Azores 3-island roundtrip: Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge & Terceira - Itinerary & Travel Guide

Discover the raw beauty of the Azores islands with me through this travel guide, 9 Portuguese islands originated millions of years ago by volcanic activity in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Europe, Africa, and North America.

Even though they are located much further out in the ocean, they are sister islands to Madeira, which I have visited 3 times already, so a trip to this Portuguese volcanic archipelago, with their photogenic landscapes, UNESCO heritage sites and dramatic nature, was long overdue!

Journaway Azores 3-islands package deal

In mid-May, we embarked on a memorable 2-week roundtrip along the Azores islands of São Miguel, São Jorge and Terceira. We booked everything through Journaway: international flights via Lisbon, domestic inter-island flights, car rentals on each island and comfortable accommodations.

Their pre-planned 3-island package provided excellent 4-star stays with plenty of freedom to explore independently.

Journaway offers fully packaged multi-day trips to more than 100 destinations all over the world, in an uncomplicated booking process, with many adventurous trip packages to choose from, all private.

This will save you time and money, as they did the planning already and they look for the best rates daily.

Check our exact trip package here: Journaway Azores 3-island adventure.

And find even more adventurous trips to other destinations via this unique tour operator here: Journaway-AuthenticChica selection.

If you're planning to book, you can take advantage of my code: naomi150 to get €150 off at the end of the booking screen by using my code.

There's no minimum purchase amount required, the code is valid for all trip packages (without other discounts) and there's no expiration date!

Azores history & fun facts

The Azores were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Portuguese navigators discovered them in the early 15th century (around 1427–1439), finding them uninhabited. Settlement began soon after, with a mix of Portuguese, Flemish, and other European settlers.

The islands became vital stopovers for ships sailing between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Their strategic location influenced history, including naval battles and trade. The Azores remain an autonomous region of Portugal, using the Euro, with a population of around 250,000.

Fun facts:

• Europe’s only tea plantation is on São Miguel (Gorreana).

• There are more cows than people in some areas.

• Volcanic cooking: Cozido das Furnas stew is slow-cooked underground by geothermal heat.

• The islands feature dramatic fajãs, fertile coastal plains formed by lava flows or landslides.

• Hydrangeas (hortênsias) are iconic, but not native to the islands, as they arrived from Japan in the 19th century and were planted as hedges to divide land and as windbreaks.

• They bloom vibrantly in summer (June–July), turning the islands into a photographer’s paradise. Sadly we were there just a bit too early to see this, but already saw many of them about to bloom, along roads and at many natural sites and viewpoints.

Azores islands travel guide

Find my custom Google map, with all the must-sees on these 3 islands here:

And read on for even more tips, everything you need to know for your own trip and, as always, many of my own pictures. 

São Miguel: the green gateway

We started our trip with a TAP airlines flight via Lisbon to the fist island: São Miguel. This is the most populated island located in the eastern Azores group, offering diverse scenery from craters to tea plantations. We based ourselves in the capital for extra convenience.

Hotel Ponta Delgada: Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico

For an extra fee, we upgraded to the Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico, a 5-star property conveniently located by the harbor. It’s a 15-minute drive from the airport and a 10-minute walk to the historic center. The package included a solid 4-star option, but the upgrade was worth it for the location and comfort.

The hotel gave us a super warm welcome for our anniversary and even upgraded us to a harbor view room!

Ponta Delgada is walkable with charming spots like the Portas da Cidade (city gates), Forte de São Brás, and beautiful gardens. However, the island’s true magic lies mostly just a 30-minute drive away.

Our itinerary and favourite spots on São Miguel were (see my custom Google Map for all pins):

Day 1 – Ponta Delgada exploration

• Jardim Botânico António Borges was my absolute favourite. Free botanic, very extensive and lush gardens in the center of the city, get an impression here:

• Portas da Cidade

• Santuário do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres

  
  

• Forte de São Brás

• Jardim Padre Sena Freitas

• Although the city is less impressive and well kept than Funchal on Madeira for example and the offering of restaurants and shops more limited, I did like the vibe here.

