15-Day Azores Itinerary: Discover São Miguel, Flores, and Terceira
- Aina & Dani
- 3 hours ago
- 14 min read
If you’re planning a 15-day Azores itinerary, you’re about to explore one of the wildest and most stunning destinations in Europe. This Portuguese archipelago, lost in the middle of the Atlantic, is the perfect place to enjoy nature, lush green landscapes, and a peaceful pace of life.
If you’ve already read our article about the Azores, you’ll know that these islands are divided into three groups: the Eastern Islands (São Miguel and Santa Maria), the Central Islands (Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, São Jorge, and Pico), and the Western Islands (Flores and Corvo).
For this 15-day Azores itinerary, we’ll visit one island from each group to get a full picture of the archipelago: São Miguel, Flores, and Terceira.
We chose this itinerary because, for us, São Miguel is the most complete island and the best gateway to the Azores, thanks to the good flight connections to Ponta Delgada Airport.
Next, we’ll visit Flores Island, which represents the wildest essence of the archipelago, full of waterfalls, cliffs, and a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Finally, we’ll end in Terceira Island, ideal for enjoying historical heritage, local life, and easy access to return flights to mainland Portugal.
Although this is our suggested 15-day Azores itinerary, you can always adapt it to your own pace and interests. If you’d like to explore more options, we recommend checking out our article on the 10 must-see places in the Azores, where you’ll find highlights from the other islands as well.
15-Day Azores Itinerary – Contents:
How to Get to and Travel Between the Azores Islands
The most common way to reach the Azores is by flying into São Miguel, the island with the most international connections year-round, especially from Lisbon and Porto. Terceira also has direct flights from mainland Portugal, which makes including both islands at the start and end of your itinerary much easier and gives you more flexibility for your return trip.
To reach Flores, you’ll need to fly from São Miguel or Terceira, which is why we’ve placed this island in the middle of our 15-day Azores itinerary.
The quickest and most reliable way to travel between islands is by plane, as all islands have airports and the local airline operates regular inter-island flights. The frequency is higher in summer, but we recommend booking your flights in advance since they often sell out quickly during high season.
There’s also the option of traveling by ferry with Atlânticoline, but connections are limited—especially outside of summer—and not all islands are linked by ferry routes. For example, there’s no sea connection from São Miguel to other islands, so for most itineraries, flying is essential.
Renting a Car for 15 Days in the Azores
The best way to explore the Azores and discover all its hidden corners is by renting a car. This itinerary is designed specifically to be done with a car so you can reach every viewpoint, lagoon, hidden village, and scenic road without depending on buses or organized tours.
We recommend choosing rental companies that have airport pick-up and drop-off, so you don’t waste time with transfers. In the Azores, we’ve always rented with Ilha Verde, which has offices at the airports and has consistently given us great experiences. Here we share our experience renting a car in São Miguel, which also applies to the other islands.
Where to Stay for 15 Days in the Azores
Choosing where to stay in the Azores depends on several factors: how much time you want to spend driving, what kind of amenities you’re looking for, and which parts of the islands you want to explore the most.
On São Miguel, if you want convenience and easy access to everything—restaurants, shops, and transportation—the best areas to stay are Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande. To find the perfect area for your trip, don’t miss our article on where to stay in São Miguel.
On Terceira, the most convenient option is staying in Angra do Heroísmo (the island’s main town) or nearby areas such as São Mateus da Calheta, where you’ll find one of our favorite hotels on the island, Farol Guesthouse. From here, you’ll have easy access to the main attractions, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets. You can check all available hotels in the area here.
On Flores, if you’re looking for peace and spectacular scenery, the best area is Fajã Grande, a charming small village near swimming spots. If you prefer to have more services nearby—like accommodations and restaurants—Santa Cruz das Flores, the island’s capital, is the most practical choice. You can decide based on whether you prioritize natural beauty and tranquility or comfort and proximity to everything.
15-Day Azores Itinerary: São Miguel, Flores, and Terceira
To make the most of these two weeks, we’ve organized the trip around three islands that perfectly represent the diversity of the Azores. You’ll spend 7 days on São Miguel, 3 days on Flores, and finish with 5 days on Terceira:
In the next sections, we’ll detail what to see and do on each island, with our personal recommendations and practical tips to help you make the most of your 15-day Azores trip.
Days 1–7 in the Azores: São Miguel Island
We’ll start our 15-day Azores itinerary on São Miguel, the largest and most complete island in the archipelago. It’s the perfect starting point for your trip to the Azores, and you can check our full São Miguel travel guide for more in-depth information.
