Self-Drive 2 Azores Islands: Visit Terceira and Sao Miguel

Tour Overview

Please Note

We created self-drive packages to provide our customers with pre-planned services that include accommodations, rental car, ferry and air tickets. We do not provide daily planning and itineraries. However we do recommend that you check information such as we have on our pages (click here) or purchase a guide book (click here). We also recommend you check our guided tours (click here) which are more descriptive of specific itineraries and places to visit.

Description

7 Days, 6 Nights. . Visit at your own pace these two islands, driving surrounded by the presence of volcanoes that shaped the land. Terceira is the second most populated island and the third biggest in surface after Sao Miguel and Pico. A large portion of Angra do Heroismo is included in the UNESCO's list World Patrimony since 1986. This city has the best public libraries and archives in Portugal as well some important private art collections. Take an enjoyable drive through S. Miguel's main towns and villages. Enjoy the local culture and the great hospitality of the "Micaelenses" (S. Miguel natives). Days can be added or subtracted from itinerary.  

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 -  Terceira

Arrival and pickup the car (automatic transmission) at the airport. Check in at the hotel for 3 nights in Terceira with breakfast included.

Day 2- 3  Terceira

Points of interest :

• Monte Brasil, classified as national protected landscape, provides a recreational area, hiking trail, and resting place as well as a fantastic view over the ocean and the city.
•  The  Sao Joao Baptista do Monte Brasil fort, is a large fortified wall 2.5 miles long.
• The Angra do Heroismo Museum, is located in the old Convent of St. Francis and is adjoined to the Nossa Senhora da Guia Church (Our Lady of Guidance).
•  The Imperios (religious monuments) are all over the island and are a spectacle in and of themselves due to their colorful facade.
• The Algar do Carvao is famous for its’ grottoes that reach a depth of approximately 328 feet (100 meters). These spectacular grottoes contain stalactites, stalagmites and an interior lake.
• The Algar, the Enxofre, and Cabrito caves and the Balcoes and Natal grottoes, are of special interest especially to scientists.
• Praia da Vitoria is a young town with the best and most inviting beach in Terceira.
• The architectonic patrimony is concentrated in the churches and chapels.
• Biscoitos where you can visit the only wine museum in the Azores archipelago.
• The museum, Museu do Vinho dos Biscoitos, established in 1990 illustrates the process of traditional wine making in the Azores.

Day 4 -  Terceira/ Sao Miguel

Check out from the hotel, leave the car at the airport and flight to Sao Miguel.  Arrival to the Airport of Ponta Delgada and pick up the car (automatic transmission). Check in at your hotel in Sao Miguel for 3 nights with breakfast included.

Day 5 - 6  Sao Miguel

Points of interest :

• Convent and chapel of Our Lady of Hope, known as “Convento de Esperanca” or simply Saint Christ’s Church (Igreja do Senhor Santo Cristo), is home to the magnificent statue of “Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres” (Christ of Miracles), the patron of the largest religious festival in the Azores.
• Sant’Ana Palace, a 19th century construction surrounded by beautiful gardens and currently the residence of the President of the Regional Government of the Azores (it is not open daily).
• Museum Carlos Machado in Ponta Delgada, an excellent institution with permanent exhibitions.
• Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lake). The hiker may reach the lake along well travelled paths.
• Ermida da Senhora da Paz (Our Lady of Peace Chapel), an authentic Marian sanctuary constructed on a hill provides an excellent view of the village and of the islet.
• The Ilheu (Islet) of Vila Franca do Campo, protected as a Natural Reserve, is approximately 1 km from the coastline. The “Ilheu” is also a great swimming hole.
• Furnas lake, surrounded by a beautiful flowered shore. The area of the Caldeiras (Hot Springs) at the Furnas lake, serve as a natural kitchen. Cooking by burying pots of food in the earth is a tradition that provides a fantastic meal of mixed meats and vegetables. In the town of Furnas the “Caldeiras” (hot springs) are even more spectacular. Many openings in the earth sprout geysers of boiling hot water.
• Terra Nostra Park, behind the hotel of the same name, is one of the most beautiful parks in Portugal and well known throughout Europe. This 18th century park consists of small lakes and streams, colorful and exotic flowers, vegetation and trees, as well as century old trees of great botanical value. The park also features a lake that works like a pool of thermal iron water where you can relax in hot water. Be prepared to pay an admission fee of around 5 euros.
• Nordeste (Northeast), is one of the most attractive municipalities in São Miguel. The look-out points of Ponta da Madrugada, Ponta do Sossego, Salto da Farinha, and the Ponta do Estorninho (among others) are worth stopping at to admire the flowers and the amazing landscape.
• Pico da Vara, the highest point on the island, with an altitude of 1105m, is a challenging one and a half to two hour walk along a path which offers magnificent scenery of nature in the most primitive form. Pico da Vara is considered Natural Reserve, and a previous authorization by the Regional Forestry Ministry may be required.
• Sete Cidades twin lakes, the biggest extinct volcano crater in the Azores with 12 km perimeter.
• Several beaches all over the island where you can swim, including Melicias (just outside Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande (Areal de Santa Barbara a popular surfing spot), Agua D’Alto (Agua de Pau), Vinha d’Areia (Vila Franca do Campo), Moinhos (Porto Formoso), Mosteiros, and Ribeira Quente.

Day 7 - Sao Miguel

Check out from the hotel and drop off the car at the airport.