Azores road trip: Lake forest living on São Miguel

'Welcome aboard your flight to Ponta Delgada!' As you hear the flight attendant make the announcement, it all sinks in at once: your Azores adventure is finally about to begin. Then you finally set foot on Azorean soil – more precisely, on São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. You pick up your hire car straight away and speed off towards the lush green expanses.
You follow the winding roads between gently rolling hills and meadows, where cows curiously stretch their heads toward your passing car, until you reach the northern coast. There lies your accommodation for the next few nights, nestled in an interplay of fresh Atlantic breeze and restful tranquillity. Practically hypnotised, you gaze at the deep blue ocean and your plans for the rest of the day are already made: listening to the waves as you enjoy a well-earned drink!

You lace up your hiking boots, hop in the driver's seat and head off towards Lagoa do Canário! When you arrive, you get a taste of the Azorean lakes' magic: the scent of the mystical forest, choruses of frogs and idyllic tranquillity. Filled with inspiration, you continue on to one of the island's biggest highlights: the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Here, you hike up the green slopes and along the towering edges of the crater, where you're rewarded with a fantastic sight. You grab your camera and do everything you can to capture the view of the lakes – one vivid blue and the other a gorgeous shade of turquoise. And now it's time to discover another side of the island: the rugged coastline. At the Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, you stand at the top of the cliffs as the surf roars beneath you and consider a refreshing dip. Just around the corner lies the former fishing village of Mosteiros, where small natural pools called Piscinas Naturais Caneiros have formed in the barren rock along its shore. The big question now: will you take the plunge?

Good morning, traveller! Start today with a fresh coffee and pastry at Café O Pescador – the perfect place to wade into your day with a view of the sea (optional, payable on site). Then throw on your hiking boots and head out into nature! Follow the paths through the green forests around Fenaís da Luz, where the trees show you the way and you always have breathtaking views of nature. Once you reach the coast, check out the epic sight of the waves crashing against the mighty cliffs, then take a little time to chill at the small, secluded Praia dos Moinhos and simply enjoy the fresh air and tranquillity. And before you end the day, make a detour to the Miradouro da Senhora da Luz, where you'll get the ultimate view of the coast – legendary sunset included!

Do you prefer coffee or tea in the morning? If it's the latter, then you should definitely make a stop at the Chá Gorreana tea factory today. It's home to the only tea plantation in Europe and undoubtedly worth a visit (optional, payable on site)! Once you've stocked up on your favourite varieties, get back on the road and head to the day's highlight, the Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. Its winding paths that cut through the evergreen forest are sure to awaken the explorer in you and tempt you on a little adventure. Follow the trails past colourful flowers as you near your destination: splashing waterfalls that create an atmosphere of paradise as the sun reflects through droplets of water and fills the air with rainbow colours. Then continue on towards Nordeste, where each viewpoint outshines the next. Make a stop at the Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego or the Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada and be enchanted by the lush green cliffs and the beautiful sea of flowers right on the Atlantic Ocean.
It's hard to tear yourself away, but the last stage of your day is calling: your accommodation in Nordeste, where you fall into bed, exhausted and happy.