I will absolutely return to the enchanting Azores volcanic islands! This earthly paradise not only boasts incredible cuisine but also offers endless fun [Praise]. After poring over numerous travel guides, they all enthusiastically recommend self-driving (of course, self-driving is the ultimate way to explore, but alas, we don’t have a driver’s license, which is a bit of a bummer [Cry].
..). However, there are always more solutions than problems! With a bit of strategic planning, you can still have an amazing time by relying on public buses and joining day tours [Smile].
š **Accommodation**: This time, we spent 4 delightful days on SĆ£o Miguel Island, basing ourselves in Ponta Delgada. This location was perfect for easy access to the airport and bus routes.
āļø **Flights**: There are daily flights available from Lisbon and Porto, making it convenient to reach this stunning destination.
š **From the Airport to Ponta Delgada**: A convenient airport bus service is available, costing just 4 euros per trip. We opted to walk from the airport to our hotel, which took about 45 minutes. The coastal views along the way were breathtakingly beautiful [Praise].
š **Sete Cidades Lakes Hiking**:
– To reach Varzea, take bus 206 or 205, which takes approximately 45 minutes. If you plan to visit the charming town of Sete Cidades, transfer to bus 208 at Varzea. Be aware that on Sundays, the bus schedule is limited, with only one round trip.
– It’s highly recommended to arrive at the bus stop 15 minutes early!! The buses here aren’t always punctual, and if no one is waiting, the driver might just zoom past without stopping.
š **Vila Franca do Campo**:
– Take bus 315 or 318 to the Vila Franca do Campo terminal, which takes around an hour. From there, head to the pier to catch the ferry to the island. The daily limit is 400 people, so it’s wise to buy your boat tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
š **Booked an East Tour on Trip Advisor**:
– Since other attractions are quite scattered, and we were eager to experience the hot springs, we booked a full-day East Tour that included a visit to the thermal waters. This turned out to be a fantastic choice, as our passionate local guide not only provided insightful information about the sites but also shared fascinating details about the local culture and customs.
– Next time, I’m determined to explore the other islands and uncover even more hidden gems [Recommend]!
