The Azores

Portugal

The Azores

The Azores off the coast of Portugal are one of the prettiest collections of islands anywhere in the entire world. Lush with hydrangeas, tropical and warm, you can spend your days hiking, swimming, and eating incredible food. Below we outline itineraries for the most popular of the islands, as well as mention a few things to do on the other ones. Most people only visit Sao Miguel (which is an exceptional island and should be the #1 choice) but if you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend seeing others as well. Some are connected by a long ferry, some only by island-hopper flights. It’s easy to ferry among the five central islands (Pico, Faial, São Jorge, Terceira, Graciosa), and between the western (Flores and Corvo) and eastern islands (São Miguel and Santa Maria) – otherwise you’ll be flying.

With only a few days, you should visit Sao Miguel. With more time add additional islands like Flores, Terceira, and Pico.

Length: 4+ days (depends on how many islands you want to visit)

Best guide book: Moon: Madeira and the Azores

Islands:

  • Sao Miguel
  • Flores
  • Terceira
  • Pico
  • Santa Maria
  • Graciosa
  • São Jorge
  • Faial
  • Corvo

Sao Miguel

With only time to visit one island in the Azores, your pick should be Sao Miguel. It’s the biggest of the islands, the most populated, a stop on cruise ship lines (usually something we try to avoid), but despite all that, it’s simply magical. You need 4 days to start scratching the surface of the island. I wouldn’t cut it shorter.

Day 1 – Central Sao Miguel

Day 2 – Western Sao Miguel

  • Miradouro do Pico do Carvão and Aqueduto do Carvão
  • Miradouro da Boca do Inferno hike to Lagoa Santiago and Lagoa Rossa (14m drive to trailhead)
  • Miradouro da Vista do Rei and abandoned Hotel Monte Palace (14m drive)
  • Sete Cidades
    • Optional: Sete Cidades Caldeiras Trail, SUP or kayak
  • Termas da Ferraria natural hot springs (25m drive, optional stop, check tide pools in advance)
  • Mosteiros (16m drive)
  • Dinner – try a place different from the night before

Day 3 – Eastern Sao Miguel

  • Our Lady of Peace Chapel
  • Lagoa das Furnas (13m drive)
    • Mata Jardim José do Canto and view of lake
  • Parque Terra Nostra and hot springs
  • Lunch – Octant Furnas
  • Optional detours:
  • Sanguinho-Salto do Prego hike and Salto do Prego waterfall (1.5 mile loop)
  • Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes (10m drive)
  • Gorreana Tea Factory (13m drive)
  • Dinner – try a place different from the night before

Day 4 – Whale watching or Isla Vila Franco do Campo

  • Whale and dolphin watching with Sea Colors Azores
  • Islet Vila Franco do Campo via ferry
  • Pico da Cruz / wall of nine windows hike (14 miles, out and back)
  • Dinner – try a place different from the night before

In Depth

Welcome to my favorite of the Azore islands! You will need a car to make the most of your time. Unless you’re planning to go with a guide, buses are impractical. We use Abbycar both there and on other islands and had a good experience with them. Of note, parking seems to be pretty relaxed and at the top view points and spots, people just park along the side of the road. Of additional note, sea swimming is very popular. All around the island you’ll see stairs into the water or “natural swimming pools”. If you’re inclined, pull over and go for a dip. They’re all lovely.

In Sao Miguel you have a choice of where to stay. You can opt to move around the island: north (beach), east (lakes), west (hot springs), or you can plant yourself in one place and take day trips. If you like night life and being able to walk to restaurants, place yourself in Ponta Delgada. It’s a charming old town. If you hate throngs of tourists or want a more relaxing escape with sea views, we fully enjoyed the north side of the island because of its ease to the main town (a quick 20 minutes) and central location to the other areas of interest (east and west). Some places have a minimum stay of 2 nights, so plan accordingly.

We loved staying at Pedras do Mar in the north. Another excellent option in the area is Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach. For a somewhat more budget option consider Pico do Refúgio. In western Sao Miguel (near the hot springs) we highly recommend Furnas Lake Forest Living, set very close to a Furnas Lake. For a more splurgy choice consider Octant Furnas which gives you access to the famous hot springs after the park closes. In Eastern Sao Miguel, Sete Cidades Lake Lodge is in a gorgeous location right on the lake. And if you want city life, and opt to stay in Ponta Delgada, the splurgy nicest hotels are Octant Ponta Delgada, La Maison by White. Other nice options include Sul Villas and Spa and Herdade do Ananás. Some budget choices are Hotel Casa Hintze Ribeiro, Convento de São Francisco, and Senhora da Rosa.

