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Discover São Miguel in 8 days: craters to explore, lakes to admire, tea to taste, dolphins to chase, and hot springs to recharge. A week of WeRoad adventure between sky, sea, and volcanoes!

Is this trip for me?

Party and nightlife
Relax
Nature and adventure
City and cultures
Monuments and history
Physical effort
Trip type

Itinerary

The largest island in the Azores archipelago is São Miguel, and on this 8-day group trip, we'll explore it from top to bottom, by land and sea. We'll have plenty of time to soak in its natural landscapes, from Lagoa do Fogo to Vista do Rei with the magnificent Lagoa Azul, before finishing our treks at the Caldeira nature reserve, where we'll take a circular route around a crater's rim. We'll also add a visit to Europe's only tea plantation (which is also the oldest), a boat trip to make friends with dolphins and whales (here, you can spot up to 28 different species in a year!), and an afternoon at the thermal baths, because a little pampering never hurt anyone.

A stylized map showing a travel itinerary across the island of São Miguel, with marked start and end points.
A panoramic view of two volcanic crater lakes, one green and one blue, nestled among lush hills with the ocean in the distance.
Day 1

Welcome to São Miguel!

City and cultures
A high-angle view of green volcanic hills surrounding two crater lakes, one green and one blue, with the ocean on the horizon.
Check-in: Our adventure kicks off in São Miguel

We dive straight into island life, easing ourselves in and recharging both body and soul as we sample some local specialities and raise a toast to the start of this epic adventure.

A WeRoad group trip of five people crouching on a viewpoint overlooking a valley with two volcanic crater lakes and lush green hills.
Day 2

Trekking to Lagoa do Fogo

Nature and adventure
A WeRoad group trip of five people crouching and smiling on a hilltop overlooking two large crater lakes in a lush, green valley.
The lake in the volcanic crater

We’re kicking off this trip in style: lacing up our hiking boots and diving straight into the wild landscapes of the Azores. Today’s plan? Hiking to Lagoa do Fogo – a lake tucked inside a volcanic crater, with scenery that, at times, feels straight out of Hawaii. This awesome hike lets us “loop around” the lake and check it out from loads of different viewpoints. Nothing too intense: around 4 hours of walking and 300 meters of elevation gain – just enough to get those legs nicely warmed up.

Relax by the waterfall

After munching on a tasty sandwich with our feet dipped in the lake (I mean, when’s the next time that’s gonna happen?), we wrap up our trail and head to nearby Salto do Cabrito – a stunning waterfall just a short walk away. Time to kick back and soak up the lush nature all around us before heading back to our base in Ponta Delgada.

An aerial view of a WeRoad group trip with people standing and waving among the rows of a terraced tea plantation on a hillside.
Day 3

Between canyons and tea plantations

Nature and adventure
Relax
An aerial view of a WeRoad group trip with people scattered and waving among the green rows of a terraced tea plantation.
The thrill of canyoning

We’re kicking off the day with a serious hit of adrenaline – we’re heading to Ribeira dos Caldeirões, in the northeast of the island, to try out canyoning! With water-carved gorges, waterfalls, and lush green walls, the Azores are considered one of the top places in the world for this sport. So get ready to jump, climb, swim, and dive into natural pools for a few hours of pure, unfiltered fun.

The lush tea plantations
The day continues with a decidedly more relaxing activity, we're ready to uncover all the secrets of tea cultivation at Europe's oldest plantation, Chà Gorreana. We'll be enchanted by the surrounding agricultural landscape during this gentle walk, which ends with a tour of the facility where the tea is processed before being put on the market.
A WeRoad group trip poses for a photo on a scenic viewpoint overlooking two different colored lakes and green volcanic hills.
Day 4

Hiking Vista do Rei and Lagoa Azul

Nature and adventure
A WeRoad group trip poses for a photo at a viewpoint overlooking a vast landscape of green hills and two different colored lakes.
A thousand shades of green

New day, new hike! Today we're off to discover one of the island's most stunning viewpoints, the Miradouro Da Vista Do Rei. There are various trails to reach this incredible panoramic spot, and whichever we choose, we'll find ourselves in a landscape where lush nature paints everything in countless shades of green. Reaching the top, the view opens up to the twin lakes that dominate the valley below, making the scene even more harmonious.

