April 28 – May 9, 2026
The VirbickaiConquer the Azores
Day 1 — April 28, Monday
Arrival in Lisbon
Praça do Comércio & pastries at sunset
Land in Lisbon. Luggage + taxi/Uber to hotel (~30 min).
Check into Look Living (Rua da Boavista). Settle the kids. The apartment has a full kitchen — make a quick snack if needed.
Praça do Comércio
Stroll the wide flat waterfront square. Perfect for the stroller. Walk up Rua Augusta (pedestrian street) toward Rossio. Stop at Manteigaria (Rua do Loreto) for fresh pastéis de nata made in front of you. Better than the Belém tourist version.
Dinner: Cervejaria Ramiro
Lisbon’s most famous seafood. Casual, loud, family-friendly. Garlic prawns + prego steak sandwich to finish. OR for something calmer: Taberna da Rua das Flores — small plates, local wines. No reservations, arrive by 19:00.
Day 2 — April 29, Tuesday
Belém & Ponto Final
Monasteries, ferries & grilled fish by the river
Tram 15E or Uber to Belém district. ~20 min from Baixa.
Jerónimos Monastery
Admire the exterior (interior optional with restless toddler). Walk the wide waterfront promenade toward Tower of Belém. Very stroller-friendly. Stop at Pastéis de Belém for the classic experience.
Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas (~10 min). The ferry ride is an adventure for the kids.
Lunch: Ponto Final
Stunning views back to Lisbon, incredible grilled fish, very local crowd. Outdoor terrace. Arrive before 12:00 or expect a wait.
Son’s nap time. He can sleep in the stroller on the ferry back + walk to the apartment. Or taxi back and nap at Look Living.
If energy remains: Jardim da Estrela — big playground, duck ponds, cafés in the garden. Flat, enclosed, safe for a toddler to roam. ~15 min from Baixa.
Free time. Walk Chiado area, ice cream, slow pace.
Dinner: Time Out Market
Mercado da Ribeira — food hall with stalls from top Lisbon chefs. Everyone picks what they want (perfect for an 11-year-old and a toddler). Try Henrique Sá Pessoa stall for seafood or Café de São Bento for steak.
Day 3 — April 30, Wednesday
Fly to São Miguel
Villa with pool, craft beer & Azorean pineapple burgers
Relaxed morning. Pack up. Grab pastries from a nearby café.
Last walk around the neighborhood. Pick up any souvenirs or snacks for the flight.
Head to Lisbon airport (~30 min by taxi).
Airport. Son naps during the wait / flight (12:30–15:30 nap window aligns with the flight perfectly).
Land in São Miguel (*local time, you gained 1 hour). Pick up rental car: call +351 963827567 (WhatsApp) when you have bags, meet at Park Number 1 (Flor do Norte). Drive to Ribeira Grande: 25 min via north coast ER1-1a.
Grocery run at Continente or Meu Super in Ribeira Grande (5 min drive). Stock up on breakfast, snacks, baby food, Azorean pineapple, fresh cheese.
Dinner: Vulcana Brewery
Craft brewery, sleek inside. Try the “local” burger with Azorean pineapple + São Jorge cheese on bolo lêvedo bread. Good ales, kid-friendly. 5 min from villa.
Day 4 — May 1, Thursday
Tea Plantations & North Coast
Europe’s oldest tea, black-sand beaches & farm-to-table dinner
Drive to Gorreaña Tea Plantation. 15 min east of Ribeira Grande.
Gorreaña Tea Plantation
Europe’s oldest tea plantation. Free to visit. Walk through tea fields (main paths = stroller-friendly; hill trails = backpack carry, ~30–45 min). Taste green and black tea in the factory shop. Daughter will find the production line interesting. Coast views from the tea rows are stunning and rarely crowded.
Porto Formoso Tea & Praia dos Moinhos
Continue east to Porto Formoso (smaller, quieter, equally beautiful). Then down to Praia dos Moinhos — sheltered black-sand beach. Toddler plays in sand, you get coffee at the beachside café. 10 min drive.
Lunch: Cantinho do Cais
Porto Formoso. Small local spot, great grilled fish. Covered south-facing terrace. 2 min from the beach.
Son’s nap. He can sleep in the stroller at the restaurant terrace while you finish lunch slowly, or drive back to villa (20 min) for a proper nap.
Pool time at the villa. This is your rhythm: big morning, rest, light afternoon.