Day 1 – Central Sao Miguel

If you’re hungry or need caffeine, Intz48 Coffee Roasters Azores is a fun first stop on your walking tour of Ponta Delgada. Ponta Delgada really deserves a wander – it’s a charming old town with colorful buildings everywhere you look, flower strewn squares, artisan shops, and the Azorian style black and white churches. Some sites to check out include Pontas da Cidade, Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, Forte de Sao Bras de Ponta Delgada (though the military museum is probably not worth it unless you’re a military buff), farmers market in Mercado da Graca, and Jardim Botânico António Borges. If you aren’t planning on visiting another island and are interested in caves, check out the lava tubes at Gruta do Carvão.

Did you known Sao Miguel has the best pineapples in the world? Neither did we until we tried them. Repeatedly. Did I become obsessed with them? I did. Plantacoes de Ananases A. Arruda is a pineapple plantation that shows you how Sao Miguel grows their famous fruit (originally brought over from Brazil, but now a unique pineapple unto itself. The museum is small, free, and gives you an opportunity to buy plenty of pineapple products. If you’re short on time, you can skip this.

Make your way to Mirado do Pico da Barrosa to see Lagoa do Fogo, one of the absolute most stunning lakes on the island. Follow Google Maps until you come to a few shops, barricade, and parking. Park here. You will need to board a bus and pay a small fee as the road to the actual lakes is closed. The bus will wind you up to two viewpoints of the stunning lake and from the top you can see the both sides of the island (and give you about 5 minutes at each stop). At the second view point, if it’s of interest to you, you can walk down the Lagoa do Fogo trail to the lake (about 30 minutes). You cannot swim in this lake but it’s a lovely spot to sit along the shore with a picnic. Bring plenty of water as most of the hike is exposed. Regardless if you hike or not, you can catch the bus right at the start to bring you back to your car.

Once back in your car, make your way to Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha (17m drive). This is a stunning park full of hot springs, waterfalls, and botanical gardens. You must book ahead if you want to use the hot springs (which is a highlight). This is the perfect place to end your day and we strongly recommend planning to arrive in time for your reservation.

From here you are very nearby to Salto do Cabrito, a lovely waterfall with a pool at its base. Don’t be confused by people parking at top, drive the road the down to the site (you don’t want to walk it, trust me). If you’ve ever wanted to swim in a pool under a waterfall, now is your chance.

From here, make your way to lodging. Where you choose to dine probably depends on where on the island you’re staying. Some good options on the island include Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel, Quinta dos Sabores, Alcides, A Tasca, Mané Cigano, Taberna Saca-Rolhas, Supléxio, Rotas da Ilha Verde, Ponda do Garajau, Cais 20, Ponta do Garajau, Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort, and Bar Caloura.

Day 2 – Western Sao Miguel

Take today to explore the western side of Sao Miguel island. Begin your day by driving to Miradouro do Pico do Carvão and Aqueduto do Carvão, a beautiful viewpoint where you can wander around the old pillars of the aqueduct.

Next, drive to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. Google Maps will recommend you drive right to the trailhead (but you can’t) so park near where you see all of the other cars/a clear parking lot. From the trailhead you’ll wander down an easy path. At a fork (near old picnic tables) the trail you want heads up the hill on the left (don’t keep going down the wide path). When you get to the top you’ll be able to walk down to a viewing platform offering some of the best vantage points in the Azores and two of the most spectacular lakes on the island: Lagoa Santiago and Lagoa Rossa. On your way back you can make a quick detour to Lagoa do Canário (which is well marked), a smaller but still pretty lake.

Drive up to Miradouro da Vista do Rei and the abandoned Hotel Monte Palace. Yes, the hotel really is abandoned, and some people enjoy exploring it but the reason to go up here is for another and different viewpoint of the lakes. Whatever you do, don’t take a dirt road down from here (turn around if Google Maps tries to take you that way – it is not a road, but a hiking trail which we found out the hard way).