A blue lake and a green one

After a quick break to refuel, we continue our journey towards the final destination: the splendid colonial town of Sete Cidades. But before reaching this charming town, we’ll get an even closer look at what we could already see from above. In fact, with a short walk, we can fully experience the tranquility of Lagoa Azul and the nearby Lagoa Verde.

A WeRoad group trip smiling for a selfie on a rigid inflatable boat sailing on the open blue sea.
Day 5

Hey, look, a whale!

Nature and adventure
Relax
A WeRoad group trip smiling for a selfie on a rigid inflatable boat sailing on the open blue sea.
Between whales and dolphins
After days spent exploring the inland beauty, today we're heading out into the ocean for some 'special encounters'. We'll hop on a boat and keep our eyes peeled for whales and dolphins, which are frequently spotted splashing around undisturbed near this remote Atlantic island. Spring is the best time, but the chances of spotting some are high all year round.
Chill out in Ferraria's natural pool

We'll grab the cars and head to a truly unique spot where we can treat ourselves to a few hours of relaxation surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. The natural pool of Ponta da Ferraria mixes the warm water from a nearby volcanic spring with the cool water of the Atlantic Ocean. This blend often creates an ideal temperature for the human body, so we can enjoy a lovely ocean dip without shivering!

A high-angle view of a large green lake surrounded by rolling hills and patchwork fields, with lush foliage in the foreground.
Day 6

The submerged volcano

Nature and adventure
Relax
A high-angle view of a green lake nestled within a valley of lush rolling hills and fields under a cloudy sky.
Vila Franca do Campo Island

The day kicks off at one of the island's most touristy spots, made famous especially since a renowned cliff diving competition started taking place here. About 1 kilometre off the coast opposite the village of Vila Franca do Campo lies a little island paradise that is, in fact, an ancient submerged volcano with a circular natural pool formed in its centre. We don't need telling twice and dive straight into the water – after all, when else are we going to get the chance to swim in such an unusual place?

The calderas at Lagoa das Furnas
We dry off, grab a bite, and we're ready for the next stop of the day. A leisurely stroll around Lagoa das Furnas will lead us to discover the calderas, or fumaroles, little craters filled with rainwater that bubble thanks to the heat from underground. Beyond these magical steaming pools, the lake offers many other points of interest set within a volcanic landscape enhanced by the abundant local vegetation that we've come to appreciate.
A WeRoad group trip swimming in a natural thermal pool with a waterfall, surrounded by a dense green forest.
Day 7

Hiking the Caldera

Nature and adventure
Relax
A WeRoad group trip swimming in a natural pool at the base of a small waterfall surrounded by a lush green forest.
On the crater of a volcano

It seems unbelievable, but we’ve reached the end of our journey. We leave the cars in the morning and make the most of our last day: we can do whatever we want!

One option is to hike in the Caldeira Nature Reserve, where we’ll take a trail that allows us to embark on a circular route and discover a crater a whopping 2 kilometres in diameter. Even for this final day of our trip, São Miguel has decided to wow us with its natural landscapes, so let’s breathe in the ocean air and soak up these views.

Treat yourself to a spa day

We venture into a wild landscape that conceals a true treasure. The natural pools of Caldeira Velha feel as though we’ve stepped straight into a fairytale – it’s almost impossible to believe all this splendour is real. After the efforts of the past few days, this spot is our well-deserved reward. We settle at the foot of the warm waterfall, take in the forest around us, and savour the moment together, reminiscing about all the wonders we’ve experienced on this adventurous itinerary.

