Dare to Explore – 3 Day Itinerary

Dare to Explore – 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1

Leave WHITE in direction to the town of Ponta Delgada

- Begin your journey by heading to Covoada, stopping at the Pico do Carvão Viewpoint. Here, you can marvel at the peaks region and observe the island’s narrowest section, spanning just 8 km between the north and south coasts.

- Continue to the Empadadas Lagoons, passing by the historic aqueduct along the way.

- Stop at the Gruta do Inferno and Canário Lake Viewpoints. From here, you can take a short trail leading to one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints, offering a unique perspective of the Sete Cidades volcanic crater.

- Proceed to Vista do Rei (King’s View), one of the most famous viewpoints on the island. This is where the last king of Portugal admired the breathtaking blue and green lakes. At this viewpoint, you’ll also see the ruins of the Monte Palace Hotel, closed in 1991 and now abandoned. Note: the hotel is private property, and exploring its interior is both illegal and hazardous.

- Descend toward the Sete Cidades parish, stopping at Cerrado das Freiras and Santiago Lake Viewpoints along the way.

- Cross the bridge between the lakes and pause for a moment close to the water. Optional: take a small detour to visit the tunnel on the edge of the Blue Lake.

- Depart Sete Cidades in the direction of Várzea, stopping at Mosteiros, the island’s westernmost point. This charming fishing village is known for its natural ocean swimming pools and one of the island’s black sand beaches.

- From Mosteiros, continue toward Ferraria, stopping at the Escalvado Viewpoint en route. This vantage point offers panoramic views of Mosteiros (to your right) and Ferraria (to your left).

- Return to Ponta Delgada via the south coast. Optional: visit the Gruta do Carvão, a volcanic cave showcasing fascinating underground geological formations (entrance fee applies).

- Once in Ponta Delgada, stroll through the city’s narrow streets, admire historic architecture, and explore local highlights. Consider visiting the local market or one of the city's gardens, such as António Borges Garden, Palácio de Sant’Ana (entrance fee), or José do Canto Garden (entrance fee).

- Visit the Azorean pineapple plantation in Fajã de Baixo, a unique agricultural experience.

- Continue through São Roque and Milícias Beaches, heading toward the town of Lagoa. Optional: stop at the Vieira Ceramic Factory, known for its traditional craftsmanship.

Return to WHITE.

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Day 2

Leave WHITE in direction of Lagoa do Fogo. 

- Continue ascending until you reach the Fogo Lake Viewpoint, where you can admire breathtaking views of one of the island’s most stunning lakes. As you ascend to the volcano’s highest point, take advantage of several viewpoints offering spectacular vistas of the lake and the north coast.

- After passing Barrosa Peak, begin your descent toward the island's north coast. Descend the north flank. Optional: make a stop at Caldeira Velha, a natural thermal area with lush vegetation and warm pools (entrance fee applies).

- Detour from the main road to visit Salto do Cabrito waterfall.

- Stop in Ribeira Grande to explore the city. In the central square, visit the Garden of Paradise, where the stream that inspired the city's name flows to the ocean under the Nine Arches Bridge. Optional: visit the Mulher do Capote Liquor Factory to learn about traditional liqueur production.

- Geological Landmark: See the fountain buried by the volcanic eruption of 1563 in Ribeira Seca, a fascinating remnant of the island's geological history.

- On the way to Furnas from Ribeira Grande, visit Gorreana, the oldest tea factory in Europe. Here, you can explore the plantation and enjoy a complimentary tea tasting. Consider a detour to São Brás Lake for another tranquil experience.

- Descend to Furnas Village, a hub of geothermal activity. Relax in the thermal baths at Terra Nostra Park or Poça da Dona Beija (entrance fee applies).

- Visit the hot springs and fumaroles, where you can observe firsthand the volcanic activity that shapes the island. Optional: stop by the Bolo Lêvedo (sweet bread) factory and the Furnense cheese factory to sample local delicacies.

- Head to Furnas Lake, where you can witness traditional stew being cooked underground using volcanic heat (entrance fee applies). Nearby attractions include Grená Park (entrance fee), José do Canto Garden (entrance fee), or the scenic trail around the lake, which takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

- Depart from Furnas through the suther coast 

- Driving along the south coast toward Vila Franca do Campo, consider a detour to Caloura, home to one of the island’s most picturesque natural pools.

- Leave Furnas and head toward Vila Franca do Campo. Along the way, take a detour to Congro Lake, where a short trail leads you to a serene and secluded lake surrounded by nature.

- Pass by the Água d’Alto beaches, known for their beauty.

- Stop in Vila Franca do Campo to enjoy panoramic views of the village and its islet natural reserve from the Nossa Senhora da Paz Viewpoint. Visit the local traditional cakes factory, located near the marina, to sample regional specialties.

Return to WHITE.

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Day 3