Family-Friendly Adventures in Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel!

Sete Cidades

Why Visit?

Welcome to the enchanting village of Sete Cidades in the Azores, a perfect destination for a memorable family adventure! Here’s a carefully curated itinerary to make the most out of your visit.

### Day 1: Explore Sete Cidades Village

Begin your journey by renting a car in Ponta Delgada, which offers the easiest access to Sete Cidades, located about 30 minutes away. Upon arrival, stroll through the quaint village, marvel at the unique hydrangea-lined roads and the stunning views of the twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. These lakes are famous for their distinct colors—one blue, one green—and the mythical love story that explains their hues.

### Day 2: Hiking and Picnicking

Pack a picnic and embark on a family-friendly hike along the ‘Vista do Rei’ trail. This route offers panoramic views of the crater and lakes. It’s an easy to moderate trail, about 7.9 kilometers round trip, that provides several scenic spots to enjoy your lunch outdoors. Along the way, engage the kids with tales of how these lakes were formed by volcanic craters, sparking their imagination with the natural power of Earth.

### Day 3: Kayak and Bike Around the Lakes

Rent kayaks or a pedal boat to explore the serene waters of Lagoa Azul. Paddling on the lake gives a closer look at the lush greenery and wildlife. For cycling enthusiasts, bikes are available for rent to circle the lakes" perimeter, offering a different perspective of this magnificent landscape.

### Day 4: Ponta da Ferraria

Drive to Ponta da Ferraria (about 50 minutes away), where you can swim in a geothermal heated ocean pool—an exhilarating experience for the whole family. The natural pool, where hot springs meet the Atlantic, provides a relaxing soak with therapeutic properties.

### Tips:

- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring rain jackets as weather can be unpredictable.

- Check local listings for kayak and bike rental availability in advance.

Enjoy your family trip with these activities that blend adventure with nature, making your visit to Sete Cidades unforgettable!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Vila Franca do Campo

Why Visit?

Welcome to Vila Franca do Campo, the charming historical town on São Miguel Island in the Azores, perfect for a family adventure! Here’s a fun-filled itinerary to make the most of your visit.

Morning: Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

Start your day with a boat trip to the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, a stunning nature reserve just off the coast. This small volcanic islet, with its sheltered lagoon, is ideal for snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Boats depart regularly from the marina during the summer months. It"s a quick 10-minute ride, but be sure to get there early to secure a spot, as access to the islet is limited to protect its natural beauty.

Lunch: Town Center

Head back to the mainland for lunch in the town center. Try the local specialty, "Bolo Lêvedo," a sweet muffin that’s perfect for a light lunch. Enjoy your meal at one of the seaside restaurants offering stunning views of the Atlantic.

Afternoon: Nossa Senhora da Paz

After lunch, take a short drive or a leisurely walk to the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Paz, located up a hill with an impressive staircase lined with traditional Portuguese tiles. This spot offers a panoramic view of the town and the coastline that’s simply breathtaking. The site is known for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful baroque interior.

Late Afternoon: Praia de Água d"Alto

Conclude your day with some relaxation at Praia de Água d"Alto, a nearby beach known for its white sands and volcanic cliffs. It’s a safe and scenic spot for families to enjoy some sun, build sandcastles, or dip into the Atlantic.

Vila Franca do Campo offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it an ideal destination for families looking to explore and relax. Enjoy your trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Pico do Carvão Viewpoint (Miradouro do Pico do Carvão)

Why Visit?

Family Adventure at Pico do Carvão Viewpoint (Miradouro do Pico do Carvão)

Morning

Start your day early by driving to Pico do Carvão, which is conveniently located only about 15 minutes from Ponta Delgada, along the scenic Regional Road. Ensure you take the ER1-1A route for breathtaking views en route. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy at the viewpoint, surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic vistas of both the north and south coasts of São Miguel.

Interesting Fact: Pico do Carvão offers a unique perspective overlooking as many as 22 volcanic cones and craters, a testament to the island’s volcanic history.

Mid-morning

After breakfast, engage the kids with a fun scavenger hunt to spot the various volcanic formations visible from the viewpoint. Use a map of São Miguel’s volcanoes and turn it into a learning experience!

Lunch

Head towards Sete Cidades, about a 10-minute drive away. Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional Azorean dishes. The cozido das Furnas, cooked underground by volcanic steam, is a must-try!

Afternoon

Post-lunch, explore the nearby Lagoa do Canário, a short drive from Sete Cidades. Here, you can take a leisurely walk to another stunning viewpoint, Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, which offers another angle of the majestic volcanic landscape.

Interesting Fact: Lagoa do Canário is set in a protected nature reserve, making it an ideal spot for bird watching. Keep an eye out for the Azores bullfinch, a rare bird species endemic to the island!

Late Afternoon

Return to Pico do Carvão for one last look as the sun begins to set, offering a different light and perspective on the landscape. Capture some family photos with the stunning backdrop.

Wrap up your day enriched with nature, culture, and unforgettable scenic beauty, making your visit to Pico do Carvão a highlight of your trip to the Azores!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Furnas

Why Visit?

Furnas, located in the heart of São Miguel Island in the Azores, offers a magical getaway for families. Here"s a fun-filled itinerary for your visit:

### Day 1: Explore Terra Nostra Park

Morning

- Start your day at Terra Nostra Park, accessible by car in the center of Furnas. Parking is available nearby.

- Immerse yourselves in the beauty of this botanical garden, which houses a variety of exotic plants from around the world. The highlight for kids will be the thermal swimming pool – naturally heated by volcanic springs! The water is rich in iron, giving it a unique orange tint, and is believed to have healing properties.

- Educational Tip: Explain to the kids how volcanic activity heats the springs.

Lunch

- Enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, where you can try cozido das Furnas, a local stew cooked underground by volcanic steam.

### Day 2: Furnas Lake and Village

Morning

- Drive or hike to Furnas Lake, just a short distance from the village. The scenic path around the lake is perfect for a family stroll. Along the way, visit the monitoring and research center where you can learn about the volcanic activity in the area.

- Don’t miss the geothermal area near the lake where the cozido is cooked in the ground. It"s fascinating for kids to see the steam venting from the earth!

Afternoon

- Head back to the village and visit the Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre to learn more about the geology and ecology of the area.

- Treat the family to a relaxing soak in the hot springs at Poça da Dona Beija. These pools offer a warm escape with temperatures around 30°C, perfect after a day of exploring.

Dinner

- End your day with a meal at one of the local restaurants in Furnas village, offering dishes featuring locally grown ingredients.

This itinerary offers a blend of education, relaxation, and adventure, making Furnas a memorable destination for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.