• Get an impression via my own pictures and find more tips in Ponta Delgada, incl.restaurants, marked on my custom Google map.

Day 2 – Northwest adventure (Sete Cidades area)

• Miradouro da Grota do Inferno (stunning views of the 3 lakes and directly upon Lagoa de Santiago) is a viewpoint that should not be missed! It's a relatively easy 25-minute hike from the big parking lot to get there, but the path can be muddy and slippery when it rained and the view can be cloudy and misty from time to time.

• Miradouro da Vista do Rei offering spectacular views upon Sete Cidades lake (with the abandoned hotel behind it)

• Estrada Hortênsia (lined with hydrangeas in summer)

• Lagoa do Canário

• Igreja de São Nicolau in Sete Cidades (path also lined with hydrangeas in summer!)

• Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado and Ponta do Castelo

• Piscinas Naturais de Caneiros, Mosteiros (volcanic pools and rugged most northwest point of the island, perfect for sunset with some small bars)

Day 3 – Southeast highlights

• Rib boat ethical whale-watching tour with Terra Azul from Vila Franca do Campo marina. A very scenic harbor and responsible whale-watching company. We only saw 1 whale from a distance but many dolphins.

• We really enjoyed this tour that also takes you to the mystical island Ilhéu da Vila and was included in our Journaway package.

• Miradouro Ilhéu da Vila and Vila Franca do Campo village with some restaurants with island view

• Miradouro da Lagoa das Furnas

• Chapel (Sanctuary) of Nossa Senhora da Paz

• Poça da Dona Beija (thermal pools with entry fee)

• Parque Terra Nostra (beautiful park with hot springs, accessible for a fee)

• Fumarolas and Caldeiras das Furnas (free geothermal sites around the village Furnas)

 

Day 4 – North & Central

• Santa Bárbara beach

• Miradouro de Santa Iria

• Gorreana Tea Factory (free entry + hike to the viewpoint, this is Europe’s only tea plantation!)

• Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões (several waterfalls, and free to visit)

• Cascata da Gruta, a waterfall just a short walk from the road

• Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha, a park with extensive parking, thermal baths and waterfall in a lovely setting. It's a relatively easy hike of about 30 minutes to see the whole park with stunning vegetation, but it's also quite commercial in my opinion.

• For €3 you can enter the park for a short walk around and see education center, the thermal baths and waterfall. And it costs €10 for adults, if you also want to use the thermal baths, although time slots do apply and these can get quite full.

• Miradouro da Lagoa do Fogo

• Miradouro da Barrosa (nearly 1 km high, second-highest point of the island)

São Jorge: tranquil island of fajãs

After 6 days a quick 1-hour Sata (Azores Airlines) flight on a small 37-seat plane took us to São Jorge in the central Azores group next. This quieter island is perfect for relaxation and hiking.

Unique accommodation in the north of São Jorge: Kuanza Nature Experience

We stayed for 4 nights in a very authentic nature accommodation in the secluded Fajã do Belo (included in the Journaway package). This eco-friendly retreat offers about 10 holiday homes, located on the beach of this stunning, car-free fajã (a flat coastal plain formed by volcanic activity).

Fajãs are unique to the Azores, land tongues created by lava or landslides. São Jorge has many, and the island’s last volcanic eruption was in 1980.

The Kuanza Nature Experience is: 

• A true hidden gem that opened just 3 years ago, run by a lovely family that bought the houses as ruins and fully renovated them over the period of a few years.

• Susan, Luca and her husband will give you a warm welcome and are always available when you need them, as they live on-site too.

• Their resort truly offers an intimate and authentic connection with the raw beauty of the Azores.

• The road to Fajã dos Cubres is steep, so not for the faint-hearted:), yet very beautiful. Drive there in about 40 minutes from the airport and park your car for free in the village for the pick-up.