For these first seven days, we’ve already published a 7-day São Miguel itinerary on our blog, so here we’ll just give you a summary of the main sights to visit each day, along with photos of the top highlights, so you have a clear idea of how to organize this first part of your trip before heading to the next islands.
Note: This itinerary is designed for those who have 7 full days on São Miguel. If your seven days include your arrival or departure day with flights, you’ll need to adapt the route and choose the activities that interest you most.
DAY 1 of your 15-day Azores trip:
MORNING OF DAY 1:
AFTERNOON OF DAY 1:
DAY 2 of your 15-day Azores trip:
MORNING OF DAY 2:
Salto do Cabrito Waterfall and PRC29 SMI Trail (optional)
Restaurant of the Associação Agrícola of São Miguel (for lunch)
AFTERNOON OF DAY 2:
DAY 3 of your 15-day Azores trip:
MORNING OF DAY 3:
Lagoa do Fogo (Fire Lagoon) and PRC02 SMI Trail (optional)
AFTERNOON OF DAY 3:
Gorreana Tea Plantations and PRC28 SMI Trail (optional)
DAY 4 of your 15-day Azores trip:
MORNING OF DAY 4:
AFTERNOON OF DAY 4:
DAY 5 of your 15-day Azores trip:
MORNING OF DAY 5:
AFTERNOON OF DAY 5:
Salto do Prego Waterfall and PRC09 SMI Trail (optional)
DAY 6 of your 15-day Azores trip:
MORNING OF DAY 6:
AFTERNOON OF DAY 6:
Pico da Vara Summit (afternoon - option 1)
Priolo Environmental Center (afternoon - option 2)
DAY 7 of your 15-day Azores trip:
MORNING OF DAY 7:
AFTERNOON OF DAY 7:
Day 1–7 Itinerary Map in São Miguel
Days 8–10 in the Azores: Flores Island
The next stop on this 15-day Azores itinerary takes you to Flores Island, one of the smallest and most remote islands in the archipelago—but also one of the most breathtaking.
While three days may seem short, it’s actually enough to see the main attractions and enjoy the island’s wild nature. Flores is perfect for exploring slowly, stopping at viewpoints, and hiking some scenic trails. Let’s begin!
DAY 8 of your 15-day Azores trip:
Places to visit:
Santa Cruz das Flores
Santa Cruz Natural Pools
Ponta Delgada
MORNING OF DAY 8:
If you arrive in the morning, your first stop will be Santa Cruz das Flores, the island’s capital. Stroll through the old town, visit local viewpoints, and stop by the Santa Cruz natural pools for a refreshing swim if the weather allows.
If you arrive in the afternoon, focus on exploring Santa Cruz and its natural pools without overloading your first day.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 8:
From Santa Cruz, head toward Ponta Delgada, stopping at several viewpoints along the coastal road: Miradouro dos Caimbros, Miradouro dos Cedros, Fajã dos Cedros (if accessible), Miradouro do Ilhéu Furado, Miradouro da Pedrinha, and finally, Miradouro de Ponta Delgada. At sunset, don’t miss the viewpoint overlooking Ponta Delgada’s harbor and bay—an ideal way to end the day.
DAY 9 of your 15-day Azores trip:
Places to visit:
The Seven Lagoons
Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro
Poço do Bacalhau
MORNING OF DAY 9:
This will be one of the trip’s highlights. Start early to visit the seven lagoons of Flores, located on the island’s central plateau—one of the most impressive landscapes in the Azores. These volcanic crater lakes form the lush green heart of Flores.
The best-known are Lagoa Negra and Lagoa Comprida, which sit side by side and offer an incredible contrast—one dark and deep, the other lighter and elongated. Nearby are Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Rasa, separated by only a short stretch of road. From their viewpoints, you’ll see some of the island’s most beautiful panoramas. Finally, visit Lagoa Seca, Lagoa Branca, and Lagoa da Lomba. If you’re lucky, you might have them all to yourself, as they’re the least visited.
The best way to explore them is by following the road that crosses the island’s interior, from Santa Cruz to Fajã Grande, stopping at marked viewpoints along the way.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 9:
In the afternoon, visit two of the island’s most spectacular spots: Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, also known as Cascata das Alagoinhas, and Poço do Bacalhau.
To reach Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro, take a 20-minute walk from the parking area. At the end of the trail, you’ll find one of the most iconic sights in the Azores: a massive green wall covered with dozens of waterfalls tumbling down into a crystal-clear lagoon.
