Car Seats and Carry-Ons

The Azores is a group of volcanic islands scattered across the Atlantic Ocean. It is rugged. It is misty. It has a great travel vibe. The food is incredible and affordable. The weather is unpredictable. It is perfect for travellers who love the outdoors and don’t mind colder temperatures and rain.

For a more detailed recap of our trip, click here.

1. Transportation

• We flew direct via Sata airlines from Toronto (YYZ) to Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, round trip. The flight is just under 6 hours on the way there, and 7 hours on the return.
• This is an extremely small airline and they were NOT into carry-ons.
• In most locations, I would say a rental car is essential for exploring (and more affordable than the local taxis which add up for sure).
• We took the ferry between Faial and Pico, and it was easy to navigate.

2. Our Itinerary at a glance

Our trip was a VERY short mom getaway without kids and we packed a LOT into 5/6 days. IF you had time for a longer trip, I would spend 3-4 days on Sao Miguel, 2 days on Faial, and 3-4 days on Pico.

Day 1 – our overnight flight

Day 2 – Sao Miguel to Faial

Top highlight in Sao Miguel – Sete Ciudad (Cidades)

Day 3 – Faial to Pico

Top highlight in Faial – Capelinhos (a must see)

Day 4 – Pico – 1/2 climb of Mount Pico (tallest peak in Portugal, not a tall peak overall)

Top highlight in Pico – The Loving Stranger hostel, the climb, our crew

Day 5 – Pico to Sao Miguel

Top highlight – Out Of the Blue Hostel, Furnas (Terra Nostra Park)

3. If you had time for a longer trip…

• Sao Miguel – 3-5 days
• Faial – 1-2 days
• Pico 3-4 days
• Add in Sao Jorge (and visit Faja da Caldeira de Santo Cristo) – 2-3 days

The view at Sete Ciudad

4. Where to stay

• Sao Miguel (Ponto Delgada)
  • Out Of the Blue Hostel (I promise it is upscale and a good vibe, we booked a private room)
  • Octant Ponta Delgada – If you are looking for something more high end, with a habor view
• Faial (Horta)
  • Azores Gardens Faial – “4” going on 3 star hotel with a pool, amazing locaiton
  • Hotel Do Canal – I had researched this too, but honestly think most of the accomodations in Faial are relatively rustic
• Pico (Madalena)
  • The Loving Stranger hostel – I know I know a hostel again BUT it had an amazing vibe, and we stayed in the second floor private suite with a beautiful view
  • Lava Homes – very highly rated and looks STUNNING

Architecture in Horta

5. Where to Eat

• Sao Miguel
  • CASA DE CHÁ “O POEJO” in Sete Ciudad
  • Supléxio – delicious burgers
  • Otaka (Japanese)
  • A Tasca (authentic Portuguese)
  • São Pedro (cool vibe)
• Faial
  • Atlético (be sure to book in advance)
  • Gastro bar Príncipe – was closed during our trip and I was devastated
  • Cantinho das Provas – very highly rated
  • A Padaria – Avenida, amazing bakery
• Pico
  • O Cinco – amazing dinner
  • Taberna do Canal, a beach bar overlooking a natural pool

6. Climbing Mount Pico

• I highly recommend the company Atípico (we love Monica) if you plan to do a guided hike
• I do not think that the overnight climb is worth it, because the views can be so limited by fog/weather but you do you!
• I would rate the intensity mild-moderate, but be sure to wear good shoes and bring rain gear, a baseball cap and a toque (the word for beanie in Canada)
• IF you don’t go with a guide, be sure to book your spot in advance because they only allow 150 people to summit per day.

Mount Pico