The Ultimate Azores Adventure: A 1-Week Family Adventure To Rival Any Amusement Park

After landing in Ponta Delgada, pick up your rental car and spend your first afternoon wandering around the city center of Ponta Delgada. It is a charming city that feels classically European with winding streets and mosaic sidewalks, but without the overwhelming crowds.

Grab some queijadas (local pastries) and head to the waterfront to watch the boats go by before checking into your hotel.

Head back to the city to grab dinner, or ask at your hotel for the best local spot nearby. You will probably be ready for bed early!

Today is all about the iconic views that are seemingly everywhere here.

Head to Miradouro Vista do Rei for the classic view of the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Whatever you do, do not trust Google Maps blindly! If your GPS tells you to turn onto a dirt road, turn around and find a paved route. Many rental cars have met their match on these "shortcuts,” and our rental car was not equipped to handle the dirt roads!

Next, head to Queijadas do Morgado for lunch, where you can eat outside and take in the amazing views.

Next, drive to Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz. The super unique staircase is amazing to see, and is fun for kids to climb. The view of the coastline is unbeatable.

If you have time and your kids are up for it, it is worth exploring the surrounding town before heading back to your hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, head to the steaming valley of Furnas for the day. This is truly a playground for kids.

Spend the afternoon at Poça da Dona Beija. Kids will love the bright orange copper deposits on the rocks. The pools vary in temperature, so if one is too hot, there is always a cooler pool nearby for them to splash in.

Grab dinner in town, and on your way back to the hotel, plan a stop by Miradouro do Pico do Ferro to see another stunning lake from above.

Spend the day exploring the unique industries of the island.

Avoid the crowds by heading to Plantação Ananases A Arruda, the Pineapple Plantation, right after breakfast. It is free to visit, and you will get to see the tiny fruit growing in stone greenhouses that are painted white according to the weather.

Next, head to Chá Gorreana, the oldest tea plantation in Europe, and Chá Porto Formoso to tour two fully working tea plantations. They are both great for kids to be able to see how tea goes from a bush to a cup. Playing hide and seek in these fields was a highlight!

Continue driving to Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões to let the kids get some more energy out in a gorgeous park, and stop for dinner at Cafe Moagem for the views and pizza—great if your kids are picky eaters.

Take the short inter-island flight to Terceira. The landscape here is totally different, more rugged and raw.

Pick up your second rental car and head to the natural rock pools of Biscoitos. These are volcanic “splash pads” formed by black lava rock, offering a safe but exciting place for kids to swim in the Atlantic.

A visit to Furnas do Enxofre, a beautiful volcanic park, will amaze everyone! It is a must-do!

Terceira’s best secret is what lies beneath the surface.

A visit to Gruta do Natal is a must! It’s a fascinating, circular trek through a lava tunnel. It isn’t too challenging—my kids loved it so much they want to do the loop three times!

On your final full day, take a slow drive around the island’s perimeter.

A visit to the Cat Colony on Monte Brasil is a must with kids!

For your farewell dinner, the steak at A Caneta is amazing. This traditional Azorean restaurant is unique on Terceira Island because it raises its own beef!

After breakfast at your hotel, stop by Serra do Cume on your way to the airport. This is an amazing way to say goodbye to the island, especially on a clear day.

Standing on the lookout platform will make you feel like you are floating above the earth!