What is this five-island Azores self-drive tour like?
Azores.com 5 island tour
This 15-day, 14-night Azores self-drive vacation combines five islands in one independent itinerary. Begin amid the crater lakes, waterfalls and dramatic coast of Flores, continue to Faial, make a day trip to Pico, and then explore Terceira and São Miguel at your own pace.
The package includes hotels, daily breakfast, automatic rental cars for the scheduled periods, three inter-island flights and the round-trip Faial–Pico ferry. You receive a different car on each island rather than transporting one vehicle between islands. Suggested drives are included below, but your days remain flexible and sightseeing admissions are not included unless specifically stated.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 — Flores: Arrival and rental-car collection
Day 2 — Flores: Western coast, waterfalls and Fajã Grande
Day 3 — Flores: Crater lakes or optional Corvo excursion
Day 4 — Fly from Flores to Faial; collect a new car
Day 5 — Faial: Caldeira, Capelinhos and Horta
Day 6 — Pico day trip by ferry with a Pico rental car
Day 7 — Faial: Free day for independent exploration
Day 8 — Fly from Faial to Terceira; drive to Angra do Heroísmo
Day 9 — Terceira: Angra do Heroísmo and Monte Brasil
Day 10 — Terceira: Volcanic interior and north coast
Day 11 — Fly from Terceira to São Miguel; collect a new car
Day 12 — São Miguel: Sete Cidades and the western viewpoints
Day 13 — São Miguel: Furnas and the geothermal east
Day 14 — São Miguel: Lagoa do Fogo, Nordeste or a flexible final drive
Day 15 — Return the car and depart São Miguel
Is this package right for you?
This itinerary suits independent travelers who want the freedom to choose their sightseeing stops while having hotels, island transportation and rental cars arranged in advance. It balances short island flights with unstructured driving days and includes four major Azorean islands plus a self-drive day trip to Pico.
Drivers should be comfortable with manual navigation, roundabouts, narrow village streets, winding mountain roads, steep grades and parking in historic centers. Weather can change quickly, particularly at higher elevations, so a flexible approach is essential.
The trip involves collecting and returning several rental cars, moving luggage through four airports and using a passenger ferry for the Pico day trip. It is not the best match for travelers seeking a private guide, a fixed program of included attractions or a single vehicle for the entire vacation.
Day-by-day itinerary
Driving routes and sightseeing suggestions are flexible. Inter-island schedules, road access and the order of travel may change because of weather, airline, ferry or local operating conditions.
Day 1 — Flores Island — Arrival
Arrive on Flores, collect your automatic rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel. You will stay on Flores for three nights. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and begin exploring the island independently.
Day 2 — Flores Island — Waterfalls and western coast
Use your first full day to discover Flores' western landscapes. A suggested route includes the waterfalls near Fajãzinha, the coastal village of Fajã Grande and viewpoints over the green valleys and Atlantic shoreline.
Roads are often narrow and winding, so allow more time than the distances suggest. Stop only in designated areas and remain flexible if fog or rain limits visibility.
Day 3 — Flores Island — Crater lakes or optional Corvo excursion
Explore Flores' central plateau and crater-lake country, with possible stops at Lagoa Funda, Lagoa Comprida and viewpoints toward Rocha dos Bordões, subject to road and weather conditions.
Alternatively, ask about a separately arranged boat excursion to Corvo. Corvo transportation and activities are not included, sailings depend on sea conditions, and no rental car is provided on Corvo.
Day 4 — Flores to Faial
Check out, return the Flores rental car at the airport and fly to Faial. On arrival, collect a new automatic rental car and drive to your hotel in Horta, where you will stay for four nights.
Day 5 — Faial Island — Caldeira, Capelinhos and Horta
Plan an independent circuit of Faial. Suggested highlights include the vast Caldeira in the island's interior, the volcanic landscape and lighthouse at Capelinhos, and the marina and waterfront of Horta.