Drive to Sete Cidades and get lunch at Green Love right on the lake. If that’s full, you can also try O Poejo. If you want to kayak, here is your chance. There are kayak rentals scattered around the lake.

Once you’re finished with lunch, if the tide-tables are agreeing with you, and you have the time, consider stopping at Termas da Ferraria. It’s a natural hot spring within volcanic rock that sits on the ocean. But it matters when you go. If you go at medium to high tide, the ocean water will be spilling into the pools and it won’t feel hot at all, rather refreshing. It’s a somewhat fun place to cool down if you hit it wrong. From the parking lot, you’ll wind down a path to the pools. Entrance is free and there are changing rooms and bathrooms available to you.

From here, head to Mosteiros, a very scenic town in the west. Wander around the town including the main square and church, visit the very lovely black sand beach where you can lay out, swim, and view sea stacks, and get a drink at Sunset Steve’s Bar (and if the timing is right, watch the sunset). There is parking near the black sand beach which is probably your best option.

You can try eating in Mosteiros or pick another option from my earlier list.

Day 3 – Eastern Sao Miguel  

Start your day visiting Our Lady of Peace Chapel. This chapel was a former hermit’s residence and is situated on a hilltop looking out towards the ocean and the islet of Vila Franco do Campo. The chapel itself is pretty and the views are wonderful.

First drive to Lagoa de Furnas, the large lake in the Furnas area. Park and walk along the path to the Mata Jardim José do Canto, a castle-looking structure and gardens built by a wealthy gentleman in the 1800s for his wife. I don’t think it’s worth paying the entrance ticket to go inside, but the view along the path is excellent.

Next drive to the highlight of the day, the natural, geothermic hot springs of Furnas. Once you get to Furnas, it’s easiest to simply park on the street. The best place to enjoy the hot springs is at the Parque Terra Nostra, a huge botanical garden and mansion with its shining star, the large geothermal pool. Your ticket includes access to the pool and there are changing facilities and showers available and included. If you can bring an old bathing suit because the geothermal pool can stain fabric (though I didn’t have a problem). I recommend you follow the suggested walking tour of the gardens (there are thousands of varieties of flora on display) given on entrance to the park first, then take a dip, and finish your experience with lunch at Octant Furnas‘ casual bar/restaurant directly next to the hot springs. Of note, this is the area where you can try an the local dish Cozido das Furnas which is meat that is buried in sand for a few days and then cooked and served (it’s better than it sounds).

If you feel like you have time or inclination, another hot spring you can visit are the Poça da Dona Beija baths, smaller but also charming. You can also stop by the hot waterfalls of Ribeira which are, as aptly named, hot waterfalls. If you’re short on time or the day is getting away from you, I’d skip these and focus on the other sites.

It’s time to stretch your legs with the the Sanguinho-Salto do Prego hike and Salto do Prego waterfall which is a 1.5 mile loop along a stream to see a pretty waterfall and pool.

Next, visit the Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeiroes (free to visit). Walk down the paths to see some historic buildings and a mill. Walk up the path to view a very pretty waterfall. It’s a nice nature reserve to wander.

If, and only if, you have never been to a tea plantation, make your way to the Gorreana Tea Factory. Want to know what happens to all the passengers on the cruise ships you see in Ponta Delgada’s port? Apparently they come here. All at once. This tea factory is the only tea plantation in Europe and where you can learn about cultivating tea on the islands.The plantation itself is easy and nice to wander among the tea plants. Few people seemed to care about the free tour or small exhibit on how tea is cultivated. But there were so many people in the shop and cafe it was fairly unbearable. The tea tasting is free and if you’re looking for a tea souvenir this is the place (though this is also the tea you’ll find in every single hotel room throughout the Azores…so you could simply start your own collection).

Head back to your hotel and pick a different place to eat from the day before.

Day 4 – Whale watching or Isla Vila Franco do Campo

I struggle telling you which is the right choice today. Whale watching with the opportunity to swim with dolphins or visiting Isla Vila Franco do Campo…the latter is probably the right call, but with more time I’d try to do both or if you can find a combo tour that’s even better. Whale season is typically from the spring until fall, check before you book a whale watching trip.