Optional: Praia de Santa Bárbara — São Miguel’s best surf beach, right near your villa. Wide black sand, lifeguards. Tuká Tulá café on the beach for wraps, cocktails.
Dinner: O Amaral
Near Ribeira Grande. Farm-to-table, no fixed menu — they serve whatever the farm and fish shop provided that day. Deeply local, not on the tourist path. Outstanding food. 10 min drive.
Day 5 — May 2, Friday
Sete Cidades Crater Lakes
The island’s most iconic viewpoint & dramatic sea stacks
Drive to Sete Cidades. 35 min from Ribeira Grande via the north road to Miradouro da Boca do Inferno.
Boca do Inferno Viewpoint
Most famous viewpoint on the island. Park at Lagoa do Canário, walk ~15 min to the viewpoint (backpack carry). If it’s cloudy, wait 20–30 min — weather changes constantly. This view is worth the patience.
Sete Cidades Village
Drive down into the crater. Quiet, authentic, almost no tourist infrastructure (that’s the charm). Walk across the bridge between the two lakes. 10 min drive down from the viewpoint.
Miradouro da Vista do Rei
South rim of the crater for the classic postcard view. Parking lot viewpoint — no walking needed. 15 min from the village.
Lunch: Restaurant Sau Nicolau
Sete Cidades village. Traditional Azorean food, huge portions, packed with local families on weekends. No frills. If full: Green Love Restaurant on the lakeshore — casual café, field next to terrace where kids can run.
Son’s nap in the stroller. Good option: walk him along the lakeshore path (flat, paved) at Green Love until he falls asleep, then sit with a coffee while he sleeps.
Mosteiros
Northwest coast. 20 min from Sete Cidades. Dramatic sea stacks offshore, famously good sunsets (late in May). Stop at Poça da Pedra Bar (Steve’s Bar) for a drink with a view.
Drive back toward Ribeira Grande (30 min via the north coast road). Rest at villa.
Dinner: Saca-Rolhas Taberna
Relva, on the south coast between Sete Cidades and Ponta Delgada — 25 min from villa. Best steak on the south coast. Traditional Azorean flavors, refined presentation, good wine list. Book ahead.
Day 6 — May 3, Saturday
Whale Watching & Hot Springs
Sperm whales in the morning, jungle hot springs in the afternoon
Drive to Ponta Delgada. 20 min from Ribeira Grande. Check in at Portas do Mar – loja 26 (Futurismo). Be there by 08:30 for briefing. Booking #339921596.
Split Plan
Father + Daughter: Futurismo catamaran whale watching 09:00–12:00 (1 adult + 1 child, €111.30). May is excellent for sperm whales and dolphins.
Mother + Son: Explore Ponta Delgada. Marina area is flat and stroller-friendly.
(Mother + Son) Walk to Mercado da Graça (city market). Pick up Azorean cheeses at Rei dos Queijos, pineapples, baked goods. Walk through Portas da Cidade (old town gates).
(Mother + Son) Pineapple Plantation Arruda
Free tour. Drive 10 min. Toddler enjoys greenhouses. Taste pineapple liqueur. Back to marina by 11:00.
Whale watchers return. Regroup.
Lunch: Petiscaria O Calheta
Ponta Delgada. Modern Azorean small plates — smoked fish croquettes, fermented pickled carrots, sourdough with smoked butter. Great for sharing.
Son naps in stroller at the restaurant or in the car on the drive to Caldeira Velha.
Caldeira Velha
25 min from Ponta Delgada. Hot spring waterfall in the forest. Warm pools surrounded by tropical vegetation — lower pools are comfortable temperature for a toddler. BOOKED: 15:00–16:30, 4 visitors, €25. View ticket (ref: 307962-7e786bf-2854). Spend 1–1.5 hours. Magical jungle setting.
Drive back to Ribeira Grande (15 min). Rest at villa.
Dinner: A Tasca
Ponta Delgada, 20 min. Tavern atmosphere, first-class food. Menu in newspaper format. Crunchy breaded octopus with candied onion, Azorean steak. Very popular — book ahead.
Day 7 — May 4, Sunday
Move to Furnas via South Coast
Lagoa do Fogo, sweet tarts & Terra Nostra’s golden pool
Pack and load the car. Breakfast at villa.
Lagoa do Fogo
Drive south across the island. 25 min. If the sky is clear (check before you go — often cloudy), this is arguably the most beautiful lake on the island. Viewpoint at the parking lot — no hiking needed. 15 min stop.
