Dive and Drive

Itinerary

Day 1 Madalena (Pico)

Arrival on Pico – pick-up of the rental car

The landing approach on Pico is something special when the machine hovers over the bright blue of the Atlantic until the last moment. Only at the last moment do you fly over the deep black lava fields peppered with the green of the vineyards, which the island owes a World Heritage Site title for viticulture. If the view is clear, you can see the 2,351m high Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal, which is often covered with clouds. When you leave the airport building you will be notified by the color contrasts blue – green – chat and again sky blue. The sight of Portugal’s highest mountain is breathtaking.

Welcome to the Azores! Your rental car island tour begins. You will take over the car at the airport and be instructed by our staff.

For the time on Pico you can choose one of three accommodations – from a guest room with breakfast in Madalena, to a stylish apartment in Madalena, to an idyllic nature holiday home. Depending on which accommodation you choose, your journey will take you on different routes across the island. Make stops whenever you feel like it. There will certainly not be a lack of views.

After a delicious breakfast, the adventure on Pico can begin! First, you will get an introduction from the Pico Sport staff, who will provide you with information about Pico Island and the marine life.

After you finish your dive you can leave directly from the dive sport and you do not need to return to the dive centre. On bad weather days you can enjoy the sunny side of the island and explore nature, culture and the nice restaurants and cafes.

5 Days Diving Package – 10 dives

in free time excursions and hikes on Pico

With your rental car you are also flexible on land. There is so much to discover on Pico. You will explore the beautiful natural landscapes on your own. A visit to Vigia – the whale scout on land – should not be missed. He searched the sea with binoculars as early as the days of whale hunting and now gives the skippers the position of the animals. If the weather does not permit an exit, the tours will be postponed and rescheduled if possible. This can lead to a big double tour. On Pico you can explore one of the largest lava caves in Europe. Please let the whale base make an appointment for this. Discover the highlands with their rolling green hills and idyllic lagoons. The Avenida of the Volcanoes is peppered with small volcanic craters that can be seen from the summit of Pico Erze. This crater can be driven up to the edge of the crater by car. There are hiking trails and beautifully landscaped picnic areas and viewpoints all over the island. A visit to the wine-growing regions around Cricao Velha and Lajido, which have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, should also be on the list. In Lajido there are new museums that are worth seeing and an interpretation center for viticulture. Raffles are offered.

Non divers can also join. deduct 400.- Euros!

Day 9: Velas (São Jorge)

Crossing to São Jorge – rental car again

Today it’s time to say goodbye to Pico. The ferry goes from Sao Roque, cais do Pico at 45
Minutes to Velos on the island of Sao Jorge. You pick up your new vehicle and continue your journey.

Day 10 to Day 11: Velas (São Jorge)

Exploring São Jorge

The elongated island of São Jorge is particularly known by hikers. However, those who are not good on foot will not be bored on the rental car tour. This island is completely different from Pico and is characterized by impressive cliffs.

The Fajãs, small headlands on which people have built small towns, are famous. Often there are only hiking trails to reach them. Our tip is the Fajã do Ouvidor in the north with one of the most spectacular lava rock scenery. There is also a wonderful swimming area and a restaurant. The most famous is the Fajã da Caldeira de Santo Cristo with the small houses, a church and a café. You have to hike this experience! The descent goes from the highlands past green meadows and babbling brooks, a waterfall with a “bathing pool”, until you finally reach the Fajã. In terms of landscape, this tour is an absolute dream. This bay is also an insider tip for surfers. From here you walk another hour until you come across asphalt roads and cars in the neighboring village of Fajã dos Cubres. São Jorge is also known for its delicious cheese and cheese factories can be visited. Both peaks of the island can be reached by car. Punta Topo at the east end is absolutely worth seeing. From here you can see the island of Terceira. At the western end, the Punta Rosais lighthouse is waiting on a red lava rock. Here is one of the main breeding grounds of the yellow-billed shearwater. Please inquire beforehand when the gravel to this cape is open because the route is sometimes closed after heavy rainfall. The Sete Fontes Botanical Garden is absolutely worth seeing.

Day 12: Horta (Faial)

Crossing to Faial – another rental car takeover

After breakfast, the third part of your journey in the Azores begins. Take the ferry to Faial, the third island in the “Triangulo”. Enjoy the Siedle crossing before you arrive in Horta to receive your new rental car.

Day 13 to Day 14: Horta (Faial)

Exploring Faial

The city of Horta has been the destination of sailors and Atlantic crossers since the beginning of Christian seafaring. The many sailors leave paintings on the harbor wall that tell stories of circumnavigations and adventures. The most famous cafe in the Atlantic is “Peter Café Sport”. It has always been a focal point for seafarers and a visit is still a part of every vacation on Faial. Enjoy a swim and a meal at the historic port of Porto Tim with its sandy beach Faial has a lot to offer exploring by car. When the weather is good, you should definitely drive up to the Caldeira, the volcanic crater. A species-rich reserve has developed in the volcanic cone! The hiking path around the imposing 1,400 meter wide crater offers breathtaking views of the neighboring islands and The volcano Capelinhos is the youngest land of Faial. It was not until 1957/58 that this land rose from the sea and merged with the island. cVolcanism and seismic activity are normal in the Azores because they are the peaks of the mid-Atlantic ridge Earth plates meet here and so small brooms and expressions deep down in the sea appear again and again.

Day 15: Departure

Return flight home or extension

Your tour in the Azores comes to an end today. At the ferry to Pico you will pick up the rental car in the morning and the taxi driver will bring you to the airport. If your return flight is from Pico, take the ferry and you will be brought to the airport in Pico. If you would like to spend a little more time in the Azores, we would be happy to put together an extension for you so that you can also get to know the other islands of the Azores. The exploration of the island of Terceira offers itself with the world cultural heritage of the city of Angra de Heroismo.