Azores calling: Whale, this is gonna be epic!

Let's go – Vila Franca do Campo awaits! As you wind your way past orchards beautifully framed by views of the sea, your excitement for your next adventure grows. Time for some whale watching! At the marina, you join a group of eco-guides and biologists and head out onto the water – no stress for the animals, but maximum wow factor for you! São Miguel's postcard-perfect coast shrinks into the distance behind you, and before you know it, it's spotting time! Gigantic sperm whales swimming majestically through the deep, dolphins flexing with a show of somersaults, chill turtles basking in the sunlight – nature knows just how to put on the perfect show. After all the action, it's on to Princess Ring Islet to sail around the breathtakingly beautiful volcanic crater that's been washed over by the sea and add another tick to your bucket list. Even after the tour, you're bound to want to keep exploring. Our tip: drift through Vila Franca do Campo's old town, snack on some traditional pasteis and treat yourself to the view from the Miradouro ilhéu da Vila.

Out of bed and into the unspoilt natural paradise of São Miguel! Did you know that Gorreana is home to the oldest and last traditional tea plantation in Europe? Its 32 hectares are covered in bright green hedges full of tea leaves that you've just got to see – and more importantly, taste (for a fee). Attention: hidden gem alert! Take the jungle trails from Faial da Terra to the Salto do Prego waterfall and cool off in its crystal-clear plunge pool (for free, of course). Then follow the wild paths to the deserted village of Sanguinho, which looks like something straight out of a film and makes the perfect backdrop for your next Insta story – mad! After all the day's adventures, head back to Ponta Delgada and do the only thing left to do: choose a restaurant and ring out the evening Azores style.