Vila Franca do Campo
Continue south. 20 min from Lagoa do Fogo. The original capital of São Miguel. Stop at the Queijadas da Vila factory — dense sweet tarts, an Azorean institution. Buy a box. Walk the marina, see the Islet of Vila Franca offshore (volcanic crater ring in the ocean).
Lunch: Boca Aberta
Lagoa marina, 15 min west. Sea views in both directions from the terrace. Fresh fish, local crowd. Hidden gem.
Son naps. In stroller on the Lagoa marina promenade (flat, pleasant) or in the car on the 30-min drive to Furnas.
Terra Nostra Park
The hotel’s botanical garden + thermal pool are included in your stay. The park is enormous, stroller-friendly on main paths. Thermal pool is naturally warm (35–40°C), iron-rich, golden-brown. Safe and lovely for the toddler. Spend the rest of the afternoon here.
Dinner at the Terra Nostra hotel restaurant — excellent local cuisine. Don’t push it on move day. They serve Cozido das Furnas at lunch (try tomorrow at Tony’s for the full experience).
Day 8 — May 5, Monday
Volcanic Cozido & Thermal Baths
Steam vents, underground stew & hot spring pools
Furnas Lake
Walk from hotel. 5 min by car or 20 min walk. Start the north-side lakeside trail (flat, paved, stroller-friendly).
Caldeiras das Furnas
At the east end of the lake. Bubbling volcanic hot springs where restaurants cook Cozido underground. Watch the steam vents, see pots being lowered into the ground. Your daughter will be fascinated. Toddler enjoys the unusual sounds and steam. Bucket-list territory.
Walk back along the lake’s south side. Pass Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Vitórias (beautiful neo-Gothic chapel by the water) and through the grotto area. Total walk: ~1.5 hours at a relaxed pace with stops.
Drive back to Furnas village (5 min). Browse the village center. Stop at a café for a bolo lêvedo (local griddle bread) with butter.
Lunch: Restaurante Tony’s
THE place for Cozido das Furnas. Massive platter: slow-cooked pork, beef, chicken, chorizo, blood sausage, cabbage, potatoes, yams, carrots — all cooked 7–8 hours underground. One portion feeds 2–3 adults. Pair with local red wine.
Son naps in stroller at the restaurant (Tony’s is relaxed, no one rushes you) while you enjoy the cozido slowly. This is a long lazy lunch.
Poça da Dona Beija
10 min walk from the village center, or 2 min drive. Most popular thermal baths in Furnas — several pools at different temperatures, tropical garden, hot waterfall. Very child-friendly. Book tickets online.
Optional: Queijaria Furnense — local cheese producer using Furnas mineral spring water as brine. Family dairy farm visible from the shop. Unique product.
Back to hotel. Terra Nostra pool if you still have energy.
Dinner: Chalet da Tia Mercês
Book 48 hours ahead for their gastronomic experience: thermal water tea tastings + multi-course meal cooked in the springs. If not pre-booked: Terra Nostra restaurant again (reliably good).
Day 9 — May 6, Tuesday
Nordeste & Waterfall Hike
The wild east, cliff viewpoints & a hidden jungle waterfall
Drive east toward Nordeste. 45 min from Furnas. The wildest, least-visited part of São Miguel.
Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego
Beautifully landscaped garden with ocean views. Stroller-accessible paths. ~20 min to explore. Often you’ll be the only ones there.
Salto do Prego Waterfall
Drive south to Faial da Terra (20 min). Hike to a hidden waterfall in a forest gorge. Trail is narrow but not difficult. Toddler in backpack. ~1 hour each way (within your 2-hour carry limit). Your daughter will love it. The reward at the end is spectacular.
Lunch: O Pescador
Small restaurant in Nordeste town. Fresh fish, simple preparations, local prices. Nordeste feels like stepping back in time. Son naps in stroller during/after lunch.
Drive back to Furnas via the north coast road (different scenery — 45 min). Stop at any beach or viewpoint that catches your eye.
Terra Nostra thermal pool and gardens.
Dinner: Hotel restaurant or Vale das Furnas
Inside the Furnas Camping Park — rustic, cozy, serves cozido and local dishes in a nature setting. 5 min drive.
Day 10 — May 7, Wednesday
Bar Caloura & Slow Day
Legendary seaside grills, limpets & a farewell Azorean steak
Last full day on the island. Keep it light.
Final morning dip in the Terra Nostra thermal pool. Soak it in — you won’t find this elsewhere.