For whale watching and the chance to swim with dolphins I cannot recommend Sea Colors Azores enough. I have to mention again, animal tourism needs to be done extremely carefully. Swimming with dolphins is controversial. Sea Colors is an actual marine biology research organization that studies the movements and species of whales and dolphins. They will only let you get in the water with the dolphins if the dolphins seem receptive. Otherwise you can watch them from the boat. Their breadth of knowledge on the whales, dolphins, and other creatures in the waters surrounding Sao Miguel is truly remarkable. You’re also in a zodiak, very close to the water, and it’s some of the closest experiences to sea life and one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve ever had. I would be very hesitant to book with one of the many other companies who don’t set the parameters of animal welfare and guarantee you a chance to swim. I also felt better giving my money to an organization doing marine research (and I learned more).

Alternatively, a visit to Islet Vila Franco do Campo should not be missed. It’s a small volcanic islet off the shore of Sao Miguel. The crater of the volcano is filled with sea water in which you can swim, snorkel, scuba, and cliff dive. There is regular boat service to the island from Ponta Delgada in the summer months. This is one of the prettiest places in the world, the water is pristine, and it’s just all around a really cool place.

If you don’t like the water and have an extra day you could also opt for hiking. The 14 mile Pico da Cruz or wall of nine windows hike is one of the most popular on the island.

Flores

Flores is a teeny-tiny hydrangea filled island as far as you can get into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the furthest island from the mainland and requires a flight to get there. It’s small. You can visit in one day and an overnight, but if you want to slow your pace or enjoy more swimming or lounging (or a visit to nearby even tinier Corvo island) two days might be better. You might be thinking is it even worth visiting? Despite its size it’s an insanely beautiful island (instead of stone walls dividing properties its literally walls of hydrangeas) and feels very off-the-beaten path. I loved it.

Day 1

In Depth

As I said above, you can see the highlights of Flores in a day. If you have more time, plan some time for relaxing at the beach or near Poço do Alagoinha or on a boat trip to nearby Corvo.

Arrive in Flores and pick up your rental car. We used Azores Rental Cars which contracted with Abbycar and was a great choice. Of note, do avoid dirt roads. If a road becomes dirt, turn around and go the long way – it’s not worth it and the top sites on the island are connected by good and paved roads.

Nearby, after you pick up your car, are the Santa Cruz Natural Pools. These are stunning ocean swimming holes accessible by concrete platforms and ladders into the water. Even if it’s early in the day, you can’t miss a swim here. The pools are serene and you can swim surrounded by a variety of fish. Before or after, the Buena Vista Cafe serves decent coffee and breakfast or lunch options (takeaway if you ask).

First, drive to the Miradouro dos Cedros lookout for the view. Next, drive to Miradouro do Vale da Fazenda, a beautiful viewpoint. If you arrive during the wetter time of year you can see waterfalls from here. If you really want to see the tiny town of Ponta Delgada, you can do so now, but I don’t think it’s worth the detour.

Drive to Miradouro Lagoa Negra e Lagoa Comprida. Park and walk up a very short distance to the viewpoint where you can see the two different colored lakes at the same time. There are two more lakes in this area worth seeing: first, Lagoa da Lomba and then Lagoa Rasa. All are truly beautiful in their own way.

Next drive to Rocha dos Bordões viewpoint which, looking at the cliff, you’ll see a one-of-a-kind rock formation that has 65 foot basaltic columns, courtesy of a volcanic eruption millenia ago.

Drive to Poço do Alagoinha. Here, park on the left side of the road, then cross the road to begin the hike (miked by a sign. The walk is to Lagoa dos Patos and you’ll see the trail marked by a sign. The hike is short (only 1km) but climbs steadily all the way there. The desitnation is well-worth it – you’ll end at a lake with 20 waterfalls pouring into it.

Poço do Bacalhau is next, and really, a highlight of the island. While GoogleMaps will try and take you to a hotel, keep driving a little further down the road to where you’ll see other cars parked. There is a clear trail heading off to your right. After a short walk, you will hit a grassy slope with a remarkably beautiful waterfall spilling into a pool where you can swim. Enjoy a break swimming and lounging in the grass.

Finish your day at Faja Grande Beach with a dip in the ocean. Parking is clearly marked.