• Access to the resort is only by buggy or on foot. They will pick you and your luggage up the first day and bring you back the last day. For other buggy transfers there are extra charges or it’s a 30-minute walk back to the parking area in Fajã dos Cubres.

• The property has excellent wifi connection, 2 shared pools, a sauna, a small shop and direct beach and nature trail access.

• We stayed in the charming Belo Lua house, which includes a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen, king-sized bedroom for 2 and a bathroom. Also outside a patio with lounge chairs, a picnic table and direct ocean views. Get an impression through this gallery:

A relatively easy 30-minute walk to the other direction leads to Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo, home to the Santuário do Senhor Santo Cristo. This chapel is a key pilgrimage site.

While the most famous Senhor Santo Cristo devotion is on São Miguel, this local sanctuary holds deep cultural importance with annual pilgrimages for the locals and ties to Azorean faith traditions.

Kuanza has quickly gained a reputation for its peaceful atmosphere, personalized service, and commitment to sustainability.

Here you wake up to the sound of waves, enjoy complete privacy, fully relax and easily walk to Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo. A tranquil village with 2 restaurants, stunning views and waterfall along the way.

With its low-impact philosophy and unique location, Kuanza Nature Experience perfectly balances comfort and off-the-grid tranquility.

We were able to fully rejuvenate and disconnect here! Highly recommended if you also want to relax in one of São Jorge’s most special spots.

Tip:

Bring groceries in advance for your stay at Kuanza. Although they do have a small shop on site, it's limited and the nearest supermarket is a 25-minute drive away.

Other highlights on São Jorge:

• Piscina Natural "Simão Dias"

• Miradouro da Fajã do Ouvidor

• Pico da Esperança (highest point of the island)

• Velas village

• Sete Fontes Forest Park (Parque Florestal das Sete Fontes)

• Farol da Ponta do Topo lighthouse

• And more marked, incl.restaurants, on my custom Google map.

The day before our flight to Terceira we saw bad weather forecasts already, and after waiting 3 hours on the airport of São Jorge our fear was realized: our flight to Terceira got cancelled after all.

What should have been a short 35-minute flight to Terceira turned into 2 more nights on São Jorge, because Sata flights are limited.

Unfortunately we heard from locals that these get cancelled quite often on the Azores, if the wind is too strong or visibility bad, since the smaller propellor planes are vulnerable.

And while I really liked the rugged beauty of the Azores and always want to explore more, the fickle weather and challenges of traveling between the islands, either by boat or plane, are a big downside to me.

Especially since they don't go often.

This means your travel plans have to be very flexible and you have to calculate enough time to make sure you can still catch your flight home.

For trips like this I can certainly recommend booking through a tour operator like Journaway, so they can help with new bookings, communications and hotel arrangements in the case of cancellations.

Their support did soften the blow a little, as we got a nice replacing hotel for the next 2 nights and Journaway was there for us with compensation afterwards.

But it truly was a pity that we only had 1,5 day left on Terceira now and could not use the rental car anymore to explore the last island.

Terceira: Historic charm & natural wonders

So after 2 more nights on São Jorge we finally caught the next Sata plane to Terceira, where we spent most of our time in the hotel and the capital, where the hotel was located.

Here we also upgraded to a different 4-star hotel with direct ocean views (the standard Journaway package originally included another 4-star alternative).

Hotel Angra do Heroísmo: Terceira Mar Hotel

The Terceira Mar hotel was a bit dated, but it's one of the best hotels on the island, with a great location, nice restaurant and bar and stunning panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and Monte Brasil.

Just a 25-minute drive from the airport and a 15-minute walk from the UNESCO-listed historic center.

We had a spacious sea-view room, and the hotel has many facilities, like an indoor and outdoor pool, Spa, tennis court and fitness area. With all this and its lush gardens and stunning ocean views, Terceira Mar provided a comfortable base for exploring the capital of Terceira.

Angra do Heroísmo's central zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1983) for its role as a vital 15th–19th century port of call for ships on routes to Africa, the East Indies, and the Americas.

Founded in the 15th century, it became a city in 1534 and an archbishopric seat.