Then head to Fajã Grande, the westernmost village in Europe, where you’ll find Poço do Bacalhau, a 90-meter waterfall plunging into a natural pool surrounded by stunning volcanic cliffs. If the weather’s nice and the water isn’t too cold, it’s a perfect spot for a swim.
DAY 10 of your 15-day Azores trip:
Places to visit:
Lajes das Flores
Mosteiro
Lajedo
Hike to Fajã de Lopo Vaz (optional)
MORNING/AFTERNOON OF DAY 10:
If your flight leaves in the afternoon, start the day with the Fajã de Lopo Vaz Trail (PRC04 FLO)—one of the island’s most beautiful hikes and a great way to enjoy Flores’ nature before leaving.
After the hike (or if your flight is earlier), spend your last few hours exploring the southern villages. Lajes das Flores is one of the island’s prettiest and oldest, with a small harbor, peaceful streets, and a very local vibe. If you have extra time, visit Mosteiro or Lajedo, two areas with green hills, natural viewpoints, and volcanic formations—perfect for your last glimpses of the island before heading to the airport.
Day 8–10 Itinerary Map in Flores
Days 11–15 in the Azores: Terceira Island
When you arrive on Terceira (on Day 10 after your stay in Flores), take it easy after the flight and go for a first stroll through Angra do Heroísmo, one of the most beautiful towns in the Azores. Its cobblestone streets, charming plazas, and colorful façades make it well worth exploring, even if your main goal is nature.
For this itinerary, we assume you’ll be staying in Angra do Heroísmo or a nearby town.
DAY 11 of your 15-day Azores trip:
Places to visit:
Mistérios Negros Trail (PRC03 TER)
Algar do Carvão
Gruta do Natal
Furna do Enxofre
Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint
MORNING OF DAY 11:
Start the day with the Mistérios Negros Trail, our favorite hike on Terceira Island. The trail begins at the Lagoa do Negro parking lot, right in front of Gruta do Natal. It takes you through a unique volcanic forest—one of the island’s most fascinating landscapes.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 11:
After the hike, visit Algar do Carvão, an ancient volcanic vent featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground lake. It is currently closed (as of 2025) and expected to reopen in June 2026, so check the official website before planning your visit.
Then, head to Gruta do Natal, a lava tube you can explore on foot with a helmet and flashlight. If Algar do Carvão is open when you visit, you can save money by purchasing a combined ticket for both sites.
Nearby, you’ll find Furnas do Enxofre, an open-air geothermal area with wooden walkways winding through steaming fumaroles and sulfur deposits—a powerful reminder of the volcanic activity still simmering beneath the island.
On your way back to Angra, stop at the Serra de Santa Bárbara Viewpoint, the highest point on Terceira, offering panoramic views of the entire island and, on clear days, even of the neighboring islands.
DAY 12 of your 15-day Azores trip:
Places to visit:
Angra do Heroísmo
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
Prainha Beach Area/Fanal Bay/Nearby Natural Pools
Monte Brasil
São Mateus da Calheta
MORNING OF DAY 12:
If there’s one activity you absolutely shouldn’t miss on Terceira, it’s whale and dolphin watching, one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have. Start your day with this activity — tours depart from the port of Angra do Heroísmo and offer the chance to observe different species of cetaceans in the wild, guided by experts who explain the Azores’ rich marine ecosystem.
After the tour, spend the rest of the morning exploring Angra do Heroísmo, the island’s capital and historical jewel. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angra stands out for its elegant colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and calm, inviting atmosphere.
Stroll through the old town, walk along Rua da Sé to the Cathedral of São Salvador, visit Jardim Duque da Terceira to enjoy its viewpoints and tropical vegetation, and don’t miss the Palácio dos Capitães-Generais, one of the city’s most emblematic buildings.
If you’re visiting in summer, you can relax at Prainha Beach, Fanal Bay, or one of the nearby natural swimming pools, such as Silveira, Poça dos Frades, or Piscina dos Cães.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 12:
In the afternoon, visit Monte Brasil — you can go as we did, on a guided electric bike tour (highly recommended), drive up to the viewpoint, or, if you’re up for it, hike to the top on foot.
If you still have time before sunset, stop by the small coastal village of São Mateus da Calheta, perfect for a relaxing walk and for dining on delicious fresh fish at one of its seaside restaurants.