You should stay in Fajã Grande at Aldeia da Cuada. It’s the prettiest town on the island to stay in, and this is the bets property. I don’t even want to recommend anothe option because it’s such a perfect place. Lodging that used to be a village (now abandoned) and re-done so you’ll stay in traditional stonework houses. It’s incredibly charming and the property is beautiful. Dinner at the property is great (make reservations ahead). If you want to eat elsewhere Papdiamandis Restaurante or Maresia Restaurante are additional options. If Aldeia da Cuada is booked, also look at Sítio da Assumada and Moinho da Cascata to stay.

Again, with an extra day you can consider a day trip to Corvo (another one of the Azores and super tiny), canyoneering, a boat tour to see Gruta do Galo and Gruto dos Enxareus and islets, or a hike. There’s a 22 km point-to-point hike between Faja Grande and Ponta Delgada, a 3.4 km loop of Fajã de Lopo Vaz, a 13 km point-to-point hike from Lajedo to Fajã Grande, and a 7.3 km point-to-point hike Miradouro das Lagoas to Poço do Bacalhau.

Terceira

Terceira is best known for its UNESCO old town. It’s the second largest island to Sao Miguel and its old town Angra do Heroismo is quite charming with colorful buildings set right on the sea. The island is known for the Algar do Carvão, a deep cave and home to some of the world’s largest stalactites. It’s also a good place to enjoy some wine tasting.

Day 1

Day 2

  • Queijo Vaquinha cheese factory
  • Wine tasting in Biscoitos:
  • Lunch – O Bagulho
  • Biscoitos natural swimming pools (14m drive)
  • Gruta do Natal (11m drive)
  • Furnas de Enxofre (5m drive)
  • Algar do Carvão (4m drive)
  • Lagoa das Patas (lagoon) (9m drive)
  • Viewpoint of Serra de Santa Barbara (15m drive)
  • Zona Balnear da Silveira Bathing Area (31m drive)
  • With extra time – Mistérios Negros hike
  • Lodging – same place (night 2/2)

In-Depth

Day 1

Terceira is smaller than the more popular São Miguel, less touristed, and has a charm to itself. For proper exploration allow two days. The highlight of Terceira is its UNESCO world heritage old town, but it also has wineries, beaches and natural pools, and interesting lava caves. Terceria works well to pair with the islands of Pico and Faial, as they are connected by ferry. Flights from Terceira go to mainland Europe.

Once you arrive, pick up your rental car, we used Azores Rental Cars and liked them. Drive to the highlight of the island: the UNESCO world heritage old town Angra do Heroísmo, which was the historical capital of the Azores from the 1500s. Parking can be challenging. Your best bet is to park in a lot (there’s a good one both behind and next to the municipal building – which is probably your best choice), otherwise you will have to feed the meter every few hours until 6pm. While it’s fun to just wander through the colorful streets, stops to see in the old town include: City Hall, Patio da Alfandega (with statue of Vasco da Gama), Angra Cathedral, Ingreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, Convento de São Francisco, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Igreja da Misericordia, Palace of the Captains-General , Duque da Terceira Garden, and the prainha (sandy beach). A perfect place to grab lunch among your rambles is at Verde Maca. You may be tempted to spend some time swiming and enjoying the perfect sand and sea of the prainha (and we recommend you do) or plan to come back later in the afternoon for a dip. If you end at the prainha, you can continue walking along the edge of the town to Monte Brasil (it’s alos a short drive from town if you want to go all the way to the top). At the base is the historical St. Sebastian Fort and a little further up is the Sao Joao Baptista Castle. It’s also an excellent viewpoint of the old town and the caldeira. If you are want a drink, O Pirata perched on the cliff over the ocean has a great selection of local beers (among other things) and very friendly service.

If you’re tired and want to enjoy a break in one of Angra do Heroísmo’s pretty squares at at cafe, or do some swimming at the beach, we totally understand that.

If, however, you really want to see more of the island this afternoon you can continue further. I don’t feel like these sites are the highlights of the island, but they’re still very nice. Get back in your car and drive to the Pico do Canario viewpoint too look out at the small islets of Ilheu das Cabras. Then continue on to the Porto Martins natural pools and pretty church before visiting another one of the prettiest beaches on the island, Praia da Vitoria. You can finish your day at the Serra do Cume viewpoint. While this viewpoint flood instagram feeds, I can’t say I completely understand why. It’s situated high in the hills and looks down on green rolling valleys, but to be honest, it’s not the most picturesque spot on the island in my opinion, though it’s certainly pretty.

