Portugal's wild nature trip in Azores
Answer the call of Portugal's Azores with our Portugal trips crafted for travelers who want authentic, tailored travel. Let local specialists design an intimate journey through São Miguel that prioritizes meaningful encounters, genuine hospitality, and raw natural wonder.
Pick your dates, share your pace and passions, and we will personalize every detail to match your rhythm. Reserve a planning session today and turn a visit into a deeply personal island story.
Azores wild nature trip highlights
- Island hikes through volcanic landscapes: Tailor-made guided hikes across crater lakes and lush laurel forests.
- Whale and dolphin watching: Private boat trips maximize sightings of whales and dolphins while supporting responsible local guides.
- Thermal springs and volcanic soaking: Relax in secluded thermal pools and natural hot springs.
- Authentic local cuisine and farm visits: Savor tailor-made farm-to-table meals and cheese tastings with local producers.
- Custom wildlife photography and birdwatching: Personalized excursions focus on endemic birds, hydrangea-lined vistas, and golden-hour shoots.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Free afternoon: relax; coastal walks; local markets; Azorean gastronomy | ||
| Day 2 | Crossing from the south to the north of Sao Miguel | Sharing stories by the fireplace | |
| Day 3 | Early Atlantic vistas; Gorreana tea factory visit, tea picking | Transfer to Furnas; explore gardens; relax in thermal pools | |
| Day 4 | Canyoning: stream walks, abseils, natural slides, pool jumps | ||
| Day 5 | Cycle Sete Cidades loop; lakeside picnic | Thermas da Ferraria: thermal pools, sauna, Turkish bath, ocean dip | |
| Day 6 | Briefing, boat ride and monitored wild dolphin swim | ||
| Day 7 | Departure |
Day 1: Arrival in São Miguel
Welcome to São Miguel. On arrival at Nordea airport, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel in Punta Delgada, introducing an authentic Portugal travel experience.
After check-in and enjoy a free afternoon to relax or choose curated activities: coastal walks, local markets, and Azorean gastronomy. Meet your guide to plan the next days of your Azores trip.
Tips from Mónica
Portugal Travel Expert
Skip São Miguel in July and August if you want to avoid the tour bus crowds. Go in early June or late September instead, when the hydrangeas are still blooming and the island feels more like the quiet, green paradise locals know and love.
Day 2: Crossing the south to the north of São Miguel
Join our experienced guide on a trip across São Miguel, crossing from the south to the north in a two-day journey through one of the Archipelago's most remote and untouched areas.
Expect to learn about century-old electricity plants, wander dense laurel forest, swim in pristine waters, and trace the ridge of dormant volcanoes. Camping is relaxed and comfortable, with evenings spent sharing stories by the fireplace.
Day 3: Stunning vistas and Gorreana tea
Start early to chase sweeping Atlantic vistas and visit the historic Gorreana Tea Factory, Europe’s oldest, where a tailored experience lets you pick tea leaves and learn how a single plant becomes aromatic tea. It’s a unique stop that adds depth to any well-rounded Portugal itinerary.
Then transfer to Furnas, a village nestled in the geothermal valley of the same name. Explore its romantic gardens, witness bubbling volcanic vents, and unwind in outdoor thermal pools, a natural reward after an active day of discovery.
Day 4: Canyoning in São Miguel
If you're planning a trip to Portugal with adventure in mind, don't skip canyoning in São Miguel. This adrenaline-packed experience takes place in Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, a lush setting filled with waterfalls, clear pools, and natural slides. Walk along streams, abseil down waterfalls up to 10 meters, enjoy water slides, and leap into emerald pools, all under the guidance of local experts who provide full safety gear and a thorough briefing.
After a light snack, head back to Ponta Delgada feeling relaxed, recharged, and buzzing from a day of authentic adventure, complete with historic watermills to explore along the way.
Day 5: Sete Cidades and Ferraria
Cycle around Sete Cidades with Picos de Aventura guides on easy trails that loop the famous lake, then enjoy a picnic by the water.
Relax at Termas da Ferraria with thermal pools, sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi and a heated indoor pool, plus time for an outdoor pool swim or an ocean dip before returning to Ponta Delgada along the green southwest coast.
Day 6: Wild dolphins and Ponta Delgada
Begin at Picos de Aventura HQ for a safety and ethics briefing on respectful sea interaction. Once the lookout team spots a pod, take a short boat ride to swim with wild dolphins, an experience closely monitored to ensure the animals are undisturbed. This intimate encounter is a highlight of this trip and a memorable, ethical wildlife experience.
After the dolphin swim, return along the island’s coastline for scenic views, then enjoy free time exploring Ponta Delgada at your own pace. Perfect for travelers seeking tailor-made moments on their Azores trip.
Day 7: Departure
At the scheduled time, your private driver will take you to the airport for the end of your Azores trip. Enjoy a comfortable, personalized transfer that reflects the tailor-made spirit of this Portugal trip.
Use the journey to savor final island views, collect local tips from your driver, and plan return visits or extensions. We arrange every detail so your departure feels as thoughtful and authentic as your days here.
