Three Islands Fly & Drive

RECOMMENDED ITINERARY

DAY 1 – PONTA DELGADA

Arrival and pick up the rental car at the airport. Discover the capital of the main island, São Miguel, founded in the 15th century, you will observe the Brazilian influence in its buildings. Highlights include its promenade, its historic center, its gardens, the botanical garden and the square of the church of San Sebastian. Accommodation.

DAY 2 – PONTA DELGADA / LAGOA DO FOGO / PONTA DELGADA

Drive to Lagoa do Fogo, a lake of volcanic origin located at an altitude of 600mts, surrounded by lush vegetation and spectacular views. Rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation. 

DAY 3 – PONTA DELGADA / CAPELAS / RIBEIRA GRANDE / FAROL PONTA DO ARNEL / PONTA DELGADA

Head north to Capelas, to enjoy its natural pools and cliffs. During the tour, you can make a stop in the town of Ribeira Grande, the second largest town on the island, and enjoy its beautiful beaches and landscapes. The next stop is the easternmost point of the island: the Ponta do Arnel Lighthouse, the first lighthouse built in the Azores. Return to Ponta Delgada. Accommodation.

DAY 4 – PONTA DELGADA / ANGRA DO HEROISMO

At the scheduled time go to the airport, return the car and take the flight to the island of Terceira. Arrival to the second most inhabited island of the Azores. Pick up the rental car. Accommodation. 

DAY 5 – ANGRA DO HEROISMO / ALGAR DO CARVÃO / SANTA BÁRBARA / ANGRA DO HEROISMO

Visit the modern city of Angra do Heroísmo, name given by King Pedro IV in 1834. We recommend that you visit the Fortress of St. John the Baptist and its wall. Then head to Algar do Carvao, a volcanic chimney easy to visit, and see a volcano from inside. Finally, head to Santa Barbara, the highest point of Terceira and enjoy the best views of the island. Return to Angra do Heroísmo. Accommodation. 

DAY 6 – ANGRA DO HEROISMO / HORTA

At the scheduled time go to the airport, return the car and take the flight to Faial, the bluest and most cosmopolitan of all the Azores; it is the third most populated island. Pick up the rental car.  Accommodation. 

DAY 7 – HORTA / PONTA DOS CAPELINHOS / CABEÇO GORDO / CALDEIRA / HORTA

After a walk around the port of Horta we recommend driving north to reach Capelinhos, where you can see the remains of the last volcanic eruption of the Azores. In the background, observe the Ponta dos Capelinhos Lighthouse, which preserves that magic that lighthouses have, a mixture of stories and legends. Next, head towards Cabeço Gordo. Visit Caldeira, which, as its name suggests, is a caldera inside the highest mountain on the island. Return to Horta. Accommodation.

DAY 8 – HORTA

At the scheduled time, drive to the airport to return the rental car.