Mountain visibility can change quickly. Check local conditions before driving to higher elevations and follow any access restrictions.
Day 6 — Pico Island — Self-drive day trip
Return the Faial car near Horta harbor and take the approximately 30-minute ferry to Madalena on Pico. Collect a separate rental car on arrival and explore the island independently.
A suggested route follows Pico's volcanic coastline and the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape around Madalena and Criação Velha. Return the Pico car in Madalena in time for the ferry back to Faial, then collect the next Faial rental car according to your confirmed arrangements.
Day 7 — Faial Island — Free day
Enjoy another day to explore Faial at your own pace. Revisit a favorite viewpoint, spend time in Horta or ask about seasonal ferry options to São Jorge. Any São Jorge excursion is separate from the package and depends on the operating schedule.
Day 8 — Faial to Terceira
Return the Faial rental car at the airport and fly to Terceira. Collect a new car at Lajes Airport and drive approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) to Angra do Heroísmo. You will stay on Terceira for three nights.
Day 9 — Terceira Island — Angra do Heroísmo
Explore Angra do Heroísmo, whose historic center is recognized by UNESCO, and drive to the viewpoints of Monte Brasil. Allow time to walk through the city center, where parking may be easier outside the oldest streets.
Day 10 — Terceira Island — Interior and north coast
Drive through Terceira's volcanic interior and north coast. Depending on opening conditions and your interests, possible stops include Algar do Carvão, Furnas do Enxofre and the natural pools at Biscoitos. Admission fees are not included.
Day 11 — Terceira to São Miguel
Check out, return the Terceira rental car at Lajes Airport and fly to São Miguel. Collect a new automatic car at the airport and drive to your hotel, where you will stay for four nights.
Day 12 — São Miguel Island — Sete Cidades
Drive west toward the Sete Cidades volcanic complex. Suggested stops include Vista do Rei, Lagoa do Canário and viewpoints over the twin lakes, followed by time in the village or along the western coast.
High viewpoints may be foggy even when the coast is clear, so adjust the sequence to the day's weather.
Day 13 — São Miguel Island — Furnas
Travel to Furnas for a self-guided day among geothermal landscapes, gardens and hot springs. Continue along the eastern or northern coast as time permits. Meals, thermal-pool admission and other entrance fees are not included unless confirmed in your quotation.
Day 14 — São Miguel Island — Flexible final drive
Choose a final independent drive according to the weather and your interests. Options include Lagoa do Fogo and the central coast, the viewpoints and villages of Nordeste, or additional time in Ponta Delgada.
Day 15 — São Miguel Island — Departure
Check out, return the rental car at the airport and depart São Miguel. Allow enough time for refueling, the vehicle inspection and airport check-in.
What's included
Please note
This is an independent self-drive vacation. Guided sightseeing is not included.
A separate rental car is provided on each island for the period described in the itinerary. Cars are returned before inter-island flights and are not transported between islands.
Flight and ferry schedules, rental-car collection times and the order of the itinerary may change for operational or weather-related reasons.
Included
14 nights' accommodation: 3 nights on Flores, 4 on Faial, 3 on Terceira and 4 on São Miguel
Daily breakfast
Automatic rental cars on Flores, Faial, Pico, Terceira and São Miguel for the scheduled rental periods
Unlimited kilometers
Basic collision damage waiver and theft protection, subject to the rental agreement, exclusions and applicable excess
Inter-island flights from Flores to Faial, Faial to Terceira and Terceira to São Miguel
Round-trip ferry tickets between Horta, Faial and Madalena, Pico
One picnic meal on São Miguel
Complimentary welcome crate on São Miguel
Applicable hotel and airport taxes, excluding municipal tourist taxes payable locally
24-hour assistance during the trip
Not included
International flights; ask us to include airfare in your quotation
Fuel, parking charges, traffic fines and other driving expenses
Super collision damage waiver, reduced-excess coverage and other optional insurance
Additional drivers, child seats, GPS units, vehicle upgrades and other rental extras unless quoted
Meals other than those specifically described as included
Admission fees and sightseeing activities
Municipal tourist taxes payable directly at hotel check-in
Optional excursions to Corvo or São Jorge
Rental-car information
Automatic transmission is included, but the exact vehicle make and model are subject to availability.