DAY 13 of your 15-day Azores trip:
Places to visit:
Baías da Agualva Trail (PR2TER)
Quatro Ribeiras Natural Pools
Miradouro dos Moinhos
Calheta dos Lagadores
Biscoitos Natural Pools
Biscoitos Wine Museum
West Coast Viewpoints
Queijo Vaquinha
MORNING OF DAY 13:
If you feel like hiking, walk the Baías da Agualva Trail (PR2TER) — a stunning 5.5 km coastal path along the island’s north shore. If you’d rather relax, spend the morning at one of the area’s natural pools (more on those below).
After the hike, visit Quatro Ribeiras, home to beautiful, less-crowded natural pools that rival those of Biscoitos. Nearby, at the Miradouro dos Moinhos, you’ll enjoy breathtaking coastal views.
When it’s time for lunch, don’t miss Restaurante Caneta, where you can try the island’s most famous dish, alcatra (slow-cooked beef stew). Be sure to book a table in advance.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 13:
In the afternoon, head toward Biscoitos, one of the most interesting areas on the north coast. Before arriving, stop at Calheta dos Lagadores, a volcanic spot where black lava formations have created beautiful natural pools. Right next to it, you can explore World War II trenches carved into the rock, which once served as strategic lookout points.
Then, end the day relaxing at the Biscoitos Natural Pools, the most famous on the island. These volcanic rock pools form a natural amphitheater by the sea, with designated swimming areas and stone platforms for sunbathing. They can get busy in summer, but the setting is spectacular and absolutely worth a visit.
While in Biscoitos, stop by the Wine Museum, a small, free museum worth seeing. On your way back to Angra, take your time to stop at the west coast viewpoints — Altares, Raminho, Mata da Serreta, and Ponta do Queimado. Finally, before reaching Angra, make a stop at Queijo Vaquinha, the perfect place to sample some of the Azores’ best cheeses paired with a nice local wine.
DAY 14 of your 15-day Azores trip:
Places to visit:
South Coast of Terceira
Praia da Vitória
Serra do Cume Viewpoint (optional on Day 14 or 15)
MORNING OF DAY 14:
Spend the morning exploring Terceira’s south coast, one of the island’s most scenic regions. The highlights here are the Ilhéus das Cabras, two small islets off the coast that are actually the remains of an ancient volcanic cone. You can view them from several viewpoints, and their silhouette is one of Terceira’s most recognizable landmarks. The best places to admire them are Miradouro da Cruz do Canário, Miradouro Maria Augusta de Castro, and Miradouro da Ponta dos Coelhos, all offering spectacular ocean views.
Along the same coastal road, you’ll find plenty of interesting stops. You can swim or simply enjoy the scenery at Piscina Natural do Refugo, one of the island’s most pleasant and peaceful natural pools. Nearby is Gruta das Agulhas, a sea cave formed by lava erosion, with striking pointed rock formations inside (you can reach it by descending the steps).
Continue toward Porto Martins, a charming seaside village where you can take one last swim in its natural pools, such as Poça do Porto de São Fernando or the Piscinas Naturais de Porto Martins, both known for their clean waters and friendly local atmosphere.
AFTERNOON OF DAY 14:
Spend the afternoon in Praia da Vitória, one of Terceira’s liveliest and most popular towns. It’s a great place to unwind after several days of exploring — here you’ll find one of the island’s few sandy beaches, Praia Grande Beach, perfect for swimming or relaxing by the sea.
In Praia da Vitória, walk up to the Miradouro do Facho, located on a hilltop, for one of the best panoramic views of the town, the harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Before returning to Angra, if there’s still daylight, stop at the Serra do Cume Viewpoint, the famous lookout overlooking Terceira’s patchwork fields. If you have time on your departure day, you can also leave this viewpoint for Day 15 of your Azores itinerary.
DAY 15 of your 15-day Azores trip:
Places to visit:
Serra do Cume Viewpoint (if not visited on Day 14)
Humberto Delgado Viewpoint (Lajes Air Base)
Final stops in Terceira
DAY 15 UNTIL YOUR RETURN FLIGHT:
If your flight departs in the afternoon, start your day at the Serra do Cume Viewpoint to take in the sweeping views of Terceira’s patchwork fields and the island’s stunning landscape.
Afterward, use the rest of your time to visit any spots you may have missed in the previous days.
Before heading to the airport, stop at the Humberto Delgado Viewpoint, where you can see the Lajes Air Base, an important military and civil airfield on the island. It’s a fitting place to end your Terceira visit before catching your return flight.
Day 11–15 Itinerary Map in Terceira
And with that, we wrap up our 15-day Azores itinerary. We hope it helps you plan your trip — and, above all, that you enjoy every moment exploring these incredible islands.