Its colorful streets, churches, and fortifications showcase its strategic importance well.

And although the city can get quite busy we especially liked the botanic gardens next to the palace, offering a tranquil oasis in the historic city center. As well as Monte Brasil with its quiet parks, playgrounds, historic forts and the best viewpoints over the city.

Also don't miss the harbor area next to the wide city beach. The Zona Balnear da Prainha has the best ice cream shop and offers great views over the harbor!

And from here you can walk all the way past the ocean along the historic fort's walls.

Get an impression through the pictures we took here:

Must-see's in the Unesco capital Angra do Heroismo:

• Baia do Fanal

• Portas da Prata

• Monte Brasil & Fortress of St. John the Baptist

• Parque Municipal do Relvão

• Zona Balnear da Prainha

• Jardim Duque da Terceira

• Palácio dos Capitães Generais

• Church of the Misericórdia

• Forte de São Sebastião

• And so much more marked, incl.restaurants, on my custom Google map.

Unfortunately due to our flight cancellation we did not have time to explore more of Terceira by car, as we had originally planned, but other Terceira highlights should be:

• Algar do Carvão, volcanic cave and Furnas do Enxofre

• Praia da Vitória

• Miradouro Ponta das Contendas

• Piscinas Naturais de Biscoitos (natural rock pools)

Good to know: Top Azores travel tips

• There are almost no mosquitoes here, because of the volcanic soil and geothermal activity, a welcome surprise!

• Currency is the Euro and cards are widely accepted. But do bring cash for small rural shops and parking.

• Book your rental car early, especially on São Jorge and Terceira, as availability is limited.

• Weather changes extremely fast due to microclimates. Always check live webcams via SpotAzores.com for the specific spots you want to visit and bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots.

• Drive carefully on narrow, winding roads. Be alert for animals and avoid night driving if possible.

• Download offline maps as signal can be weak in remote areas.

• Best time for warmer weather is June-August. The months before and after can be cooler with higher rain/wind chances:

• September–October (best shoulder period), temperatures: Highs 21–24°C (70–75°F), lows 15–18°C (59–64°F).

• Still feels like late summer with the warmest sea temperatures, good for swimming in natural pools.

• Moderate rainfall (more in October), but many pleasant sunny days, which makes it excellent for hiking, whale watching, and with fewer crowds than peak summer.

• November–February, temperatures: Highs 15–18°C (59–64°F), lows 11–14°C (52–57°F).

• Mild but the wettest and windiest period, especially December–January.

• March–May temperatures: Highs gradually rise from 16–18°C (61–64°F) in March to 19–21°C (66–70°F) in May. Lows 11–14°C (52–57°F).

• Rainfall decreases noticeably after March. May is one of the drier, greener months with blooming hydrangeas starting late in the season.

• Hydrangeas peak bloom is in June-July, making the islands even more photogenic.

• The Azores are one of Europe’s best spots for whale and dolphin watching, with April to September offering the highest chance of sightings.

• Try local specialties: Cozido das Furnas, fresh seafood, Azorean cheese, and São Miguel pineapple.

• Respect nature: stick to trails and leave no trace.

• Although Madeira is the bigger sister island of the Azores the vibe is totally different. Madeira is more developed and popular, attracting a variety of tourists.

• Compared to Madeira, the Azores feel wilder, less developed, and more authentic, yet the smaller islands do have fewer accommodations and restaurants.

• Many establishments close in the afternoon between 3-7 pm and reopen in the evenings after 6.30-7 pm.

This 3-island Azores itinerary perfectly balances adventure, relaxation, and culture. Whether you book through a specialist like Journaway or piece it together on your own, these islands will leave a lasting impression and I hope this travel guide can help with that! Find even more inspiration for nearby islands on my Madeira page or explore more in Portugal through my Portugal page.

I hope that my Azores islands travel guide, tips and our itinerary with custom map will form the inspiration for your next adventure. Or have you visited the Azores yet? And if not, which island is on your list?