Bar Caloura
Drive to Bar Caloura. 40 min from Furnas via the south coast. Legendary open-air terrace on the sea, next to a tiny fishing port. They grill whatever came in that morning. Limpets (lapas) with garlic butter are a must. Spicy prawns with Caloura sauce. Arrive by 12:00 or face a long wait.
Stop on the way at Praia de Água d’Alto (10 min before Caloura). Calm sheltered beach, café. Toddler plays in sand while daughter swims. 30–45 min here.
Lunch: Bar Caloura
Sit on the terrace, order the grilled fish of the day + lapas. No menu — they tell you what’s fresh. One of the best meals of the trip.
Son naps in stroller on the terrace (sea breeze, shade). Enjoy a slow lunch with wine. There’s a natural swimming area next to the restaurant — daughter can swim (Atlantic-cold but refreshing).
Optional stop: A Casa do Abel (Água de Pau, 10 min from Caloura). Newer local favorite, excellent meat. Or head back to Furnas for final pool time.
Back to Furnas (40 min). Pack tonight — checkout is 11:00 tomorrow.
Last dinner: Alcides
Ponta Delgada, 35 min. The classic Azorean steak — pimenta salgada, garlic, white wine jus. Civilized, kid-tolerant. Or stay local in Furnas for a quieter farewell.
Day 11 — May 8, Thursday
Fly Back to Lisbon
Last souvenirs, Gorreaña tea & queijadas for the suitcase
Final breakfast at Terra Nostra. Enjoy the garden one last time.
Check out. Load car. Drive to Ponta Delgada (45 min).
Quick souvenir stop in Ponta Delgada: Gorreaña tea, queijadas, local cheese, pineapple products. Pick up last items at the Mercado da Graça or supermarket.
Early lunch near the airport or in Ponta Delgada center. Keep it simple — any local tasca.
Son naps in the car / at the airport.
Return rental car at PDL airport. Check in.
Fly to Lisbon. Land 18:30 (Lisbon time, +1hr).
Airport transfer → Martinhal Lisbon Oriente
Pre-booked transfer from Humberto Delgado Airport at 18:30. Hotel is in Parque das Nações — modern area near the Oceanarium (perfect for tomorrow). Family-friendly hotel with pool.
Day 12 — May 9, Friday
Oceanarium & Home
Europe’s best aquarium, LX Factory & the late flight home
Flight at 23:15 means you have a full day in Lisbon.
Check out of Martinhal Lisbon Oriente. Leave luggage at reception — you’ll be back in the area all day since the Oceanarium is a 5-minute walk.
Lisbon Oceanarium
Parque das Nações. One of Europe’s best aquariums. Daughter will love it, toddler will be mesmerized by fish. The surrounding area is flat, modern, stroller-friendly. 2–3 hours. ~20 min from Baixa.
Lunch at Parque das Nações — several restaurants in the area. The cable car along the waterfront is fun for the daughter.
Son naps in stroller while you walk the Parque das Nações waterfront or sit at a café.
Head back to city center. Options: Jardim da Estrela (playground), LX Factory (converted industrial space — shops, food, bookshop in a former printing warehouse, interesting for everyone), or Chiado/Baixa for final shopping.
Early dinner. Pick something near your hotel or on the route to the airport.
Head to Lisbon airport (~20–30 min depending on hotel location).
Fly home. BT990 to Vilnius, arriving 05:25.
Azorean Food Cheat Sheet
What to eat and where to find it
Cozido das Furnas
Meat & veggie stew cooked underground by volcanic steam. Reserve 24h ahead at Tony’s.
Bife à Regional
Azorean steak with garlic, red pepper paste (pimenta), wine jus. Try at Alcides or Associação Agrícola.
Lapas Grelhadas
Grilled limpets with garlic butter. Best at Bar Caloura.
Queijadas da Vila
Dense sweet tarts from Vila Franca do Campo. Buy a box at the factory.
Bolo Lêvedo
Slightly sweet griddle bread from Furnas. Great for sandwiches/burgers.
Queijo de São Jorge
Aged sharp cheese. Taste at Rei dos Queijos in Ponta Delgada market.
Azorean Pineapple
Small, sweet, greenhouse-grown. Unique to São Miguel. Available everywhere.
Gorreaña Tea
Green and black tea from Europe’s oldest plantation. Free tastings.
Caldeirada de Peixe
Fish stew with potatoes, peppers, tomatoes. Common on menus.
Poncha / Wine
Poncha = strong citrus spirit drink. Wines from Pico island are excellent.