For my first (and long-overdue) trip to Portugal, I set out to find the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and city exploration. Splitting my time between São Miguel Island in the Azores and the vibrant city of Lisbon gave me exactly that. From breathtaking hikes to rich cultural experiences, this journey had it all—here are some of my favorite highlights!

GETTING THERE:
If you're traveling from the U.S., you'll likely arrive in São Miguel on a red-eye flight via Azores Air (operated by SATA Airlines). If possible, splurge for a business class seat—you’ll gain access to the Air France Lounge at JFK, which includes a Clarins spa offering mini treatments like "jet lag relief." The buffet may be modest, but it’s delicious and perfect for fueling up before the flight. With a flight time of under five hours and a seamless customs process upon arrival, you’ll hit the ground ready to start your adventure.

DAY 1:
I specifically chose a hotel with a spa and restaurant on-site to ease into the trip. We arrived at the stunning Sensi Hotel around 9 a.m., just as their impeccable breakfast service began—a meal that quickly became my favorite of the day. The property features a steam room, sauna, spa services (think massages and scrubs), a heated indoor mineral pool, and a breathtaking outdoor pool for warmer days. I pre-booked a spa treatment for midday, allowing us to fully enjoy the hotel’s serene offerings. After a day of unwinding, we capped it off with happy hour in our room's private hot tub, watching the sunset—a perfect finish to our self-care journey.

DAY 2:

Day 2 was all about adventure and experiencing the unique beauty of the Azores. We booked a private tour with Greenzone Azores, which offers full- and half-day tours, as well as whale and dolphin watching (season permitting). The highlights for me were visiting the stunning Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, both showcasing the island's dramatic natural beauty. Pro tip: the weather in the Azores can be unpredictable, so stay flexible and ready to adjust your plans.

For lunch, we stopped at Lagoa Azul Restaurant, a cozy spot serving traditional Portuguese cuisine. In the afternoon, we toured Cerâmica Vieira, the only ceramic manufacturing facility in the Azores. Portugal is renowned for its ceramics, so if you're looking for a meaningful souvenir, this is the place to get it.

Our day ended in Ponta Delgada, where we stayed for dinner at Louvre Michaelense Bar + Bistro. Let your server guide you with the menu—you won’t be disappointed! It was the perfect close to a day filled with exploration and authentic local experiences.

DAY 3:

Day 3 was all about leaning into the moody weather and making the most of a sprinkly day. Despite initial hesitation, heading to the thermal baths at Parque Terra Nostra turned out to be the perfect idea. The park boasts a stunning botanical garden alongside its famous thermal pools and jacuzzis. Insider tip: be prepared for a junior-high-style shared locker and shower setup. If you want an extra-special experience, consider staying at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel next door, which offers exclusive after-hours access to the thermal pools—a serene way to avoid daytime crowds. Also, the water of the thermal pools, fed by local geothermal springs, have a yellow hue to it due to high iron and mineral content. Despite what you read online, my nails, hair and swimsuit were not affected. Make time to explore the town of Caldeiras and eat lunch at Restaurante Tony’s.

After a relaxing morning at the baths + yummy lunch, we headed to A Mulher Do Capote for a Brandy tasting. This iconic Azorean brand is known for its unique liqueurs that blend traditional flavors with modern innovation—a true taste of the islands.

To cap off our final evening, we enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the White Villas. Perched above rocky terrain with breathtaking ocean views, the setting was as memorable as the meal itself. It was the perfect way to toast to our unforgettable time in the Azores.

DAY 4:

It was a quick flight (under 2 hours) to Lisbon. We checked into the Patio di Tijolo, which has a Scandinavian-meets-minimalist aesthetic with a contemporary Portuguese flair. It is tucked down a narrow street but what a great discovery, especially their secret courtyard. Their artwork collection is also quite impressive. We had lunch at Faz de Frio, which has been serving traditional Portuguese fare for over 100 years, which was within walking distance to our hotel. Needless to say, it was one of the best meals of our trip. We spent the rest of the afternoon shopping around and rode the Funicular da Graçs.

DAY 5:

To kick off the day we hit up the local farmer’s market. I always love doing that when I visit a new city/country just to see what they are offering. The one we went to was at Jardim Fialho de Almeida. For lunch we had our very much anticipated reservation at Rocco’s. I had seen this spot on social media and knew I had to have a meal there. Pro Tip: Book in advance! I have a full recap of it on my IG account but it was spectacular. Three course lunch - try the Arancini and eggplant parm - with champagne and a dramatic dessert presentation. The decor is so well done and luxuriously eclectic in the best way. To end our afternoon we went to visit The Tile Museum, which is housed in an old convent from 1509. Dinner was at Taberna da Rua das Flores, a traditional seafood spot with the most unexpected pink chandeliers. If you still have the energy, try to catch a Fado (traditional Portuguese music) performance at spot any any number of places in the Chiado neighborhood.

DAY 6:
We saved the TukTuk tour for our last day and took the long route to make sure we didn’t miss any major sites. (What is a TukTuk you ask?; think scooter meets golf cart) We picked up and ended our tour at Jardim Dom Luis, as we knew we wanted to spend our last night near the water. My friends and I loved exploring the food + drinks at Time Out Market and there were some great souvenirs to be had. Our last stop of the trip was sunset rooftop drinks and snacks at the nearby Javá rooftop.

MY RECS FOR VISITING:

The best time to visit the Azores is May to September for warm, sunny weather, perfect for hiking, whale watching, and exploring the islands’ natural beauty. The thousands of Hydrangaes all over the island are fully bloomed in July. Fun fact: farmers use them as fencing because cows are allergic to their leaves. . For fewer crowds and lush landscapes, consider April, May, or October, though these months may bring occasional rain.

The main 3 neighborhoods you shouldn’t miss in Lisbon are

Alfama: Explore Lisbon's oldest district, known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and fado music. Don’t miss the Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle for panoramic city views.
Bairro Alto: Famous for its nightlife, charming streets, and lively atmosphere. Great for bars and late-night exploring.
Chiado: A more upscale area with theaters, shops, and cafes, including the iconic Café A Brasileira.

HOTELS IN THE AZORES + LISBON I RECOMMEND:

Sensi Azores Nature + Spa
White Exclusive Suites + Villas
Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort
Pátio do Tijolo
Sublime Lisboa
Palácio Ludovice

6 Days in Portugal: Azores + Lisbon

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