The lead driver must satisfy the rental supplier's license, age, identification and payment-card requirements.
Each driver should review the rental agreement, insurance exclusions and excess before accepting the vehicle.
Driving preparation
Bring the original driver's license, passport or accepted identification and a payment card in the lead driver's name. Travelers are responsible for confirming whether an International Driving Permit is required for their license. Expect narrow village streets, winding roads, steep grades and rapidly changing weather on some islands.
Dates & rates
Understanding the rates
Package Type
Some packages offer a choice of hotel categories. The category selected affects the hotels and per-person price.
Superior/Premier Hotel Package — First-class 4-star lodging in standard rooms.
Comfort/Standard Hotel Package — Tourist-class 4-star lodging in standard rooms. On smaller islands, the package may use selected first-class 3-star properties.
Hotel Notes
Each package includes a summary of the proposed hotels. For complete property details, consult the hotel's official website.
Named hotels are subject to availability. If a listed hotel is unavailable, a comparable property of the same or a better rating may be offered.
If you prefer a specific hotel, ocean-view room or other room feature, tell us when submitting your booking request. Requests cannot be guaranteed, and additional charges may apply.
Room and Car Occupancy
Self-drive prices are per person and vary according to the number of travelers sharing the room and rental car.
Solo — One person traveling alone, occupying a private room and using the rental car alone.
Single — One person occupying a private room while sharing the rental car and package arrangements with others in the travel party.
Double — Two people sharing one room and the rental car.
Triple — Three people sharing one room and the rental car.
Note: Hotels shown are for reference only. We reserve the right to change hotels based on availability, group size or other factors. Should an alternate hotel be required, it will be of the same or a better rating.
Comfort Hotels
Angra do Heroismo - Hotel Cruzeiro
Hotel Cruzeiro, a 4 star Hotel, is the latest hotel unit to open in Angra do Heroísmo, Unesco World Heritage city, located 5-minute walk from various points of interest, such as the Angra bay, Sé Church, Old Town Square (Praça Velha), Museum, Pico da Memória, among others.
Wi-Fi access is available in all areas of the hotel.
The hotel has a restaurant and a bar, where lunches, dinners and snacks are served and private parking.
Horta - Hotel Horta
Located in the old Azorean town of Horta, the newly-renovated Hotel Horta offers views of Pico Island. It features rooms with balconies, a large garden and an outdoor pool.
Horta’s rooms are decorated in neutral colors, and have wooden furniture. Each of the air-conditioned rooms has a cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
The hotel’s panoramic restaurant offers international and regional dishes. The bar and the lounge offer views of the outdoor pool, the pool bar and the garden.
Guests can rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding area. Horta is famous for the whale watching and the volcanoes of Capelinhos and Caldeira.
Horta Airport is 4.3 mi away, and the hotel provides free private parking on site.
Santa Cruz das Flores - Hotel Ocidental
Hotel Ocidental offers fine accommodation in Santa Cruz das Flores. The city center is 10 minute walking distance from the hotel. The property offers 36 guestrooms appointed with climate control, cable TV, a balcony and direct dial phone. Restaurante Rosa are situated in a natural area, about 1000 meters from the venue. The hotel enjoys an ideal location within 5 minutes' drive from Santa Cruz airport.
Ponta Delgada - Hotel Ponta Delgada
Hotel Ponta Delgada (RNET 6591) is centrally located and only a 10-minute drive from the airport. Hotel Ponta Delgada features a family ambiance and comfortable furnishings. It features an indoor pool.
