island’s agricultural life. Today, they’re mostly preserved as heritage sites, reminding us of a time when Pico relied on these humble structures for survival. It’s like the island is sharing pieces of its past, connecting the old world with the wild beauty of the Atlantic.
3. Our Cozy Rental on Pico
This was no regular rental; it was a quaint house perched with ocean views and that classic Azorean charm.
I’ll shamelessly flex with photos on Instagram, but really, it was perfect – the sort of place that makes you want to unplug and soak in the peacefulness. The rental scene here isn’t cheap, though, so budget a little extra if you’re planning to stay in style.
4. The best sunset point
We were lucky enough to find a great spot to watch the sunset.
It’s not trivial, without a view of the water, but it’s spectacular thanks to the mountains, meadows and clouds. And of course, the view of Pico volcano itself doesn’t spoil the sunset meeting at all 🙂
4. Getting Around Pico
Renting a car on Pico? Brace yourself. Prices are way higher here than on São Miguel, but it’s still essential if you want to explore the island properly. There’s no real public transport for island-hopping, so a rental car is the way to go – but keep that wallet ready.
Faial: One Day on the Blue Island
2. Horta Marina and Peter Café Sport
Horta: The Most Colorful Marina in the World
Horta on the island of Faial is home to one of the most unique marinas you’ll ever see. Known as the most colorful marina in the world, Horta Marina is famous for the hundreds of paintings covering its walls, piers, and walkways. Sailors from all over the world stop here and leave behind murals as part of a tradition for good luck on their next journey. Walking around, you see flags, boat names, symbols, and messages left by crews, each one telling a small story of its own. It’s a lively and fascinating place, connecting travelers from every part of the globe.
After the marina, we walked around the main streets and were inspired by the architecture.
Traveling Between Islands of Azores
One of the highlights for us was flying between the islands. Myron, who’s absolutely fascinated by planes, especially the tiny ones, was thrilled by these short flights. With their tiny airports, you don’t lose half the day waiting around – it’s in and out in a breeze, with none of the usual airport hassle.
Final Tips for the Azores
- Bring a Drone
The Azores were practically made for drone photography – cliffs, calderas, valleys, and the endless Atlantic. I’ve shared a few shots on Instagram and TikTok if you want a preview, but bringing a drone is a game-changer. - Pack Smart
Layers are your best friend here. Weather can flip from sunny to misty in minutes, so bring a good jacket, especially if you’re planning to explore those high-altitude lakes. - Car Rental Budget
São Miguel is budget-friendly for rentals, but if you’re heading to Pico, be ready for higher rates.