Itinerary image
Day 8

Bye bye São Miguel

Check out
Time for goodbyes: farewell São Miguel, farewell Azores. See you on the next WeRoad!

What's included

What's not included

Return flights to and from the destination

  • meals and drinks where not specified
  • all the extras you'll want to buy and manage to stuff into your backpack :);
  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Money pot

The Money Pot is approximately £185/€210 for this trip and is collected on-site by the Travel Coordinator on the first day. The amount of the Money Pot will vary based on the number of activities and extras that the group decides to do. Any unused balance at the end of the trip will be refunded.

  • Fuel
  • Whale watching
  • What's not included in 'The trip price includes'
  • Mance
  • Travel Coordinator's Money Pot
  • The activities, transport, and extras that all participants have agreed to do, plus their share for the coordinator.

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accommodation

    Hostels, B&Bs, apartments, or small hotels. The private room option isn't available for all trips.

  • Transports
    Rental car.
  • Private Room Option Show all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with a £/€100 deposit

The travel coordinators

Our travel coordinators are chosen because they are people like you. Not only are they the best travel buddy you could hope for, but they're trained professionals guaranteed to show you a travel experience like never before

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

Arrival João Paulo II Airport
Return João Paulo II Airport

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

What are the meeting and departure details for this trip?

This journey begins at São Miguel. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.

Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
 It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.

This journey ends at São Miguel. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.

What kind of luggage can I bring with me on this trip?

For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Travel Coordinator will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!

About Portugal

What are the entry requirements for Portugal?

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Portugal, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Portugal – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

What's the time zone in Portugal?

Portugal is in the Western European Time Zone (WET), which is the same as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During daylight saving time, it switches to Western European Summer Time (WEST), which is GMT+1.

Here's how it compares:

  • If it is 12pm in the UK, it will also be 12pm in Portugal during standard time, and 1pm during daylight saving time.
  • If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 5pm in Portugal during standard time, and 6pm during daylight saving time.

Portugal observes daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Which currency is used in Portugal?

Portugal uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. The exchange rates can vary, but as a general guideline:

  • 1 GBP is approximately 1.15 EUR
  • 1 USD is around 0.92 EUR
  • 1 EUR is equivalent to 1 EUR

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels.

How can I pay in Portugal?

In Portugal, you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash for smaller businesses and markets that might not accept cards. ATMs are readily available across the country for withdrawing euros.

If you plan on using a card, make sure to check if your bank charges foreign transaction fees. Contactless payments with smartphones and wearables are also becoming more common in Portugal.

Do I need to tip in Portugal?

Tipping in Portugal is appreciated but not mandatory. If you receive excellent service, leaving a tip of around 5 to 10 percent is a nice gesture. In restaurants, it's common to round up the bill or leave some change if the service was good. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is usually sufficient. Hotel staff like porters and housekeeping appreciate small tips, but it's not expected. Always check your bill first, as some places might include a service charge.

What's the internet like in Portugal? Should I buy a SIM card? How available is Wi-Fi?

In Portugal, the internet is generally reliable with good coverage. If you're from Europe or the Schengen area, you can use your phone plan's roaming service without extra charges. For travelers outside these areas, consider buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for more convenience. Popular providers include MEO, NOS, and Vodafone, which you can find in airports and major cities. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces, so staying connected shouldn't be a problem.

What language do they speak in Portugal?

In Portugal, the official language is Portuguese. It's a beautiful and expressive language, and you might find it helpful to know a few colloquial expressions for your travels. Here are some you might hear or use:

  • Hello: Olá
  • Thank you: Obrigado (if you're male), Obrigada (if you're female)
  • Please: Por favor
  • Excuse me/Sorry: Desculpe
  • Yes: Sim
  • No: Não

Knowing these phrases can help you navigate through your trip and connect with locals.

What kind of plugs are used in Portugal?

