São Miguel, the green island of the Azores between volcanoes and oceans
In the heart of the volcanic archipelago of the Azores, São Miguel reveals its turquoise lagoons and sulfurous fumaroles.
Duration
8 days
From
€2,500/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Stay
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
A private itinerary that can be customized according to your tastes and desires.
The volcanic archipelago of the Azores is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve global network. Each of its nine islands, including São Miguel, is a protected earthly paradise, ideal for nature lovers, those seeking disconnection and adventure tourism.
This journey invites you to discover the island of São Miguel through its volcanic landscapes, its lagoons with striking colors, its thermal springs and its wild coastline, where nature reigns supreme. Through experiences, you will meet passionate individuals who will share with you the natural riches, traditions and unique flavors of the archipelago. Between hikes, whale and dolphin watching and moments of relaxation in natural hot waters, this immersion will reveal to you all the preserved beauty of the Azores.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-2: Stage 1: Discovery of the Lagoon of the 7 Cities and the West Coast of São Miguel
An immersion in the preserved nature of São Miguel
Explore the West coast of the island and dive into spectacular landscapes, between lagoons, cliffs and exceptional panoramas.
Private experience: Jeep and walking exploration (duration 6h/6h30)
Accompanied by a passionate local guide, set off to discover the must-see sites and more secret places, away from the beaten path.
The emblematic lagoons :
Lagune das Sete Cidades, viewed from below and from the famous Mirador da Vista do Rei.
Lagune Rasa, lagune do Canario, lagunes das Empadadas, hidden gems of the island.
Panoramas and remarkable sites :
Town of Mosteiros, with typical charm.
Ferraria Lighthouse, facing the vastness of the ocean.
Mirador da Boca do Inferno, a spectacular viewpoint over the island.
Picnic with breathtaking views over lush nature.
Swimming in the heart of nature
If the mood strikes you, dive into the natural saltwater pools for a refreshing break.
This day will help you understand why São Miguel is nicknamed the Green Island!
Day 3-4: Stage 2: Exploration of the Central and Northern region of São Miguel
Exploration of the island's unique landscapes
Discover at your own pace the natural and cultural treasures of Central and Northern São Miguel:
Lagoa de Fogo, a must-see on the island.
Mirador de Pico de Barrosa, offering spectacular views over Lagoa de Fogo.
Historic town of Ribeira Grande, with remarkable architecture.
Relaxation at the thermal waters of Caldeira Velha
Enjoy a swim in these natural hot waters in the heart of nature.
Visit to Gorreana tea plantation
Discover one of Europe's oldest tea plantations still in operation.
Visit the factory and plantations.
Enjoy a tasting break with delicate flavors.
Day 5: Stage 3: Whale and Dolphin Watching and Discovery of Ponta Delgada
île São Miguel - Açores → Ponta Delgada
Guided experience: whale and dolphin watching (3 hours duration)
Embark from Vila Franca do Campo marina for a small group excursion to encounter the whales and dolphins that inhabit the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
A unique experience, accompanied by an experienced biologist.
Explanations on the habits, behaviors and habitats of cetaceans.
Free exploration of Ponta Delgada
Explore at your own pace the charming city of Ponta Delgada :
Historic center, witness to its rich past.
Streets and gardens, perfect for a stroll.
Sumptuous buildings, reflections of its architectural heritage.
Day 6: Stage 4: Exploration of the volcanic area of Furnas and the islet of Vila Franca do Campo
Ponta Delgada → Vila Franca do Campo
Discovery of the sulfurous area of Furnas
Admire the volcanic fumaroles and active mini-craters, releasing sulfurous fumes in a striking landscape.
The famous Cozido de Furnas
Observe the preparation of this typical dish, a stew of meat and vegetables cooked underground for 7 hours in pots lowered and raised by rope.
Option: Taste the Cozido de Furnas in a local restaurant.
Relaxing swim in thermal waters
End the day with a moment of relaxation in the hot volcanic baths of Poça da Dona Beija.
Suggestion: stop at Vila Franca do Campo and discovery of its islet
On the way to Furnas, take a break at Vila Franca do Campo and contemplate the Vila Franca do Campo islet at sea, a protected natural area.