Air-conditioned rooms all open out on to a private balcony and are fitted with double-glass windows. All rooms include a TV set with cable channels and private bathrooms with walk-in shower or bathtub. Free WiFi access is available in all areas of the hotel.
The Ponta Delgada’s Baco Restaurant offers authentic cuisine from the Azores. The hotel’s bar has an esplanade, where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail.
Guests can stroll in the narrow streets of the city center. Alternatively, they can dip in the hot tub or relax in the on-site hammam and sauna.
Superior Hotels
Flores - Ocean Cliff Hotel
Located in the island of Flores, Ocean Cliff Hotel started a new ownership embracing both tradition of excellence and a vision for modern luxury in the Azores. With 26 equipped rooms, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a panoramic pool, and updated leisure spaces, we offer a unique blend of contemporary comfort and Azorean authenticity.
This Hotel offers 26 equipped rooms, a restaurant serving local and international dishes, a panoramic pool, and modern leisure spaces, creating a unique blend of contemporary comfort and Azorean authenticity.
Angra do Heroísmo - Pousada Castelo de S. Sebastiao
Pousada Castelo de S. Sebastiao is a 8-minute walk from the beach. Set on top of a cliff, Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao is a modern hotel housed in a 16th century Fortress known as Saint Sebastian's Little Castle.
The Pousada offer rooms and one suite with modern décor and furnishing. The suite and some rooms include terraces with views over the sea and the Monte Brasil. All living units contain LCD TV and internet connection.
There are 2 swimming pools: one for adults and the other for children. Guests can enjoy the regional cuisine while taking in views of the sea and pool area.
The Pousada is located in the village centre of Angra do Heroísmo was classified World Heritage by UNESCO. Angra do Heroísmo also offers many activitiy options, such as marine hunting, diving, sport fishing and boat tours.
Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao is located at a 23-minute drive from the Lajes International Airport.
Horta - Pousada Forte da Horta
Just an 8 minute walk from the beach, The Pousada Forte da Horta is set in a 16th century fortress with a view of Horta Bay and Pico island. This Pousada features air conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and a regional restaurant. Most of the rooms offer a view of the marina.
Classified as a National Monument since 1947, the Pousada Forte da Horta offers modern rooms with cable TV and a minibar. Each private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer and bathrobe.
A breakfast buffet is served daily on the poolside veranda terrace. Guests may taste fried pork, tuna and passion fruit pie in Pousada Forte da Horta’s restaurant.
The swimming pool area is furnished with sun beds, tables and parasols. Indoors, there is a lounge with various seating areas and a bar with a piano.
The 24-hour reception offers car rentals and free on-site parking. The Horta Airport is just 5.4 miles from the Pousada Forte da Horta.
Ponta Delgada - Vila Gale Collection S. Miguel
Located in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel island, the Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel provides superior accommodations, excellent restaurant, bar, sauna, swimming pool, kid's club and private parking.
The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WIFI, each with a private bathroom, and is at a short walking distance to the center of town.
All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room includes a safety deposit box, while certain rooms will provide you with a balcony. At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel every room includes bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning.
At Vila Gale Collection S.Miguel guests are welcome to use a sauna and a Turkish bath.
The attentive and professional reception staff speak English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, and are always on hand to help.
Booking & policies
Booking Your Trip
While prices are shown in USA dollars, we can also charge in Euros at the prevailing currency conversion daily rate.
Early booking is advised. Availability of accommodations
and
inter-island flight is limited especially in summer months.
If hotels named in itinerary are not available at time of booking, alternate similar
same rating properties will be confirmed, and subject to new quote.
Order of islands visited may need to be altered due to
flight schedule changes.
Unless otherwise indicated, rental car is included for all islands.
Quotations with different hotels have a non refundable deposit
of $50. Deposit will be credited towards final booking price.