In Portugal, you'll find Type C and Type F plugs, which are the standard European plugs with two round pins. The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're coming from the UK, USA, or other countries with different plug types, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure you can charge your devices without any hassle.

What’s the main religion in Portugal?

The main religion in Portugal is Roman Catholicism, with a significant majority of the population identifying as Catholic. Religious holidays are widely celebrated, with Easter and Christmas being notably important. While the country is predominantly Catholic, Portugal is generally quite tolerant and diverse in terms of religious practice. It's always a good idea to be respectful of religious customs and traditions when visiting.

What should I pack for Portugal?

Packing for Portugal can be exciting, as you get to enjoy a mix of culture, beach, and nature. Here’s a handy list to help you organize your backpack:

  • Clothing:
    • Light t-shirts and tops
    • Shorts and skirts
    • A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
    • Swimwear for the beaches
    • A dress or a nice shirt for evenings out
  • Shoes:
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Sandals for the beach
    • Dress shoes or nice sandals for dining out
  • Accessories and Technology:
    • Sunglasses and hat
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Phone charger and power bank
    • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Toiletries and Medication:
    • Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
    • Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant
    • Personal hygiene items
    • Common travel medication like pain relievers and motion sickness tablets

This should cover your essentials, ensuring you’re prepared for both the sunny beaches and the bustling cities.

What’s the weather like in Portugal?

Portugal's weather varies by region, so here's a quick breakdown:

  • Lisbon and Central Portugal: Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Best time to visit is late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October).
  • Porto and Northern Portugal: More rainfall and cooler temperatures compared to the south, especially in winter. Summers are warm but not too hot. Best time to visit is late spring or early fall.
  • Algarve (Southern Portugal): Known for its sunny and dry weather almost year-round. Summers can be quite hot, while winters are mild. Best time to visit is spring or early autumn.

Each region offers unique beauty, so choose based on your weather preference.

About WeRoad

Are flights included?

Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.

As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!

What does the "Available" status mean?

to-confirm.svg

An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!

If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.

What is the Money Pot and how does it work?

The question of all questions! Here’s some more information: 

  • The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator. 
  • It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group. 
  • It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
  • You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
  • The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
  • It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip. 
  • It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
  • If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip. 
  • The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
  • If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled. 
What payment methods can I use?

We offer several payment methods to fit every need:

1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.

Can I cancel or modify my booking?

Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.

If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option. 

You can do it directly from your personal MyWeRoad account!
 
Within your booking you will find the "Change Your Trip" section at the bottom right, just underneath your booking details. You will be able to select a different date for the same trip, or a different trip entirely. Whether you are able to change the trip depends on the cancellation terms of your booking. For your original booking if you selected the Private Room, Flexible Cancellation or entered any discount code, gift card or voucher, before confirming the change we will let you know if anything isn't applicable to the new trip and you can decide whether to proceed or not. If you have any issues please do get in touch with the WeRoad team and we'll be able to help. 
 
It's not possible to move to a 'sold out' trip and with any trips that are 'on request' we will need to check availability with our local partners so please do get in touch if you want to move to an 'on request' trip. Please bear in mind that if the trip has the 'final spots' status, there may be no places left in either the male or female room.

How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.

What type of accommodation should I expect on your trips?

For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.

The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!

Can I find out my travel groups' flights?

Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking. 

1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously. 

2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!

3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here. 

 



 

How is a group made up in average?

Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15. 
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.

Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported. 

If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700. 

Can I see who’s in the group before I book the trip?

Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking. 
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked. 

Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!

If a location is mentioned, is it guaranteed that we’ll spend the night there?

For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation. 

The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!

Who is the Travel Coordinator and what is their role on the trip?

The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too! 

The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.

Will I be sharing a room?

Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.

You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.

On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout. 

Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email [email protected] if you have a preference on this. 

How can I be part of the WeRoad community?

When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.

But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here

From $ 1,647