São Miguel, Azores Islands

We kicked off our road trip adventure with a buzz of excitement. First things first, we grabbed our ride from ANC Azores Holidays, one specific moment that you would need to go to the outskirts to take your car.

With the wind in our hair and the open road ahead, our first stop was Miradouro do Caminho Novo. The view was a total jaw-dropper, making us feel like we were on top of the world. Next up was Miradouro da Vista do Rei, this viewpoint boasts panoramic views of the Sete Cidades crater, known for its twin lakes. It’s named after King Carlos I of Portugal, who once visited and marvelled at the scenery.

We couldn’t resist checking out the Ruínas do Monte Palace Hotel, a once-luxurious establishment now in ruins, reflecting the island’s past tourism boom. Why did the hotel close? There wasn’t much else to do at the hotel besides the beautiful view. There were no pools, no spas, and no city nearby.

Miradouro da Grota do Inferno lived up to its fiery name, this viewpoint offers a glimpse of volcanic formations. It’s a testament to São Miguel’s geological history, showcasing its fiery origins. Lagoa do Canário was a serene crater lake, perfect for nature lovers, next to which we walked on the way back.

We couldn’t miss Sete Cidades, with its legendary seven villages submerged beneath the lakes. But the highlight of the day? Mosteiros Beach, a picturesque black sand beach surrounded by volcanic rock formations.

The hot springs at Ponta da Ferraria and the mysterious A Porta do Diabo wrapped up our day, leaving us eager for more adventures in Ponta Delgada at the Antillia Hotel.

We had a breakfast at Antillia Hotel, headed towards adventure once again. Our journey led us to Trilho Lagoa do Fogo, a hiking trail that promised breathtaking views of Lagoa do Fogo. The lake itself was a stunner, and Praia Grande da Lagoa do Fogo offered us a peaceful escape from the crowd.

Our road led us to Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara, a beach known for its waves and good vibes. There are a lot of surfing schools open all year round. After stocking up on essentials at Modelo Continente Ribeira Grande, we marvelled at the views from Miradouro de Santa Iria.

The day we concluded in Maia, Portugal, where we found a cosy spot to rest our weary heads. The view from the apartment was SPECTACULAR.

We woke up to a new day of adventure to the sound of roosters on the farm. Our first stop was Miradouro do Pico do Ferro, a viewpoint that offered a jaw-dropping panorama of the Furnas Valley.

Furnas was next on our list, a place teeming with geothermal wonders. Parque Terra Nostra wowed us with its botanical beauty and beggar ducks, and Furnas Lake was a sight to behold. I can’t say that this lake is my favourite, perhaps because the landscape around it is pretty reminiscent of the forests we are familiar with.

Capela de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias is located on the shore of the lake and dedicated to Our Lady of Victories, reflecting the island’s strong Catholic heritage.

We read about a coffee shop inside the Monitoring and Research Center of Furnas, but it was already closed when we arrived.

We couldn’t resist the allure of Balouço da Lagoa das Furnas, a swing with a view, and then it was time to refuel at Spar, Furnas. Our day was enriched with a visit to Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões and the stunning Cascata da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, historically used to power nearby water mills. We found it by chance, however, it seems like Bali, and it’s worth visiting.

As the sun set, we found ourselves at Azores Casa Atlantis in Nordeste, ready for another day of exploration. The apartment was very unusual, it is located next to a farm and roosters can wake you up in the morning. The owner very nicely treated us to fresh bread and wine.

Azores Casa Atlantis in Nordeste was our home for the day, and it was a great starting point for our adventures. The Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego offered serene coastal views, setting the tone for a peaceful day.

We hiked to Cascata do Salto do Prego, a beautiful waterfall perfect for a refreshing dip (if you like that). The hike itself was not the most challenging, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. It’s hard to imagine, approaching the village Faial da Terra, that such a powerful waterfall is hidden inside the forest. The partly abandoned village has its own interesting history, with migration in the 1970s and heavy rain in 2013.

The day ended with a return to Furnas, where we soaked in the geothermal vibes at Caldeiras.

Casa do Contador - Suites & Pool in Ponta Delgada was our comfy abode for the night, wrapping up an exciting day of exploration.

On our final day, we dawned with a stay at Casa do Contador - Suites & Pool. We started the day in Jardim Botânico António Borges, which showcased the island’s natural beauty and unique trees, delivered from other countries like Australia.

Portas da Cidade in Ponta Delgada was a nod to the island’s history, while Forte de São Brás delved into its maritime past. As we explored Ponta Delgada, we couldn’t help but reminisce about the incredible road trip that had brought us here, making it a memorable finale to our adventure.

We decided to explore all the islands in the Azores archipelago, as I know that the landscapes are different on the islands.