Booking Your Trip With Air
International airfare for this package is additional to
price shown on Rates table. Departure cities are limited to those serviced
by SATA International (Azores Airlines).
If you want a quote for airfare to be included make sure to
check yes when prompted during the booking/reservation
request process.
Booking Conditions
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $350 per
person per vacation is required to book and hold both land and air for you.
Final payment is due 50 days before departure.
Option to pay full price up front is available.
Cancellation Policy - Land Portion
$350 per person if canceled up to 50 days prior departure.
25% of total reservation if cancelled 49-39 days prior departure plus any other additional fee.
50% of total reservation if canceled 38-31 days prior departure plus any other additional fee.
No refunds if canceled less than 30 days prior departure.
Cancellation Policy - Airfare
Airfare cancellation terms and conditions will be provided to you before ticket is booked.
Refund Fees
A 3.9% credit card assessed fee will be subtracted from any refunded payment, including deposits refunded due to services requested not available for date of booking.
I Want To Book. What Do I Do Next?
Click on the Request pricing button to send your reservation request.
No payment will be collected at this time.
Our travel Associate will contact you via email to answer any questions and book your Package
If you don't plan to book at this time please click here to contact us with any questions or concerns about your trip or your holiday
.
Booking Changes
A fee of $35 per person, per transaction, will be charged
for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking
is confirmed.
If the change increases the value of the booking, the $35
per person fee will be waived.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase travel/cancellation
insurance.
Common questions about this package
Is a rental car included on every island?
Rental cars are included on Flores, Faial, Pico, Terceira and São Miguel for the periods shown in the confirmed itinerary. Pico is a day-trip rental rather than an overnight stay.
Do I take the same car on the flights and ferry?
No. You return each car before leaving its island and collect another vehicle after arrival. The Faial car does not travel to Pico; a separate car is collected in Madalena for the Pico day trip.
Is an automatic-transmission car guaranteed?
Automatic transmission is included in the package arrangements. The exact make, model and vehicle class remain subject to supplier availability and will be detailed in your quotation or confirmation.
What rental-car insurance is included?
Basic collision damage waiver and theft protection are included, subject to the rental company's agreement, exclusions and applicable excess. Super collision damage waiver, reduced-excess products and other optional coverage are not included unless added to your quotation.
Are fuel and parking included?
No. Fuel, parking, traffic fines and other personal driving expenses are paid locally by the traveler. Follow the fuel-return terms stated in each rental agreement.
What documents do I need to rent the cars?
The lead driver generally needs an original valid driver's license, accepted identification and a payment card in the lead driver's name. Requirements vary by supplier and license country, so confirm whether you need an International Driving Permit before travel.
Are the inter-island flights and Pico ferry included?
Yes. The package includes flights from Flores to Faial, Faial to Terceira and Terceira to São Miguel, plus round-trip passenger ferry tickets between Horta and Madalena for the Pico day trip. International airfare is not included.
Do I stay overnight on Pico?
No. Pico is visited as a day trip from Faial. You travel by ferry, collect a car in Madalena, return it later that day and take the ferry back to Horta.
Can I add Corvo or São Jorge?
Optional excursions may be possible depending on the season, schedules and weather. They are not included in the package and should be requested in advance. Corvo boat trips are particularly dependent on sea conditions.
Is driving in the Azores difficult?
Most main roads are paved, but travelers should expect narrow streets, winding roads, steep sections, roundabouts and changing visibility. Drive conservatively, allow extra time and avoid relying only on estimated journey times.
What happens if an inter-island flight or ferry changes?
Weather and operating conditions can affect Azores transportation. If a confirmed service changes, the local team will advise you about available arrangements; hotel nights, car rentals and the itinerary may need to be adjusted.
7 Days/ 6 Nights: Stay in some of the best São Miguel hotels while exploring the rich culture, fauna, and flora of the green island. Package includes Hotel and rental car
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