Travel Tips
Essential information for visiting the Azores
Whales and dolphins from Ponta Delgada: season, boats, prices
Whale and dolphin trips from Ponta Delgada take about three hours and cost from €70 in 2026. What you see each month, zodiac or catamaran, and seasickness.
São Miguel tea plantations: Gorreana and Porto Formoso
Gorreana and Porto Formoso, São Miguel's two tea factories, sit minutes apart on the north coast. Opening hours, the 3.3 km field trail, harvest and buses.
São Miguel without a car: buses, taxis and what works
Ponta Delgada, the north coast and Furnas work by bus (line 110 out at 7:15, back at 17:10). Where you need a taxi, night buses, tickets and when to hire a car.
Ponta Delgada in a day: old town, market and where to eat
Ponta Delgada's old centre fits into one walking day. The route, with market and museum hours, the lava cave's tour times, the prices and where to eat.
Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, São Miguel: parking and shuttle
Where to park for Vista do Rei, Boca do Inferno and Lagoa do Fogo, the 2026 summer shuttle (€8, 1 August to 30 September) and how to avoid the fog on the rim.
Furnas hot springs on São Miguel: pools, cozido and a day plan
Terra Nostra (€17, until 16:30) or Poça da Dona Beija (€12, until 23:00)? The Furnas hot springs compared, cozido times and a day plan for 2026.
Where to stay on São Miguel: Ponta Delgada, Furnas and more
For a first week on São Miguel, base yourself in Ponta Delgada and add two or three nights in Furnas. Distances, trade-offs and how to split the week.
Planning Your Trip?
Complete guides to events and travel on the island.