9 days in Sao Miguel Itinerary

Nordeste is a municipality on the northeastern part of São Miguel Island in the Azores. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Farol do Arnel and Castelo Branco. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Lagoa das Furnas and Jose do Canto Forest Garden. Venture out of the city with trips to Furnas (Caldeiras Vulcânicas & Poca Da Dona Beija). There's much more to do: hike along Salto do Prego, contemplate the waterfront views at Furnas, take some stellar pictures from Viewpoint of Ponta da Madrugada, and take in the awesome beauty at Pico da Vara.

For reviews, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read our Nordeste day trip website.

Toronto, Canada to Nordeste is an approximately 10.5-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Azores Standard Time (AZOT), which is usually a 4 hour difference. In August, plan for daily highs up to 29°C, and evening lows to 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) early enough to drive to Ponta Delgada.

As the busy capital of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada represents the most visited place on the island. Known for its historical buildings, the city offers 17th- and 18th-century convents and churches, as well as cobbled pedestrian streets and hidden squares.

Igreja do Santo Cristo and Igreja de Sao Miguel Arcanjo are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Popular historic sites such as Igreja de Sao Jose and Sao Nicolau Church are in your itinerary. Explore Ponta Delgada's surroundings by going to Mosteiros (Piscinas Naturais & Mosteiros Beach). There's still lots to do: identify plant and animal life at Pinhal da Paz, see some colorful creatures with Espirito Azul, head outdoors with Lagoa do Congro, and get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To find reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Ponta Delgada travel app.

Traveling by car from Nordeste to Ponta Delgada takes an hour. In August, daily temperatures in Ponta Delgada can reach 30°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Sat) early enough to travel back home.