Possibility to go there by boat to enjoy swimming, diving or a kayaking session.
Day 7: Stage 5: Exploring the Northeast Coast of São Miguel
Vila Franca do Campo → île São Miguel - Açores
Guided Experience: Discovery of the Nordeste Coast by Jeep and on Foot (duration 6h/6h30)
Accompanied by an expert local guide, explore one of the most spectacular natural treasures of São Miguel.
Grandiose Landscapes and Lush Nature :
Verdant valleys and imposing mountains.
Impressive waterfalls and dense vegetation.
Breathtaking panoramic viewpoints.
Emblematic Sites to Discover :
Povoação and Faial da Terra, villages with authentic charm.
Viewpoints of Ponta da Madrugada and Ponta do Sossego, offering exceptional panoramas.
Other secret places, revealed by your guide.
Picnic break with local flavors, with a breathtaking view of the majestic beauty of the green island!
Day 8: End of the trip
Your journey to the heart of the verdant island of São Miguel comes to an end after a rejuvenating stay in the midst of breathtaking nature.
✈️ Departure from Lisbon, with unforgettable encounters, cultural discoveries and authentic flavors that marked this stay in your memory.
See you soon for a new adventure in Portugal!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Plane tickets
- Meals (lunches, picnics and dinners) not mentioned in the "included" section
- Entrance tickets for museums and suggested tourist sites
- Car rental options: electronic toll collection, additional driver
- Fuel and toll fees
- Zero Deductible Insurance for Car Rental
- Travel insurance / medical / repatriation
- Extras / Tips / Personal expenses
- Annual cancellation / trip interruption / baggage loss and assistance insurance
Included
- Accommodation in charming 3* & 4* hotels, in double room
- Breakfasts
- 2 Picnics
- Rental of an economy car for the entire stay
- Experiences
- 1 day of guided and private exploration of the West coast of São Miguel island - alternating Jeep and hiking - duration approximately 6h/6h30
- 1 Commented Whale Watching Cruise (3H)
- 1 day of guided and private exploration of the Northeast coast of São Miguel island - Discovery by Jeep and hiking - duration approximately 6h/6h30
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant au Portugal dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport et carte d'identité
Le Portugal est un État membre de l'Union européenne et appartient à l'espace Schengen. Les ressortissants de l'EEE peuvent entrer au Portugal avec un passeport ou une carte d'identité nationale en cours de validité. Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Les ressortissants suisses et canadiens doivent quant à eux se munir d'un passeport valide pour toute la durée du séjour.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen et de la Suisse bénéficient de la libre circulation au sein de l'espace Schengen et peuvent séjourner au Portugal sans limitation de durée dans un cadre touristique.
Les ressortissants canadiens bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques dans l'espace Schengen. Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours sur toute période de 180 jours dans l'ensemble des pays de l'espace Schengen.
Les autorités peuvent demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une assurance voyage couvrant la période de séjour.
ETIAS (autorisation de voyage européenne)
À compter de sa mise en application, les ressortissants canadiens devront obtenir une autorisation ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) avant tout voyage dans l'espace Schengen, dont le Portugal.
Cette autorisation électronique, valable trois ans ou jusqu'à l'expiration du passeport, devra être obtenue en ligne préalablement au départ. Elle n'est pas requise pour les ressortissants de l'EEE et de la Suisse.
Nous vous recommandons de vérifier la date d'entrée en vigueur de ce dispositif auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre document de voyage valide (passeport ou carte d'identité selon la nationalité) couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Portugal de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Portugal is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area. You can travel there with a valid identity card or passport. The currency is the euro. No special formalities are required upon arrival. Please check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Portuguese consular authorities before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, expect between 150 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (100-350 euros return) are additional. Portugal offers excellent value for money in Europe.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to suit your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with complete peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your next trip to Portugal
Experience Designer, Portugal, based in Aveiro
Portugal reveals itself when you take the time to meet the people who bring it to life. It's these simple, sincere and passionate exchanges that I love to create for travelers.
— Emeline
