How to build an Azores itinerary
The routes below are planning examples, not fixed programs. São Miguel alone fills five days, because Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas are separate lake areas and Ponta Delgada is the base for all of them. Each added island needs a flight or a dated ferry, so every move costs part of a day.
Use fixed time blocks for planning. The Vista do Rei walk takes about 2 hours, a canyoning trip such as Ribeira dos Caldeirões takes 2.5 to 3 hours, and the ferry from Horta to Madalena takes 25 to 30 minutes. Transfers, check-in and getting to the start are not included in these times. For ready-made excursions, see Azores tours and day trips.
Our pick: two days on São Miguel
A ready-made two-day route over the main sights, a good backbone for your first days on the island.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours for your Azores itinerary
Day trips, boat trips and activities to fill your days, with live prices and availability.
5, 7 and 10 days compared
Choose by how many islands you want.
| Days | Islands | Flights or ferries | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | São Miguel | – | Lakes, hot springs, one sea day |
| 7 days | São Miguel and Terceira | 1 inter-island flight each way | Adding a historic town and caves |
| 10 days | São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial | Flights plus the Horta to Madalena ferry | Mountain, vineyards and island hopping |
For most first trips, the 7-day route gives the best balance of landscape and travel time. Take the 10-day route only if you accept weather delays between islands.
Three example routes
Each route builds on the one before.
1. Five days on São Miguel
Day 1: Ponta Delgada, the city gates and the harbour. Day 2: Sete Cidades with the Vista do Rei walk. Day 3: Furnas with the lake, the fumaroles and the cooking holes for cozido, which cook for about 6 to 7 hours. Day 4: a sea day, such as a whale or dolphin trip, or canyoning. Day 5: Lagoa do Fogo or a free day. Whale trips from Vila Franca do Campo last about 3 hours.
São Miguel guide →2. Seven days with Terceira
Spend days 1 to 4 on São Miguel as above, fly to Terceira and spend days 5 to 7 there. Walk through Angra do Heroísmo and visit the forts. Gruta do Natal costs €9 and opens at set hours that change by season. Algar do Carvão is due to close from 1 November 2026, so check its status. Add the sea pools at Biscoitos if the weather is warm.
Terceira guide →3. Ten days with Pico and Faial
Follow the 7-day route, then fly to Pico or Horta. Take the ferry between Horta and Madalena. On Pico, the climb to the summit at 2,350 m needs a registration at the Casa da Montanha, a GPS device and a good weather window, and fees apply (2026: €5 to €25 depending on the stage, check the current table). Keep a spare day for weather.
Pico guide →Planning rules that save time
Small checks before you fix the days.
Keep one base per island
Change hotels as little as possible. See where to stay for the base towns.
Check flights and ferries by date
The ferry portal shows connections by date and port, and São Miguel is not a ferry port. Read the arrival guide for the flight options.
Add a weather day
Weather can change a plan. The best time to visit page shows which months suit which plans.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with your route.
Azores itinerary: frequently asked questions
How many days do I need on São Miguel?
Five days cover the three lake areas, Ponta Delgada and one sea day at a relaxed pace.
Can I visit more than one island in a week?
Yes, with a flight, for example São Miguel and Terceira. Each island change costs part of a day.
How long is the Vista do Rei walk?
About 2 hours one way along a linear, easy route of 7.5 km. It ends in the village near the church of São Nicolau.
Is there a ferry between São Miguel and the other islands?
No. São Miguel is not a ferry departure port. Use inter-island flights.
Should I fix every day in advance?
No. Keep one free day for weather, and check the dates of flights and ferries before you book.