For dinner there’s some great eating options in Terceira but you must reserve ahead. Even shoulder season calling a day or so out, restaurants were booked. Do not plan to simply show up (this is one of the most difficult towns I’ve ever found to eat in, simply because all of the restaurants were full mid-week). I’m not sure where all the people eating are coming from, but it was so full we were turned away at 5 restaurants at 7pm. Book ahead. The best choice in town is the Captain’s Table. Other excellent options include Taberna Roberto, Ti Choa, and Moshi Moshi. Some additional good places are O Caholete (famous for grilling your own meat at the table), Caneta, Mercatto di Osteria, Beira Mar, Tasca das Tias, Boca Negra, and Taberna do Teatro.

Arguably the nicest place to stay in town is at the Terceira Mar Hotel. The Azoris Angra Garden has an unbeatable location right on the main square. Other good options include Pousada Forte Angra do Heroísmo, Captain’s Hotel, Casa Hintze Ribeiro, and Quinta do Martelo.

Day 2

Start your day at the Queijo Vaquinha cheese factory. It produces local and very excellent cheese on Terceira. Walk inside and at the counter ask to taste the cheese. They will give you a board with a variety of cheeses (at the time of writing this is 2023, this was free) and an option to buy a beverage to go with your snack. You can also purchase the cheeses to take away for a picnic there as well as watch the cheese being made.

Are you ready to wine taste now that you’ve eaten? Drive to the town of Biscoitos. The grape you’ll mainly find here is verdelho, a white grape that loves the island’s volcanic soil. The easiest option is to visit the free Biscoitos wine museum and do a tasting there. However, and more fun, is to explore the tiny winemakers of the region. While we had luck stumbling into them, it’s much better to email ahead of time (to know that they’ll be there and you can taste). Tasting is casual, it sort of feels like you’re in someone’s home, and quite fun. A few good ones include D’um Alqueire, Adega Dos Ferreiros, Adega Simas Vineyard, Adega Quinta da Falencia, and Vinhos Brum. You can also do this via a guided tour if that sounds easier. There is a wine collective (Cooperativa Vitivinicola da Ilha Terceira) that represents a bunch of different growers and supposedly offers tastings, but despite saying open, looked very closed the day we tried to visit.

For lunch, we recommend O Bagulho in Biscoitos. If you have picnic supplies you can take them to your next stop the Biscoitos natural swimming pools as well. While there is a cafeteria right next to these pools, it’s not very good. The Biscoitos natural swimming pools are beautiful natural pools in lava formations. Swim in saltwater, among fish. It’s a great place to spend a few hours relaxing.

Your next stop has to be timed. Gruta do Natal and Algar do Carvão (the cave and lava sites of the island) do not open until 2:30pm. You can buy a combined ticket to both sites. The more important is the latter, however with time, they’re both fun. Gruta do Natal is a more natural cave within lava stone. The entrance is through an old looking house and you’ll climb down into the cave. Once you visit (or if you choose to skip), continue on to Furnas de Enxofre, an interesting and unique bioreserve. Walk along the paths and notice the hot air blowing out of the earth (a good reminder you’re on a volcano). Finish your day at the Algar do Carvão, a volcanic tube that runs 300 feet into the ground. It’s less clautrophobic than it feels, because the tube is covered with moss and is open to the sky. It’s very pretty as you wind your way down into the cave chamber itself.

On the way back you can opt to stop at a the viewpoint of Serra de Santa Barbara (not worth it unless it’s a very blue sky day) or another swimming area called Zona Balnear da Silveira Bathing Area which is organized and quite pretty. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening back in town.

Other Island Info

Pico

Pico has the highest mountain in Portugal and the best reason to visit this island is to climb it. But Pico offers more than just a climb, you can also enjoy whale watching and the whale museum and tons of wine tasting (the island is a Unesco World Heritage wine tasting site).

Santa Maria

Santa Maria is quite close by to São Miguel (only 34 miles away) and has the warmest climate out of all the islands in the archipelago and why it’s nicknamed the “Sun Island”. The whole island is only 11 miles long and has beautiful sandy beaches and clear water. It’s also very close to the natural reserves of Formigas and Dollabart Bank and is one of the best diving destinations in all of Europe.

https://www.theblondeabroad.com/ultimate-mallorca-itinerary/

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